Rewilding Spirituality

Publication information:

Knight, Kimberly. 2024. “Rewilding Spirituality.” in Alternative Spiritualities of Celebration, Resistance, and Accountability: Engaging Our Colonial and Decolonial Contexts. Cambridge, MA.

Abstract

Abstract: This interactive session explores ecological rewilding as a model for the evolution of spiritual practices. Rewilding spirituality, akin to ecological rewilding, involves habitat restoration, process thought, keystone species, connectivity, and adaptivity to foster a holistic approach to spirituality. Conducted outdoors, this session integrates forest therapy and spiritual practices, inviting participants to experience their place in the web of interbeing as sacred. Delving into parallels between ecological and spiritual rewilding, the discussion will explore how ecological rewilding might inform the evolution of spiritual practices by questioning harmful frameworks, challenging dominant narratives of human superiority and reimagining spiritual practices.

Presenter bio: Kimberly is the founder and director of Wildwood Wisdom. She earned an M.Div. from Candler School of Theology in 2009 where she focused on progressive theologies and online community building. She is an ANFT certified nature therapy guide living The Netherlands where she moved with her wife in 2017.

Affiliation: Jackie Kuang, Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, Nicole Diroff, The BTS Center