The spirituality of sustainability and, consequently, stewardship of creation

Pilgrims travel through the great outdoors and, in doing so, leave their mark.
This can be felt in their interactions with other people or in their use of equipment and the food they bring with them. 
This calls for a mindful approach to what is left behind, accompanied by a spirituality of sustainability – which is, at the same time, a spirituality of mindfulness – a ‘life lived with all one’s heart’:

Awe at the wonders of creation, respect, appreciation, gratitude and the awareness of just how precious LIFE is accompany the entire pilgrimage.

This also entails a responsibility to preserve this LIFE across the entire Earth and to pass it on to future generations as a precious gift.
It requires feeling, listening, looking and perceiving what is.
First and foremost, a sense of AWARENESS, a feeling of being moved, a sense of being affected, and the recognition of the all-encompassing crisis and the resulting hardships for people, animals and the environment.

And then a pause for reflection, a reorientation, and consequently, responsible action.
In this process, we are guided by questions of meaning:
What do I really need to live? 
What makes me happy deep down? 
How do I move from having, wanting and oughting to being?
Why do I need more and more?
What does consumption mean to me today?
How much luxury is still healthy?
How do I define prosperity today?
What or whom am I destroying in the process?
What ‘spirit’ guides me in our responsibility for creation?

‘The right balance’ is therefore a topical issue of our time and forms the basis for our health and our social values.

The global crises in a wide variety of areas are caused not only by the moral failings of individuals but also by deep-seated systemic flaws. 
Looking the other way does not help; instead, we need to engage seriously with issues such as:
the ability to accept criticism, human rights, solidarity, moral courage, animal welfare, environmental protection, 
fair trade, a resource-efficient energy sector, and the sensible use of everything that has been lent to us for the duration of our lives.
In practical terms, this could mean: Rethinking the necessary equipment and the nature of its materials, buying provisions locally whilst on the move, leaving no rubbish or other items in the countryside, treating people and animals with consideration, respecting landowners’ property (even if an apple tree, a vegetable garden or a seat on a private terrace is ever so tempting) and generally behaving respectfully whilst on the move.
Holistically responsible pilgrimage offers a tremendous opportunity to successfully address these areas and develop new, forward-looking concepts from them.

It is up to all of us to decide how things will proceed – and, above all, to ensure that they proceed well!
 

Pilgrimage expert Christine Dittlbacher MAS