From Couch2Cave to ecological activism

I signed up for the Couch2Cave swimming programme with Rachel Mulcahy during the summer. 

It was a marvellous experience. 

On Friday evenings, under the watchful eye of Rachel, and supported by lifeguards on paddle boards, we headed out from one of the local beaches to explore the cavernous coastline. (We are truly blessed to have so many beautiful beaches in County Waterford). 

The gathering point was determined by the level of swell on the sea but coastline and caves around Boatstrand, Kilmurrin, Kilfarassey, Bonmahon, Dunmore and Tramore were explored.

It was a thrilling adventure. Swimming in the open sea took me out of my comfort zone. 

One evening we swam from Newtown Cove to The Metal Man. It was a glorious summer’s evening, the sea was calm with just a gentle ripple on the surface. 

Swimming in convoy, we had the opportunity to gaze at the panoramic view of the rugged coastline, silhouetted against the setting sun, radiating an orange glow on the horizon. It was spectacular.

But the best was yet to come. Arriving at the mouth of the cave underneath The Metal Man. 

We stared inside at the inky darkness feeling a little apprehensive about venturing forth. 

Encouraged by the guides, who had flashlights, we swam into the cave. What a spectacle awaited us. 

A huge cavern opened us before us, with such a magnificent rock formation delineating the cave walls and reaching up to a height of about 10 metres. 

What was most surprising was the colour on the rockface - a stunning emerald green, the beauty of which was truly awe-inspiring.

I felt as if I was immersed in nature. Exhilarated by the whole experience, the long swim back to Newtown Cove was not half as challenging as I feared.

Like many today, I get so caught up in the busyness of life in the parish that I often fail to appreciate these almost mystical moments when the beauty of creation impresses itself on the soul.

It is an opportune moment to share this reflection on the Couch2Cave experience as the Christian Churches throughout the world celebrate the Season of Creation, which runs from September 1st to October 4th. 

Christian leaders throughout the world implore us to take time to care for our beautiful world, Our Common Home. 

This year is also the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Care for Our Common Home. 

In light of the environmental degradation we are experiencing today, Pope Francis called all Christians to an ecological conversion “whereby the effects of the Christians’ encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in their relationship with the world around them”. 

He invited Christians to immerse themselves in a nature-centred spirituality: “we must be present to nature, to the scenery, to the seasons to the lilies of the fields and the bird of the air”.

A nature-centred, contemplative spirituality enables us “to be serenely present to each creature” including of course to each person with whom we come in contact. 

He invited us to have a loving and tender relationship with the creatures and the world around us. 

He challenges us to deepen our awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creation but joined in a splendid communion. We could use the image of the web to express this more cogently and so we are an integral part of the web of life. 

The point of the image is powerful: when one touches any part of a web, this has a ripple which extends to every part of the web.

An eco-centred spirituality will enkindle within us a spirit of gratitude, that the world is the gift of the Creator and that we are called to foster a spirit of generous care and tenderness. We must develop a spirit of harmony with all of creation. 

Doing so enables us to step back from the frenetic activity and busyness of life and to cherish those special moments of transcendence like mine in The Metal Man Cave and the surrounding sea. 

Such a spirituality challenges us to go a bit deeper and to experience God in the wonder and beauty of the cosmos.

But mystical moments such as mine in The Metal Man cave should really inspire us to change our ecological behaviour, and to fight for the future of the planet. As well as the contemplative side we are called to action. 

We should support activists and NGOs who call out the outrageous war being raged by the Trump administration not on global warming but on efforts to curb it. For example, this administration has ordered that references to climate change be scrubbed from government websites. 

Funds for research and development of green technologies have been eliminated. Money to prepare communities for heatwaves, storms and flooding has been cut. 

We must hold our own politicians to account for the implementation of the Climate Action Plan which commits Ireland to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 (relative to 2018 levels) and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. 

For myself, The Couch2Cave sponsored experience in the sea at The Metal Man has inspired me with great enthusiasm to lead the programme of events in our parish marking the Season of Creation.