Planetary consciousness

Ecological consciousness is said to arise from a pantheistic awareness of nature, an openness or receptivity so great that there is a spiritual catharsis when the personal self identifies with ultimate being - the "ecological self". Although such consciousness does not, itself, arise from intellectual activity, the concept may or may nor include any of the following components in a given instance: a general systems perspective of the integration of all social and natural system levels into a global system; more comprehensive (meta) models of reality; isomorphic relations between man the microcosm and the planet as the macrocosm (man as a whole creature woven into the collective fabric of humanity); a symbiotic and morphogenetic awareness of mankind; a sense of world community; a sense of man's role as a part of, and as potential controller of, the evolutionary process.

In general, it is held that modern technological and materialistic society has cut off the individual from his sense of connection with and intrinsic part of the surroundings. This has created and exacerbated environmental problems such as fossil and nuclear fuel pollution and destruction of tropical forests. A return to the ecological consciousness typical of less developed peoples is advocated by environmentalist individuals and groups. It may be cultivated through work on the awareness of one's self, of becoming more real. There is a need to be open and receptive, to learn to listen and to appreciate silence and solitude. This process has been referred to (Theodore Roszak) as cultivation of [conscience]

. Things move more slowly, more simply, there is liberation from haste and waste.