Landscapes of the Sacred 1

December 1, 2015

While re-reading the significant parts of Landscapes of the Sacred a quote stuck in my head. "The sacred place becomes the point at which the wondrous power of the divine could be seen breaking into the world's alleged ordinariness"(Lane, 20). After learning the significance of the four guiding axioms and deciphering each meaning, this quote stuck out. It seems almost an extension to the already 4 standing axioms. This sacred place acts as if a pathway between the divine and the material. For example the rock covered in oil that labeled the spot where earth met heaven and a ladder was seen connecting the two. This rock was created sacred, and the divine were seen breaking into the material world.

The Phenomenology of Prayer 1

December 1, 2015

While reading the Phenomenology of Prayer I came across the thesis, "Prayer is deep, Quite possibly the deepest decentering of the self, deep enough to begin dismantling or, if you like, deconstructing that burning preoccupation with myself"(Benson, Wirzba 15). A defining moment in the book and quite possibly one of the most significant moments. The author describes prayer as possibly the deepest decentering of self which makes it beyond all other ways of reaching a point of of separation from ones inner self and surroundings. This practice that is used by many today, is one of the most important ways to reach God. This bridge between two worlds is created from a state of decentering, yet most don't truly experience real decentering. This state is only achieved by those who accurately separate their mind from their body. It is at this point that one will experience "Quite possibly the deepest decentering of the self".

Viewing Nature Interactively

Monday, November 30, 2015

As the world around you communicates... you get lost. The whispers of the winds from the heavens and noiseless communication of all surrounding. The communication is seen as a constant battle and struggle to survive. Even the plants are attempting to outgrow their surrounding friends in order to absorb the most light. This battle... almost... seems... peaceful as you stand among the silent chaos and among the constant struggle to survive. In this peaceful moment one questions life and its purpose. As the moment is forgotten the leaves change colors, plants whither, and streams grow silent, making it apparent that summer has come to an end and the start of a new age has begun. With this new age the length of the days shorten and the crisp breeze chills and creatures hide away.

Landscapes of the Sacred 2

Lane writes "Touching the earth, therefore, becomes a way of entering more fully the deeper mystery of ourselves and God" (pg. 96) he writes this after comparing a mountain and its many features to a human body. The rivers are the blood veins, the life blood of a mountain. That speaks to the importance all the parts play to the one habitat. This habitat is considered sacred in my mind but as the first axiom Lane states, sacred place choose, it is therefore not sacred for everyone, every time. Sacredness in nature is subjective to the person, the time, the season, the company around, or the lack there of. Sacred space in nature is to me the recognition of the beauty in God's creation, while also removing one from their normal way of life. As we have talked about and looked at Mount Ranier, I noticed beauty in almost every picture and would assume if I went there that I would experience God in a powerful way!

11/30/15

The Phenomenology of Prayer 2

In this book the authors discuss God speaking to Samuel in the Bible. It says that Samuel's response is brief because he simply wants to hear God speak again. That to me is beautiful, he just yearns to hear God's voice! As the class has discuss decentering one's self is a key part of prayer and sacred journey. This is a great example of that and the author writes about this as an example of one who prays decentering themselves and it speaks of God being the one who gets rid of our selfish nature. God is the one who decenters us from our own thoughts/actions and brings us closer to Him as long as we give Him the time out of our life for Him to take us out of our selfish ways.

11/30/15

Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture 1

In this book the authors classify some Christian pilgrimages as prototypical, but can a pilgrimage really be anyway typical or normal? Every pilgrimage is different for every person, no matter where they go, the goal is to find a separation of self from the world or certain problems. I find the authors to be quickly assuming that these pilgrimages are all the same. What we have talked about in class it seems to be that the consensus  is that the travel away from the regular life of day to day things is unique to each person and each pilgrimage.

11/30/15

landscapes of the sacred #1

11/30/2015

 

In Landscapes of the Sacred, Lane lists the four axioms that make up a sacred place. The second axiom is an ordinary place can be made into a sacred place. Something that was once simply just a plain, ordinary place can have extraordinary significance. It can happen suddenly or over a period of time based on the experiences the place encounters and the ritual that accompanies it. One cannot build a place or establishment and call it sacred, it must happen through ritual. The idea of ritual making a place sacred shows how important it is. Ritual makes the place unique because each place has its own ritual or experience to make it extraordinary. One must interact with a place in order to be in the correct state of consciousness to experience the sacredness of it. The word ritual is often associated with the term “liminality”. Liminality can be defined as the transitional period or phase of a rite of passage, during which the participant lacks social status or rank, remains anonymous, shows obedience and humility, and follows prescribed forms of conduct. To put that more simply, it is when a person is able to step back from any concerns or problems they may have with everyday life and in some way escape reality and experience the ritual that makes a place sacred. 

the idea of trail names

11/30/2015

topic of choice

 

The fact that hikers use trail names instead of the names they were given at birth is interesting to me. It adds to the idea of escaping every day reality. I see trail names as nicknames-- it is similar to the names people get when being in a certain organization, sports team, friend group, etc. The trail is another world, its own world, separate from the one we all share. Going by a different name adds on to that separation. Not only are these people physically taking a break from their routines but mentally and emotionally as well. On the trail, you're not Susan, Jim, or Rebecca. You are Tree Hugger, Night Owl, or Rose Petal. How you acquire these names isn't always up to you, sometimes they are given or earned. The names could be based on your personality, something you did or said, or maybe your skills. I would be especially interested to know what my trail name would be. I wouldn't want to pick it for myself. I would be intrigued to know what my fellow hikers create for me. 

Landscapes of the Sacred 1

In Landscapes of the Sacred, Lane discusses the four axioms of a sacred place. The first axiom is one the intrigues me probably the most "sacred place is not chosen, it chooses." (pg.19). For me sacred place is generally a place like my church. A place set aside by a a community to go to pray, yet that is not how Lane sees it. The more I think about it the more I see it to make sense. I am a Catholic and have been my whole life, I did not choose it, but when I came of age to decide my own beliefs I accepted it, embraced it really. I realize now that God made me who I am and I have all the free will, but I heard God's call and ran towards Him. To me that was the Sacred place choosing me. Not to say that God choose me any different than anyone else, I believe everyone has their call, also everyone has there own experience of coming to know and follow that call. One of the many things that make us all unique. But personally that is where I can relate to Lane's first axiom.

11/30/15

Trail Journals

11/30/2015

topic of choice

 

As I am reading through the trail journals, I feel sometimes as if I am there with these strangers. I feel connected to their experience and want to know more about their journey. It makes me think that everyone has the ability to find themselves out there hiking. To find yourself, that is such a hard task, at least I think it is. When do you know? How do you know? Do we all just wake up one day and discover who we are or is there some specific experience we must go through in order to be sure?

 

 

Hiking can be so therapeutic. It is a way to escape from the constant pressures of life, from the normalcy of every day routine. But that's exactly what you have to do, you have to be okay with taking a break from the routine, which is difficult for some people. In order to fully get everything out of the experience, it seems like the authors of these journals had to accept a pause from their daily lives.  

Noland Trail

11/30/2015

experience of a natural setting

 

I  went on run like any normal day to the Noland but this time I stopped to walk in the middle of it. I was going too fast to take in everything around me. Then I thought about how our generation is always constantly moving, ready for the next step. We forget to cherish the little things, we forget that sometimes it's okay to take things slow. When everything is moving so fast it affects our ability to notice our surroundings-- our surroundings that we take for granted most of the time.

 

 

I stopped to walk during my run which I never do, it's meant to be a work out, but for some reason I felt compelled to. My eyes were on a constant swivel, I wanted to take in everything all at once but I knew there was too much beauty for it to be that simple. I noticed how the light touched the tops of the trees. I noticed how the trees enveloped me on the path I was taking and I felt safe. I noticed all the features that make up the plants lining the ground. But I mainly noticed how mysterious nature is, and that's what makes it so beautiful.

Noland Trail Pt. II

                        As it rains down again upon Christopher Newport University, as it does many many days, the drear and agony really get to you. Finals coming up, the stress, the papers, the exams, the projects. It all piles up until you just feel so tiny and squeezed and squashed. Thanksgiving break is never enough, like any break, and so you feel worn out still, even with a week's worth of sleep and relaxation under your belt. All of this put together really gets you going and feeling like nothing is going to get anywhere and that everything is just going to fall apart. You really need somewhere to go and reflect and just stay. Away from family, friends, schoolwork, homework, even sleep. You need to be away from it all. This is what sparks a lot of thru-hikers passions to commit to a hiking experience, especially when no previous interest has been put forth, like the workout intensive training, or mind set of being set apart from the world for months and months. For me, this is the inspiration that lead me to the Noland Trail yesterday. It was a beautiful getaway, cold or not, that helped me refocus and center my energy. Nothing particular about the Noland Trail, specifically, allowed me to come to such a solid conclusion, however it was the simplicity of the trees, the walking, the leaves, the breeze in my hair, et cetera. That could have happened anywhere, but it did not. The Noland Trail has become a sort of sanctuary for me this first semester of college. It has become a sort of "add-on" to the "freshmen college lifestyle" that I have made and adapted myself to. My roommate, while sweet, kind, and quiet, does not allow my room to have the same sort of silence and dignity as walking through the Noland Trail. Nature has that sort of "natural" (if you will) gift that allows the respective quietness as well as the clearing of your mind to attune to your surroundings. I think it is beautiful to walk out and about surrounded by any sort of nature setting, however the Noland Trail really brings a essence of purity that walking through trees in a random forest behind your neighborhood could never give you. You can feel every breeze blowing, every tree billowing, every leaf dancing, every soul brushing by as you venture further and embrace more. Everyone should really just take a serious time in their lives to walk at least a few feet of the Noland Trail, because trust me, you are going to want to walk a lot more than a few feet once you get started. However, that is just a small goal. See you on the trail!

Pilgrimages: Religious or not Religious

November 30th, 2015

"Pilgrimage systems are more "liminoid" (open, optational, not conceptualized as religious routine) than "liminal" (belonging to the mid-stage in a religious processual structure consisting of rites of separation, limen or margin, and reaggregation) (Turner, 231).

This means that pilgrimages are not always religiously based. They can be taken for many reasons such as an escape from reality, a place to think, even just for the views or exercise. They are open to altering based on individual preferences.

Classification of Pilgrimages

November 30th, 2015

There are 4 main types of Pilgrimages,  the first two of which occur in all the historical religions (Turner,17-18):
1. Those pilgrimages which, on the authority of documentary or widespread traditional evidence, were established by the founder of a historical region, by his first, or by important national evangelists of his faith, may be termed prototypical pilgrimages.
2. pilgrimages which bear quite evident traces of syncretism with older religious beliefs and symbols.
3. Many of the pilgrimages best known in the popular and literary traditions of the christian world originated in the European middle ages and take their tone from the theological and philosophical emphases of that epoch.
4. Finally, attention must be paid to a genus of pilgrimage which has grown steadily in the post-Tridentine period of European Catholicism, particularly in the 19 and 20th centuries.

These allow people to classify their pilgrimages and also give stepping stones to understanding their individual journey.

Landscapes of the Sacred: Ordinary Place as Sacred Place

In the book, Landscapes of the Sacred, Lane writes “A curious transformation of consciousness occurs when ‘an ordinary place’ . . . becomes gradually (or perhaps even suddenly) a place of extraordinary significance.”

This statement represents one of the four axioms of sacred place, in particular, the second axiom. Through this quote I believe Lane is trying to depict the notion that sacred place can ultimately be any place, of natural or ordinary setting, that comes to be known as a sacred place due to the experiences it has encountered. A seemingly natural and simplistic place can easily be regarded as a sacred place without one even realizing it. Lane uses the word topos to represent a “mere location, a measurable, quantifiable point, neutral and indifferent” and the word chora to represent “an energizing force, suggestive to the imagination, drawing intimate connections to everything else in our lives.” In other words, he uses topos to represent an ordinary place and chora to represent a sacred place. He states in his excerpt that a sacred place allows an individual to use their imagination to create connections to oneself and the environment. Lane also addresses a concept of how topos can become chora. He says that if one endures a life-changing experience in a certain area or place, then that place that was once referred to as an ordinary and bland location, is instantly transformed into a location that is important and sacred to the individual. In a way, conceiving an area as sacred is entirely subjective, completely up to the beholder. Experiences determine the divinity of a particular location.

Trail Journals

Trail Journals

11/24/15

(Topic of Choice)

I have really enjoyed reading through various hikers' trail journals as I research for my final research paper. I think trail journals are such an incredible tradition (and probably the most important) while hiking on the trails. Since these trails are often seen as places for spiritual healing, journeys, and encounters, it is so critical that hikers record narratives of what they are experiencing as they are on their journey. If they did not keep up a journal throughout the trip, and then went back and wrote everything down that happened to them once they finished, they probably wouldn't be able to recall many details. More importantly though, they wouldn't be able to see their personal emotional and spiritual growth along the way. I have gotten to read through numerous hikers' trips, and when the hikers keep a regular log of journal entries, you definitely can follow and track their growth so much better. 

The Gift of Hospitality

The Gift of Hospitality

11/24/15

(Topic of Choice)

Another topic that particularly interested me was when Dr. Redick talked about the hostels that he would stay in as he was thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. I didn't realize that there were people who literally have dedicated their lives to providing hospitality to those that need a rest while hiking the trails. Ever since I was little, I have loved hospitality. This probably has to do with how I was raised-my mom always put a big emphasis on making other comfortable when they came into our home. She would always cater to each individual's needs and would go above and beyond to make sure that they felt "at home." I believe that being able to host someone well (or in a hostel's case, MANY people well) is truly a gift. Hospitality is such a tangible way that we can bless others and show them a love similar to the Father's. Especially hostel owners- they usually have never met any of their residents and will never see them again. However, they still go out of their way to make sure they are well rested and don't leave on an empty stomach. 

Trail Magic

Trail Magic

11/24/15

(Topic of Choice)

In class, Dr. Redick has told many stories and shown pictures of what is known as "trail magic." When I first heard about this, it was from one of my friends that had previously hiked the Appalachian Trail with Dr. Redick's class. The term "trail magic" originally seemed odd to me- I thought that maybe it had to do with sort of weird sorcery that occurs in the wilderness of the trail. However, now that I know that trail magic is just "happy surprises" that are for hikers, I better understand the idea. 

To me, trail magic seems to be a physical manifestation of grace and blessings.  It reminds me of how God sent the manna to the Israelites when they were wandering in the wilderness. They did not do anything to deserve the manna (or trail magic), however, out of His care and grace, he chooses to bless them with the manna. 

The Secret Beach

The Secret Beach

11/24/15

(Experience of a Natural Setting)

Every day, when the weather allows it, I go to what is [ironically] known as "the Secret Beach." This is a beach on the James River that is nestled among some houses in the Riverside Neighborhood. While it is generally "not so secret" among my closer friends and community, there is rarely anybody there when I escape to this place. 

On my last visit at the Secret Beach, I had a fresh revelation and perspective on something. As I looked out onto the waters and listened to the tides crashing in over and over, I thought about the work that the Lord has been doing in and around CNU over the past few years. Often, my friends and I refer to moves of God as "waves." There are many songs that use this language and it is a common way of articulating what the Lord is doing in a certain place. However, as I looked out on the waters, I started to realize that this "wave" analogy may not be the most accurate way to picture how the Lord moves. 

When thinking about waves, we often think of how they rise up over a place and then crash. But then the water recedes until another wave builds up again. On the other hand, tides are consistently coming over and over. Of course, some times the tide is higher than others, but it comes regularly nonetheless. I realized that a better metaphor for how God is moving would be in "tides." This is because I believe the Lord is always  at work... certain times seem to be a "lower tide" than others- but the tide is coming nonetheless. 

Noland Trail

Noland Trail

11/24/15

(Experience of a Natural Setting)

This past weekend I took a walk on the Noland Trail. Often, I turn to solitude in nature when I want to get away from campus, relieve stress, and spend alone time with God. On this particular instance, I had a lot due the following Monday so I needed to get out of the library for a bit. 

As I walked, all of my senses became so engaged by my surroundings, that all of my academic stresses faded away. It was as if there was no longer any room for my thoughts to be consumed by schoolwork because of the abundance of new scenery around me. 

It is so interesting how a change of scenery can affects one's entire thought process, mood, and learning capability. It is not only good for the soul, but it is also wonderful for the mind!

Spiritual Healing

Spiritual Healing

11/24/15

(Outside Reading)

I recently read a Huffington Post article entitled "13 Pilgrimages that Offer Spiritual Healing to Those in Need." The article talks about how millions of people turn to pilgrimages and long journeys as a source of spiritual healing, to deepen their faith, and gain wisdom. 

After reading about these 13 different "sacred sites" an journeys, and taking this class, a few thoughts occurred to me regarding this phenomenon. I wonder what prompts a person to turn to pilgrimages as a source for spiritual healing versus another means, such as community, church, prayer, counseling, etc. Clearly, there are multiple occurrences in the Bible where the Lord chooses to encounter those that are on a journey or in the wilderness. However, it is definitely a minority of humans that choose to embark upon this time in the wilderness while forsaking normal society in order to communicate with God and find spiritual healing. 

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/12/spiritual-healing-pilgrimages_n_4944030.html

Sacred Communication: A Disruption to Normality

Sacred Communication: A Disruption to Normality

11/24/15

(Outside Reading)

Recently, I have been reading through the Book of Genesis. This morning, I came upon a story that I have read numerous time: the story of Noah. However, today something different really stood out to me. 

I'm sure the day started just as any other day for Noah- he probably woke up, had breakfast with his family, set off to work as usual, praying and communicating with God along the way. He probably had no idea that this day, his communication with God would alter the entire course of his life- and of all mankind! 

Can you imagine Noah and God's conversation when God commanded Noah to build an enormous ark... in a land that was nowhere near water and had never before seen rain? 

This one instance of sacred communication disrupted all normality for Noah and his family. He and his family had to trust in that short moment of sacred communication. They had to have total faith that God really was the one speaking to Noah- rather than his own voice in his head. 

I have encountered the Lord in multiple ways, and have heard his voice as I pray. However, the words He has spoken to me have been nothing as crazy as this was. 

How incredible was this one man's faith- to hear the voice of the Lord, and despite all ridicule and doubt, to follow Him in obedience-disrupting all of normality along the way. 

Praying into Passions

Praying into Passions

11/23/15

(Phenomenology of Prayer)

Our textbook addresses how Edward Mooney suggests that "prayer is properly understood as arising out of our passionate life." Frustratingly, most western traditions have begun to undermine and devalue human passions-viewing them with suspicion, fear, and even belittling them into merely unrealistic and meaningless breaths of thought. However, we may then see the significant connection between prayers and passions. 

Prayer connects us deeply with the passionate world within ourselves and others. As we attend through prayer to the passions that others hold, we immediately become intertwined with those passions. The practice of prayer moves us towards "a more compassionate, merciful, faithful, and responsible life." 

I have found this to be true in my personal prayer life. When I begin to pray for others and their dreams and passions, I find myself caring much more about those things than I would have otherwise. Committing to communicate with the Divine on someone else's behalf will immediately intertwine your desires with and for theirs. 

The Beauty of an Open Soul

The Beauty of an Open Soul

11/23/15

(Image and Pilgrimage)

"A pilgrimage's foundation is typically marked by visions, miracles, or martyrdoms. The first pilgrims tend to arrive haphazardly, individually, and intermittently, though in great numbers, "voting with their feet"; their devotion is fresh and spontaneous." 

A pilgrimage is never meant to be an "ordinary" experience. I don't think that any person sets out on on a pilgrimage without hopes for extraordinary experiences, encounters, and personal revelations. Whether or not someone is "spiritual" before entering a pilgrimage, I think that he or she still expects to deepen the wells within their souls while on their journey. 

This fresh openness that has been formed from the moment of stepping foot onto the trail allows for much communication between the human and the Divine. This is such a unique season of a person's life-where he or she forsakes a corporate, societal "reality," and embraces wilderness and solitude.No wonder the textbook explains that these journeys are marked by visions and miracles! 

The Vision of John Muir

The Vision of John Muir

Topic of Choice

November 23, 2015

To many, the Scottish-American naturalist writer, John Muir, is the Father of the National Park System. His passion for preservation contributed greatly to the passing of the National Park Bill in 1890. Muir grew up in a rigorous Calvinist home in Scotland. At an early age he learned the Bible. However, he always felt religion to be stifling and stagnant. It was not until his first summer in the Sierra-Nevada mountains, in northern California that Muir was struck by the Divine. In the Yosemite Valley he experienced the ecstasy of God’s grandeur on an unparalleled scale. Muir’s writings exclaim over the glorious mountains as the handiwork of God. He fell in love with a wild and elusive world in which everything belonged. Journeying through the rugged beauty of the Sierra-Nevada’s, Muir observed the interconnectedness of everything in the natural world, attributing this phenomena to the providence of God’s hand. Perhaps without even realizing it, Muir remained consistent in his Calvinist upbringing. Calvin himself, following the Augustinian tradition, emphasized the importance of reading two books: the book of creation and the book of Scripture. God’s glory was impressed in every crevice, flowing through every stream, singing with every bird, and shining like every glistening mountain top. Muir was convicted that the wildness he found in nature must reveal the wildness within the very heart of it’s Creator. His wonder and gratitude toward nature instilled in him a sensitivity toward ecological issues. It called him to take up the cause of environmental justice as a moral concern. 

Liminality

Liminality

11/22/15

(Image and Pilgrimage)

I must admit I found Image and Pilgrimage the most difficult of our textbooks. I do not have much experience with studying philosophy, so many terms were not easily understood at first (or second, or even third...) reading. 

I would like to expand upon the idea of "liminality" in hopes that writing and articulating the idea will help me to better understand it. 

Upon studying liminality further, I learned that the word is derived for the Latin root, "limen," which means "threshold." It is a voluntary state of being. Liminality is not some obligatory "social mechanism" to mark one's significant transition from one state or status to another. Rather, it is one choosing to put himself in this state. 

Image& Pilgrimage 1

                    My favorite part of a book, story, play, etc is the "hook." The first sentence, phrase, or paragraph that is supposed to "pull you in," to want to read the rest of the story, to intrigue you to stay tuned for what is going to happen next. My favorite part about this Turner book, Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture, is the very first phrase; "Pilgrimages are probably of ancient origin..." I emphasized the word probably in that statement, because that is what contorts this phrase into a sort of humorous sentence. Usually when one writes a book, they use confident, clear, productive words that give off tones of assurance and positiveness. This author, here, uses a word like probably within his very first words. This never, to me at least, exudes confidence and assurance of what you are about to say or talk about. I am not sure what is going to come next after that, but I will be hesitant, at this point, to take matters into my own hands and form my own opinion, after this. I like to think that this was Turner's intention, because it is brilliant. He has taken such a simple term into something complex and extraordinary. Turner is making the reader think and believe and trust what they feel. As I continued to read on, I felt that the entire book was proceeding to become one big persuasive type novel. I very much enjoy every time he puts words in quotes as if to, again, question what he felt should have been a solid factual statement. I may be reading too much into this simple phrase, this simple word, "probably," however, I still think it stands as its own fact and makes logical sense. Even if this were not the author's intentions, he still carries on this motif and tone throughout the first few chapters. I believe it is a brilliant way to write about philosophy and religion, as so many people believe they are entitled to their own opinion; well give them one to think about and form, factually! Turner really knows how to crank my wheels and get my brain going. Thank you for that, I am excited to read on and continue in this journey that Turner and I have entered together. I appreciate the way his vernacular sticks to me, in a way that I can become independent of all of the thrown facts of what is right and what is wrong in a world of such black and white!

Outside Reading 3

                       Trail journals give a true insight onto real people and their real, true feelings. They instigate the livings and happenings of everyday thru-hikers. The thing I have been noticing more and more about these trail journals is the relation to trail magic. Trail magic is seemingly very controversial, but it is very hard, I have come to learn, to find an actual thru-hiker's journal or any of their opinions in person, saying that they think anything but greatness of trail magic. Most thru-hikers, especially in the moment, feel eternally grateful for trail magic; most of the time, because it is coming at the exact perfect time they need a pick up, fill, or just communitas. Trail magic seems like it would hinder the spiritual journey that most thru-hikers thrill to seek, however in the moment, most thru-hikers just see the gain and wisdom of trail angels and trail magic. They feel the overpowering love and affection that these people have for the trail and the ones hiking the trail, even though they almost never know the trail angel or vice versa. The trail is a special place where very special and magnificent things get to happen everyday of the trip, which is why they call it a journey; you just never know what you are going to experience that day until it gets there and then you just have to take it as it is and roll with it or be indifferent and moody and not feel or experience the real meanings of what it is to be on the trail and experience trail magic, thru-hiking, et cetera. If you Google trail journals trail magic, so many marvelous and magical (no pun intended) stories come up. Some about receiving, some about giving, some about both; but all of them about love and joy that they experienced among the trail. God Bless trail angels, and God Bless thru-hikers. On the trail, you are all equal. Give when you can, love when they need it, and most of all, hike everyday and for all of it. Have a Blessed day!

Chooses, Not Chosen

Chooses, Not Chosen

11/22/15

(Landscapes of the Sacred)

In Landscapes of the Sacred, Lane explains that a sacred place is not chosen, it chooses. Nobody can simply walk up to a particular spot and declare it "holy" or "sacred." Since a sacred place is a storied place, it is only made sacred over time due to occurrences in that particular place.

It is an ordinary place that ritually becomes extraordinary. This reminds me of the story of Abraham and Isaac. The place where he brought his son was not a particular spot that he decided he wanted to be deemed "holy." But because of the miraculous and incredible divine intervention that took place there, that place was forever known as a sacred and holy place. 

It was only because of the divine nature of the place and the stories of what happened there that it was holy. 

A Storied Place

A Storied Place

11/22/15

(Landscapes of the Sacred)

In our early reading of Landscapes of the Sacred, we learned that a "sacred place" is not a place that is particularly "holier" than another. Rather, above all else, a sacred place is a storied place. People usually begin to recognize a place as sacred because of the stories that are told about it. 

This made me question if there are any places that I consider sacred because of the stories that the particular place holds. For my family, a place that is considered sacred to us is our back patio. We gather there for special occasions and celebrations. We never use it for anything when we are not all present- it is a space for our whole family to gather. Either the entire family is there hanging out, or we don't use it. 

Calling it a "sacred place" is not something that we have articulated, but it is something that is known by all of us. When we enter that space, there is always an expectation for family memories to be created, stories to be birthed, and a sense of "together-ness" to be cultivated. 

Even though this place is not exactly "holy," it is a place rich in story, and it is sacred to the Quiroz family. 

College as Spiritual Journey

College as Spiritual Journey 

Topic of Choice

November 22, 2015

The idea of university arose during the early Medieval ages in Europe. Old monasteries were turned into centers for learning. Naturally, the university took a monastic approach to learning. The conviction was that one could only learn and master certain materials over the course of four years of intense, single-minded devotion to study. The lecturer would read from his own book and the students would take notes from him. Instead of buying books, students would take notes during the lecture and copy the professor’s book. In addition to studies, the average college student today is involved in clubs and organizations, works a job, and spends ample time with friends. The value of intellectual monasticism has been lost. As a philosophy major, I have come to understand that comprehension and the internalizing of difficult and complex ideas takes time and energy. In order to learn and excel I am challenged to take on the attitude of an aesthetic. There may be no other time in my life when I will have the privilege to pour over so many amazing books. I have come to treat learning as my full time job during my college years. No, philosophy is not the most popular field of study. Businesses are not crying out for philosophers these days. At the end of the day, I take comfort in knowing that I am doing what I love and am most passionate about. I have decided to treat college as a spiritual journey of intellectual monasticism. The implications of this decision are twofold: I am committed to learning the materials presented in my classes and reading all my texts while also committed to relationships with the people I am living in community with. Though I have leaned many things in class, the most valuable lessons have come through relationships. Knowledge is the map that helps me better navigate through the seas of life. 

Paradox of Prayer

Paradox of Prayer

Class Reading: Bruce Benson and Norman Wirzba/The Phenomenology of Prayer

November 22, 2015

The first line of the Lord’s prayer recognizes God’s immanence and transcendence. God is a heavenly Father. The one who prays truly recognizes, like Augustine, that God is closer to him than he is to himself, while also understanding, like Solomon, that even the highest heaven cannot contain God in all of His glory. Prayer is always directed at someone or something. It must have a recipient toward which it is directed and can never be done without mediation. However, “to spell out that direction fully proves ultimately impossible and even undesirable.”(7) Prayer is a dialogue between two beings; yet the intention of this dialogue is ambiguous and indiscernible. It is an incarnational activity that “delivers us into our flesh so that we can bring the infinite to bear within time.”(8) Through prayer, we understand that we are not ego’s but rather “gifted.” Humans have been gifted with the privilege to communicate with the divine. In Mark Cauchi’s mind, this implied that humans are “both like and unlike God.”(8) Prayer suggests that there is a limit between humanity and the divine while simultaneously suggesting that this limit has been crossed by the very act of praying. 

Spirituality of Pilgrimage

Spirituality of Pilgrimage

Class Reading: Victor and Edith Turner/Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture

November 22, 2015

Pilgrimage is a form of embodied devotion and exteriorized spirituality. The phenomena of pilgrimage became most prevalent in Medieval Europe. Seekers would venture out on their salvific journey, most often, to a holy site in hopes of having their hearts revived and lifestyles reformed. A pilgrim site is a place where miracles are believed to happen; where the supernatural touches the natural and the extraordinary spills over into the ordinary. As Turner puts it, “one motive for going on pilgrimage is the feeling that a saint’s shrine has a sort of ‘hot line’ to the Almighty.”(16) For some, pilgrimage was a form of penance that entailed vows of repentance to God. The physical pain and affliction of the journey offered a way of punishing and pruning the individual’s soul from sinful habits. Moreover, pilgrimage offered an escape from the hierarchy and status that constitutes human society. On the pilgrimage trail, the walls of culture, race, gender, and politics fall down and individuals are opened up to communitas, the spontaneous encounter of human beings. 

In class lecture: Trail names

It seems like almost every class trail names comes up. Before this class I had no idea that this was a thing. I find it so cool that every hiker, even if they walk alone is most likely going to have a trail name by the end of their journey. That is the cool thing about going on a long hike that even if you go alone you will meet life long friends. You will meet people that you will remember forever. I listen in class every day to Dr. Redick and no matter the story he remembers a person and their trail name. He does not always mention their real name but almost always remembers their name on the trail. This just goes along with while you are on a trail it is a whole different life of connecting and finding happiness.

Landscapes of Sacred Place

The author Lane describes that you can recreate your life story through visiting sacred places. These sacred places can be anywhere from trails, mountains, beaches, sacred lands and many more different places. While people visit these different places they can connect with themselves and their surroundings. If they need to find peace or God this is a good thing to do. Sacred places have their own story but when you visit them you can create your own story within the sacred place. Some people just stumble upon sacred grounds even this can have a great impact on somebody's life. Also people can research a sacred place and know they are going to heal themselves, Either way a sacred landscape can change someones life.

outside of class landscapes

This past weekend I made my way down to Virginia Beach. Not the boardwalk of VB but Sandbridge beach. No matter what your beliefs are for VB you can not say that this area does not touch you. There are not many people but the people there are friendly and the stars are just magnificent. Lay out on the beach with a blanket and a six pack of beer and you can really reflect on life. Saturday night I made my way down to the beach front with these items just to reflect on the world and myself. Every thing from the ISIS attack on Paris to grades at school. While you sit there and look up into space you slowly begin to realize that the problems that you think you have are just really not that important in the big picture. The waves crashing and the sounds just mentally put you into a different place. You sit back and think why people act in certain ways and maybe it is because they do not visit places to sit back and reflect on life. I truly believe going places either mountains, trails or beaches you can find peace within yourself and do good in this world.

Outside Reading #2

November 19, 2015

The Camino

           

While searching through journals I found an account of a couple by the trail name of Georgie Peach’s and their account of the Camino.  They reminisce on the aspects of the Camino which they appreciate after they have completed the journey.  The aspects of the trail which they characterize are being in the moment, communitas, family support, and their relationship with God throughout the journey.  Each of these aspects I was able to identify with through our discussions in class.  They note to live in the moment while on the trail and appreciate it because once you leave the trail you cannot replicate the ambiance the trail possesses.  They also note that just because your plan does not always go as it should do not worry, but roll with the punches and make the best of the situation that you can.  Lots of times these changes can become happy experiences.  Communitas on the Camino is also noted as a huge part of the journey and they talk about how you create and meet friends in some of the most unexpected ways.  Family and friends along with their love and support were vital to them while on their journey pursuing what they loved, but not only was the support from family imperative, but they stress the importance of trusting in Nature and trusting in God.  After their hike they possessed a complete belief that the Camino, Nature, and God would provide for them in times of need while on the trail. 

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=17448