26 27 Spiritual Learning Processes for an Ethic of Sustainability 1. Mindfulness and Reverence Those who live mindfully live in relationship with themselves, with creation, with God and with people. It is an attitude of inner freedom that detaches itself from any selffixation, lack of relationship, rushing and inner conflict and turns towards other things and other people in peace. Mindfulness also includes joy and praise: "It is the duty of the creature to praise its Creator. If the creature refuses, it robs itself of its own foundation. It deprives itself of the ground on which it stands." Being created is being addressed by God, to whom man must respond. When God is at the centre, then man also finds his centre. 2. Moderation in the Rhythm of Creation Christian spirituality proves itself in the constant willingness to "turn around" in the biblical sense of "Metanoia" and the "change of attitude and habit from the centre of the person capable of love". With regard to the social issues of sustainability, the most important thing today is to turn to long-term thinking. Alternative ways of life are – consciously or unconsciously – characterised by the same degree of a spirituality borne by the gospel (good news), as they become sources of joy, happiness and festivity. The demand for a change in lifestyle that is equally characterised by joy and responsibility requires a high degree of inner maturity and determination. 3. Creativity in the Dignity of "Being a Co-Creator" Spirituality of creation is a spirituality of confidence and joy that does not stop at the cross, but recognises that our path to God leads through many difficulties. Spirituality today is inconceivable without the integration of contrasts. It essentially proves itself in the ability to recognise the resistantand different, to not lose sight of wounded relations and destroyed natural landscapes and to bring the subsequent destroyed identities before God in the hope of healing. Not the stereotypes of a supposedly intact world, but the ability to endure contrasting experiences while trusting in God and to creatively dare to make new beginnings are an expression of a mature and lively Christian spirituality. Markus Vogt, Soiree 2013 Images 1-3 © J. Hisch, Portrait © www.kaththeol.uni-muenchen.de 2013
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