If I were to try and come up with a definition now, which reflected the varied uses of the word I would suggest that my version of spirituality is encompassed by my underlying search and belief system which makes life worth living [for me]. I am fundamentally opposed to the view that there needs to be an outside influence on this process [ie God]. I am simply spending some of my very short and precious time in this Universe coming to terms with my mortality, the preciousness, vitality and mystery [yes there can still be mystery in a rational view of the universe] of all life.

Perhaps we should look for a new word – post God – which is free of this inference?

So the next time someone tells you they’re not religious but they are spiritual we can politely remind them that they are as deluded as the religious!

This is what “the spiritual” would have us believe- that we are missing something they have privileged access to.

“Oh, threats of hell and hopes of paradise! One thing is certain-this life flies; One thing is certain, and the rest is lies; The flower that once has blown forever dies.”

Omar Khayyam (1048-1122) /The Rubaiyat /

“Nor is it necessary to embody any kind of “earth spirituality” in order to foster more sustainable lifestyles – these should come of their own accord, naturally emerging from a scientific understanding of ecology and our place within it, combined with a simple sense of beauty and wonder at the natural world, unfettered by ideological presumptions.”

I’d add to that “… combined with simple acts involving nature, such as growing, foraging, harvesting, gardening – and even rambling (as long as it’s done mindfully)”.

This again is why the frequent citings of “essential paradigm shifts” seem to be unnecessary. People and communities change gradually, (though the manifestation of that change can be quite sudden – as in my own leap from the world of commerce into the transition maelstrom).

I wonder about spirituality – I’m not sure what it means, I don’t know if I have it and I’m not sure that making it a conscious part of my day to day living will serve me (or others). I also wonder if I’m missing something about it that’s right in front of my nose… another of those daily mysteries!

With regard to:

“Nor is it necessary to embody any kind of “earth spirituality” in order to foster more sustainable lifestyles- these should come of their own accord, naturally emerging from a scientific understanding of ecology and our place within it, combined with a simple sense of beauty and wonder at the natural world, unfettered by ideological presumptions”

This is SO true! I agree with you that Permaculture is in danger of losing it’s credibility as it is championed by new-agers and it’s rational basis is obscured. One of my biggest worries is that we are heading towards a new ‘dark age’ and that through the energy descent, our scientific knowledge will give way to superstition [as you allude to above]. I guess we’ll see – as long as the internet is running though, we can rely on you for straight up rationality! [just watch the typo count though]. regards