Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Viewing Nature Interactively: Noland Trail

November 2, 2015
Wandering on the Noland Trail

As we set out on Thursday afternoon to conquer the trail and learn more about the spiritual journey it was easier to understand how the hiker enters into the spiritual state through the use of nature.  The tranquility of the surroundings facilitates one in detaching themselves from the world and reaching their inner desire for hiking the trail.  Absolute silence, pouring of water, crunching of leaves, and the overwhelming aroma of fresh air all work together to give an individual what they have been striving for through wilderness as sacred place.  As we have talked about in class discussion it is truly up to the individual to enter the spiritual state and the simple act of being on the trail does not allow one to experience the spiritual qualities that others may discover.  I think this important to remember, however, being fully enveloped in nature and surrounded by the sounds, smells, and sights of the wilderness makes it very difficult to not feel at peace. 
As I walked the trail I was overtaken by the realization that I felt more at home.  Where I live I am surrounded by trees and wildlife so moving to CNU has been a large adjustment, but not one that I could not handle.  I love living where I do now, but at the same time I realized all the little things I missed about living on our land.  Whether it was the utmost privacy or the silence of the outdoors I was taken back by how much it resonated with me and the place that I call home.


No comments:

Post a Comment