Consciousness Quote by Annie Dillard
““I am sitting under a sycamore by Tinker Creek. I am really here, alive on the intricate earth under trees. But under me, directly under the weight of my body on the grass, are other creatures, just as real, for whom also this moment, this tree, is “it”… in the top inch of soil, biologists found “an average of 1,356 living creatures in each square foot… I might as well include these creatures in this moment, as best as I can. My ignoring them won’t strip them of their reality, and admitting them, one by one, into my consciousness might heighten mine, might add their dim awareness to my human consciousness, such as it is, and set up a buzz, a vibration…Hasidism has a tradition that one of man’s purposes is to assist God in the work of “hallowing” the things of Creation. By a tremendous heave of the spirit, the devout man frees the divine sparks trapped in the mute things of time; he uplifts the forms and moments of creation, bearing them aloft into the rare air and hallowing fire in which all clays must shatter and burst.””
About This Quote
Recognizing the myriad tiny lives sharing our space deepens ecological awareness and spiritual humility.
In simple terms: Notice tiny lives, feel humility.
Acknowledge all living beings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- nature walks
- environmental education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this awareness change your actions?
- What practices honor these beings?
Daily reflection