Nature Spirituality is a broader concept that includes any spiritual or religious tradition that finds divinity within the natural world in religions such as ours. It is often associated with animism, pantheism, polytheism, and earth-based religions that see landscapes, animals, celestial bodies, and natural forces as sacred. While many nature spiritual traditions encourage respect for the Earth, they are not always directly linked to activism or ecological ethics.
The differences are subtle and here are a few of them. But keep in mind that partitioners often blend the terms and very purposefully integrate some or all aspects.
Ecospirituality and Nature Spirituality
| Aspect | Nature Spirituality | Ecospirituality |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Reverence for nature as sacred | Integration of ecological responsibility with spirituality |
| Historical vs. Modern | Often includes ancient traditions and practices | A modern response to environmental concerns |
| Religious Influence | Found in animism, paganism, shamanism, indigenous traditions | Often interfaith, blending modern environmental ethics with spirituality |
| Activism | May or may not include environmental action | Strong emphasis on sustainability, climate justice, and activism |
| Philosophical Foundation | Can be pantheistic, animistic, or polytheistic | Draws from eco-theology, deep ecology, and sustainability movements |
Nature Spirituality is a broad umbrella that encompasses traditions that honor the Earth as sacred, while Ecospirituality is a more contemporary movement that blends spirituality with ecological ethics and activism. Someone who practices nature spirituality may revere the seasons, elements, and spirits of the land, while an ecospiritual practitioner is likely to view protecting the environment as a core spiritual duty.
Both perspectives foster a deep connection to nature, but Ecospirituality is more explicitly concerned with addressing climate change, conservation, and sustainable living as spiritual imperatives.