Blog #9

I would have to say I agree with the 7 principles of Deep Ecology. I've always felt all the knowledge gained by the scientific world is only useful if it means something in the big picture. I mean, I would have to believe that the scientific mind originally sprang from mans attempt to understand the world on a deeper level, yet through time it has become quite compartmentalized, and an attempt at a synthesis of information and a "what does this all mean" questioning attitude has been pushed to the back burner. 

To combine a few popular aphorisms; if knowledge is power, and with great power comes great responsibility, then we have the responsibility to be concerned with the big picture. We can use the information we've gained to further isolate ourselves from the rest of the living world, or we can use it to bring us closer to an understanding of the interdependence of all things.

Genetic research has allowed us to take a closer look at DNA. There can be two different views of this information. One sees the incredible similarities of all living things, and does not feel so different from other forms of life. The other sees man as superior, and wonders what differences in our coding makes us "better" or separate from the rest of the natural world.

Take a look at quantum physics, and what it is saying about how the world operates. If the mere act of observation affects the outcome of any phenomena, what does this imply about connection in the world around us. A deep ecologist sees this as evidence of the interconnected nature of reality, and realizes that nothing is separate no matter how different it seems. If matter and energy are equivalent, then everything is just energy. Everything is everything. If the big bang occurred as theorized, it automatically implies that everything in the universe is the same thing just stretched out and interacting. One point of energy expanded.

Now for personal experience that has increased my sensitivity to the idea of deep ecology. I had an epiphany one day, standing on my porch, observing the world. It was a beautiful day. The kind of day that just makes you feel grateful to be alive. I was standing on my porch, looking up at the sky, when I noticed a hawk flying over head. It was just riding air waves, circling my area, effortlessly, peacefully. So much so I began to wonder if it were possible to discern where the wind ended and the hawk began. I began to wonder what the hawk was thinking, what does it feel like to be a hawk? I imagined trading consciousnesses with the hawk, imagining I was that hawk, flying in the air. What I felt was an incredible peacefulness. It is absolutely amazing, to be up so high with such an omniscient viewpoint, being so powerful, yet, only using its power to feed itself what it needs to survive. To live and be, and have that be enough. The hawk at any time could swoop down and slash a human with its fierce talons then back into the sky, yet he doesn't. He doesn't even think like that, even though it could be argued we would deserve it if it were to happen, for the atrocities we've already brought upon the earth. All these thoughts went through my head at the time.

After I went inside I contemplated the experience for a moment, and realized its significance in my life. Sounds kinda crazy I know, but I'd recommend everyone try it at some time, when you're feeling receptive and open to the experience. I've come to do it, more and more, and always enjoy it, even if only for the fun. After all, if you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong.