(Picture courtesy of Me) Another place that I got to go with my family over the summer was the Grand Canyon. It really is a site to see. You fell tiny compared to the massive valleys you can see there. The picture I took was during a rare storm. This was before it hit us standing on the rim, but it was raining so hard, you could see it coming down from about 40 miles away. Every day that we were there, the visibility was about 60-70 miles, it was amazing. Driving though the park, away from the rim, all you can see are scorched trees that are burned to a crisp, but somehow are still standing. Some of them would make amazing photography shots from the way they are bent and twisted from the heat. I can definitely see how the a visit to the Grand Canyon would be a spiritual thing. When you stand on the edge of this massive canyon (yes, you can stand on the very edge... You should have see what some of the "more adventurous" [crazy] people were doing) you can't help but think that there has to be something, some power, bigger than you.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Grand Canyon - Laura Ramey
(Picture courtesy of Me) Another place that I got to go with my family over the summer was the Grand Canyon. It really is a site to see. You fell tiny compared to the massive valleys you can see there. The picture I took was during a rare storm. This was before it hit us standing on the rim, but it was raining so hard, you could see it coming down from about 40 miles away. Every day that we were there, the visibility was about 60-70 miles, it was amazing. Driving though the park, away from the rim, all you can see are scorched trees that are burned to a crisp, but somehow are still standing. Some of them would make amazing photography shots from the way they are bent and twisted from the heat. I can definitely see how the a visit to the Grand Canyon would be a spiritual thing. When you stand on the edge of this massive canyon (yes, you can stand on the very edge... You should have see what some of the "more adventurous" [crazy] people were doing) you can't help but think that there has to be something, some power, bigger than you.
Mesa Verde - Laura Ramey
Over the summer I was forunate enough to visit some extraordinary sites. As a family, we traveled to Colorado for our ti-annual Graves Family Reunion. We had a lot of fun and actually went to some amazing places. We went to Mesa Verde, which is this old Indian site where they used to build their homes into the side of the cliffs. (ignore the rest of my family in the picture...) They had special pits where they would hold spiritual ceremonies and other sorts of events. It was amazing to see how it worked. And, referring back to my earlier post, there were books for sale explaining the curses and spells they would cast and book of stories of people who claim to have seen ghosts of the aboriginies from the area.
Outside Reading: When We Were Saints - Laura Ramey
Over the summer I read this amazing novel by Han Nolan titled When We Were Saints. It was an inspiring story about a little boy and little girl who decide to live as Jesus did. They climb to the top of a large hill behind the boys family farm and pray for hours a day. They eat only things from the land: no meat or animal products. They give up all material possessions and the boy doesn't even visit his grandmother when she's in the hospital, begging for him to come. The young teenagers end up taking a road trip and even though the boy is only 13, take his deceased grandfathers truck and drive from the countryside of Virginia to New York City. They don't sleep for the entire ride, the boy just listens to the girl hum while praying. They get to the Cloisters, a religious museum, and start making their way though the exhibits. They live in the museum after hours and hardly eat the whole time. Though out the journey, Archie, the boy, realizes that he has gotten closer to God, but when Claire, the girl, shows signs of undergoing a stigmata, brandishing the crucifix wounds of Jesus, Archie realizes that he will never be as close to God as her and wants to go home to be with his grandmother. The story was amazing. The willpower that Claire had to go for so long with no food was amazing. She thought that as long as she had God on her mind and was constantly thanking him for everything in her life, she would be safe. You should definitely pick it up.
Chris McCandless - Laura Ramey
I didn't get to attend the talk with McCandless' parents because of a conflict with another class but I'd still like to through my thoughts on the book out there. I thought McCandless was a selfish guy. He didn't need to run off into the wild all by himself for years to try to "find himself". He didn't need to burn his money or wreck he car and he definitely didn't need to ignore his parents. I don’t think his adventure was spiritual at all. I think it was his immature way of getting away from his “problems” that never really existed. He was from Mclean, VA. Have you seen the houses there? Yes, I’ll give him that it was a few years ago, but it was still the nice part of Northern VA. I think he wanted something different, like 99% of the people I know from Northern VA and ran away from what he had. Sure, he wanted a life of his own, but he didn’t need to make the irrational decisions that he did.
Topic of Choice- Ryan Dunn
Earlier this summer, a few of my friends and I decided to check out an abandoned factory in Gloucester. We had heard some rumors about the place, and figured it was worth a night’s trek into the woods. Once we arrived at the gravel path leading to the site, I was a bit skeptical and suspicious of the structure I saw in the distance. Thankfully there were few clouds in the sky, so the moon was shining full force so that it was nearly as bright as day, except the atmosphere had a blue aura. Eventually we reached the structure, and entered into its foreboding shadows. On the outside, the buildings simply took on the shape of 6, sixty foot tall silos. Although on the inside, it looked more like some haunted house pulled out of a Hollywood slasher film. Rusty, decaying stairs wounded up towards the upper levels, where the floors were littered with random holes that plummeted all the way to the bottom floor. Finally, we reached the roof and were in awe of the sight before us. At that height, light from neighboring houses was no longer an issue and allowed us to view a plethora of stars in the night sky. In the distance, we could see a broad river, glittering brightly in the moonlight. It was definitely a sight worthy of the trip it took to experience it.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Other- Ryan Dunn
Last night I saw the movie “I Am Legend”, starring Will Smith, in Imax. First of all, it was a pretty decent movie, more or less what I expected from it. So I would definitely recommend it if you like post-apocalyptic movies like 28 Days Later. Anyways, the reason why I’m making a blog about it is because many of the scenes in the movie reminded me of conversations we’ve had in class about the Wilderness. After a deadly virus had spread throughout New York and killed all of its inhabitants expect for the Fresh Prince of Belair, the city eventually became a Wilderness, overrun with plants and even wild animals such as deer and lions. Although I’m not quite sure how lions came into the picture…I guess a few got loose from the zoo, survived the disease, and started mating? Anyways, it was interesting to see the city in the state it had degraded into. It was almost as though the Wilderness was finally taking back the land that humans had stolen from it, and thoroughly polluted with technology and civilization.
Outside Reading- Ryan Dunn
I’m a subscriber of National Geographic, and the most recent issue had an article about dinosaurs with awkward, and often amusing, qualities. For example, one dinosaur had a mouth shaped like a hammer, as though it used its snout to try and put a hole in a large rock. Another looked like a mini version of a T-Rex, except with even stubbier appendages that only wished they could be called arms. All these weird adaptations had to serve some purpose to the creature according to what we’ve established about evolution. But in my opinion it would be much easier and more efficient for evolution to take the less creative path and give the dinosaurs adaptations that would work well, and yet not be overly ridiculous. Which leads me to believe that Mother Nature just might have a sense of humor.
Outside Reading- Ryan Dunn
Recently I read the book On the Road by famous author Jack Kerouac. It was recommended to me by a friend with an undying thirst of wanderlust, so of course the book appealed to him. Being somewhat adventurous myself, I decided to read it as well. At first I didn’t like the book because of the author’s style. It was extremely jumpy, and would often skip large lapses of time within a few paragraphs several times while explaining some of the main character’s experiences. Obviously this style of writing was hard to get used to, but eventually the book slowed down somewhat and the true character and plot development began. I started to envy the main character, and wished I led a helter skelter life like that. Sure, luxuries would be scarce, and often times I would be suffering rather than having the time of my life, but the concept of not knowing what the next day brings is extremely exciting in my mind. Then again, that is essentially the definition of an adventure, like the one Jack Kerouac describes in his book. In conclusion, this book made me want to go on a road trip…badly.
Chris McCandless Presentation
The presentation Sunday changed my perspective of Chris in several aspects. First, the physical presence of his parents made his tale, and even his person, seem much more real. It also seemed as though I had read a book about a person that I had known to some extent, instead of some well-known character. As his parents presented pictures and offered us information of his childhood, I slowly began to obtain a better grasp of what sort of person Chris was and why he embarked on his journey. In fact, the presentation gave me a slightly different perspective on the book as a whole. I began wondering why Chris didn’t at least contact his sister, if only to let her know he was doing well. Is it because his new persona, Alexander Supertramp, didn’t have a family and he wanted to roleplay this character to the fullest extent? Obviously we will never know Chris’ reasons, however after the presentation I began to question Chris’ maturity in certain aspects. Although I do still retain a great amount of respect for him.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Making Nature Sacred-Chelsea Gilbert
In the book Making Nature Sacred, there are many depictions of the relation between nature and older historical days of America. Well-known writers such as Jonathan Edwards, Emerson, Thoreau, and Rachel Carson are used in this book to describe the trip for pursuing spiritual revelation through nature. I enjoyed reading this book because I think it was more personal based, relating to more events that have happened in history. The book's focus is about America's loss of spirituality in nature and how we, as Americans, should seek it. On page 187, Gatta speaks of Barry Lopez's words. "An image I have from childhood is of a group of men and women praying somewhere in the desert. The reason chronically myopic and selfish people have not destroyed us with nuclear weapons is that, in a rarefied and metaphorical way, there have been these enclaves of monastics praying. What keeps these things from exploding, perhaps, is that each of us in his own way is saying his prayers." I believe this quote is a perfect example of how nature and spiritual-based writers want us to live. They want us to find use in nature and connect it to our religious life. I believe this quote also exemplifies the good that a spiritual life serves for our community and America.
Outside Readings-Chelsea Gilbert
In an article found online about Rachel Carson, a famous environmentalist, there is a specific quote from the book Lost Woods: The Discovered Writings of Rachel Carson that I believe directly relates to John Gatta's book Making Nature Sacred. Carson writes, "The exceeding beauty of the earth, in her splendor of life, yields a new thought with every petal. The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only hours when we really live. All else is illusion, or mere endurance." In Gatta's book he directly speaks about how nature provides the most calming, living experience of someone's life. He writes that we as human beings have yet to find the idea of nature fulfilling, so we have yet to be thankful for its beauty. It can easily be seen how Rachel Carson's writings and John Gattas writings go hand in hand. They both counteract each other with their persuasion and intelligence. "Both in space and time we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact-the mystery of mysteries-the first appearance of new beings on Earth." Rachel Carson's words here show us the connection she has with Belden Lane's book and how she relates her views on the environment to time and space as well. In class we learned about Lane's view on time and space and studied his diagram comparing the two. There is a great connection between Rachel Carson and the books that we were required to read in class.
Outside Readings-Chelsea Gilbert
There are many reviews posted online for Lane's book Landscapes of the Sacred and all provide worthy and true comments about the significance of the book. One particular, from the Journal of Cultural Geography, states the meaning of the book perfectly. "Both scholar and pilgrim, Belden Lane provides us a remarkably informed, reflective, personal account of Americans' sense of sacred space." I believe this quote is a good description of the book. Throughout reading Lane's book, I gained more intelligence and belief in the idea of sacred places and space. I saw the meaning of wilderness and nature in a much different way, one that positively affects every person who experiences a natural event or setting. Another description of the book, by George Graham, says "[Lane] points to things I have quietly suspected, though never have been able to articulate . . . For a culture obsessed with time and time management, Lane's study is a quiet reminder of the formative effect of space." This is another good way to show nature at its true depiction. We, as Americans, are focused on schedules, time, punctuation, trying to do everything at once. If we would just step back from time to time to enjoy the weather, the outdoors, take a trip, or even relax, we will realize that there is a whole other world out there that needs enjoying too. Belden Lane's book tells us that; how we shouldn't just focus on the worrisome, everyday things, but how we should take a breather too. Space was created by God so that we could experience it and that's what we should do. There is an overabundance of it that is always worth taking advantage of.
There are many reviews posted online for Lane's book Landscapes of the Sacred and all provide worthy and true comments about the significance of the book. One particular, from the Journal of Cultural Geography, states the meaning of the book perfectly. "Both scholar and pilgrim, Belden Lane provides us a remarkably informed, reflective, personal account of Americans' sense of sacred space." I believe this quote is a good description of the book. Throughout reading Lane's book, I gained more intelligence and belief in the idea of sacred places and space. I saw the meaning of wilderness and nature in a much different way, one that positively affects every person who experiences a natural event or setting. Another description of the book, by George Graham, says "[Lane] points to things I have quietly suspected, though never have been able to articulate . . . For a culture obsessed with time and time management, Lane's study is a quiet reminder of the formative effect of space." This is another good way to show nature at its true depiction. We, as Americans, are focused on schedules, time, punctuation, trying to do everything at once. If we would just step back from time to time to enjoy the weather, the outdoors, take a trip, or even relax, we will realize that there is a whole other world out there that needs enjoying too. Belden Lane's book tells us that; how we shouldn't just focus on the worrisome, everyday things, but how we should take a breather too. Space was created by God so that we could experience it and that's what we should do. There is an overabundance of it that is always worth taking advantage of.
(Reviews found on John Hopkins University Press website)
(Reviews found on John Hopkins University Press website)
Outside Readings-Chelsea Gilbert
When doing my reseach paper I read many articles and critiques of the new movie Into the Wild. In an article entitled, "Tracing McCandless' journey into the wild" there was much discussion on the movie and the journey itself. Some movie reviewers thought this movie would be one of the greatest of the year. One that would tell the story of all those who walk out into the world to discover a new meaning of life. Others thought it was a stupid movie that depicted the life of a spiritual seeker in the wrong way. They said that Chris McCandless made an ill-prepared mistake that cost him his life. They called him stupid for thinking he would make it out alive and do not see how it could be viewed as a "spiritual" movie or a sacred place. Based on the book and the critiques I read of the movie, I think it depicts a perfect true story of someone's life and joy. I think he made the path for all present day journey seekers and although I have not seen the movie, I am sure it is an excitement to watch, full of adventure and great meaning. I do find where he died to be sacred and I do believe it is a spiritual journey. From reading the critiques, I guess it all depends on how you look at the situation.
Ben stewart - my sacred creek
when i was a kid in middle school there was this creek behind my house. After school i would go back there and just chill there by myself. It sounds kind of lonely i know but it was a good feeling. It was a peaceful place away from where other people said things and did things. I could sit there and just think. I think that if i had to say one place was my sacred place it would be here. I would sit there and just think. I could feel really close to nature because it was all around me and there were not distractions from it. It really wasnt much of a creek or anything special to anyone else. To me though it will always have special meaning.
Ben Stewart - Lost part 2
As i was writing that last post i was thinking about the other way that i am lost. I realize that i have no idea what i want to do with my life or where i want to go. It is a scary feeling not knowing what to do or where to go. I hear about people that know there major and know exactly where they want to go in there lives and i get extremely jealous. I know nothing about that and it is scary. I think that as time goes on i will figure it out and hopefully live a meaningful life but it is just worrisome for me right now.
Ben Stewart - Lost
I was out the other day and i got completely lost. I had absolutely no idea where i was. I realized that it was kind of like the drawing of place and space that we learned about. Its like the bottom part of the picture that talks about being lost in the world. Now obviously that isnt supposed to be so literal when it says that but i mean i think it applies. I was lost and i did not know where i was going in the world.
Ben Stewart - Africa
A couple of years ago i went to africa. While we were there we went to a safari in Kenya just off of the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro. It was very amazing. If i had to recount the most sacred moment in my life i think that it may have happened while i was in kenya. We had nice rooms to stay in on the safari. The rooms were right next to an electric fence that on the other side had elephants and lions and wildebeasts and gazelle, all types of animals. I decided on the last night that i would sleep outside rather than in the room. So i pulled my sheets and pillow outside and slept right outside with only a fence and 100 feet in between me and lions and wildabeasts. It was an amazing feeling. It got kind of cold and in the middle of the night i woke up from it. I opened my eyes and when i opened my eyes i saw something that i cannot even begin to explain. Billions of stars bright as day were in the sky above me. I had never seen stars like this ever in my life. I was awestruck and i just lay there staring at them for a very long time. I felt so close to nature and god.
Ben Stewart - Ice
When i was home for thanksgiving break i went up to maine to see family and i was out on a frozen pond. It was fun to just slide around and mess around on it even without skates. At one point though i got to a part that wasnt completely frozen and it started to crack. I luckily was able to get out of the way and back to land before it did but it was a close call. It kind of made me realized that while nature is sacred and wonderful, it is also very powerful and dangerous.
Ben Stewart - the night
I think that night is a time of great sacredness for me. Its like when the lights go off you can really feel your closeness to environment and god. Most other distractions are long gone and asleep and you are free to be yourself. The other night I stayed up all night and decided to walk with my friends to wawa which is about 3 miles away. We set out at 3 am and just walked and talked. It was amazing how different everything was. We were walking in the middle of the road on J Clyde all the way there. Everyone knows that that is usually not an option unless you want to get hit by a truck. It was a pretty amazing trek and when i got back i realized how sacred it kind of was. It may sound kind of weird but i definately felt that way about it.
Ben Stewart - Chris Mccandless
I realized that i never posted my chris mcCandless blog
At first when I read Into the Wild I had many mixed emotions. On one hand I felt that what Chris McCandless ,or Supertramp, did was crazy. But as I continued to read the book I began to really relate to him. I could actually understand some of the reasons why he decided to leave everything and just journey out into nothingness with nothing. The one thing I couldn’t figure out however was how he was able to just leave his parents like that with out so much as a goodbye. I really just couldn’t understand that part. When I listened to the McCandless’s talk about their son on Sunday night it sort of helped me to understand the full situation. It didn’t really help me understand how he was able to leave his parents and everyone behind but it did help me to understand what his parents went through. I was very impressed with how his parents were able to present to everyone there son’s journey even though they may not have agreed with it.
I think that the main reason Chris decided to leave was that that was just sort of his personality. He hated sitting still and he always wanted new journeys. And this final journey was kind of like the ultimate accomplishment for him. The McCandless’s spoke a lot about how he was very good at what he did. The one point that they kept bringing up was how much he loved running. To me I think that can help to tell a lot about who he was. I feel like runners really have a love for nature that many of us can never realize. They said that his training routine would be to run as far as they could and then try to get back. To me that can be directly related to his final journey. He went as far as he possibly could, and then he attempted to get back. I feel that while it seemed that he failed in his final mission, he really did not. He accomplished everything that he wanted to accomplish and then his life ended, and while that is hard for the people that loved him, I think that he was ultimately ok with that. And in a way I would have to say that his journey was definitely spiritual. Maybe not spiritual in a traditional way but definitely spiritual inside him. I think that anything that involves following your heart can be considered spiritual. He did what felt right for him and in the end I don’t believe that he had any regrets with what he did. In a way I think all of us can be jealous of Chris because I think many of us go through our lives and in the end we feel like we didn’t do everything that we had wanted to do like he did.
At first when I read Into the Wild I had many mixed emotions. On one hand I felt that what Chris McCandless ,or Supertramp, did was crazy. But as I continued to read the book I began to really relate to him. I could actually understand some of the reasons why he decided to leave everything and just journey out into nothingness with nothing. The one thing I couldn’t figure out however was how he was able to just leave his parents like that with out so much as a goodbye. I really just couldn’t understand that part. When I listened to the McCandless’s talk about their son on Sunday night it sort of helped me to understand the full situation. It didn’t really help me understand how he was able to leave his parents and everyone behind but it did help me to understand what his parents went through. I was very impressed with how his parents were able to present to everyone there son’s journey even though they may not have agreed with it.
I think that the main reason Chris decided to leave was that that was just sort of his personality. He hated sitting still and he always wanted new journeys. And this final journey was kind of like the ultimate accomplishment for him. The McCandless’s spoke a lot about how he was very good at what he did. The one point that they kept bringing up was how much he loved running. To me I think that can help to tell a lot about who he was. I feel like runners really have a love for nature that many of us can never realize. They said that his training routine would be to run as far as they could and then try to get back. To me that can be directly related to his final journey. He went as far as he possibly could, and then he attempted to get back. I feel that while it seemed that he failed in his final mission, he really did not. He accomplished everything that he wanted to accomplish and then his life ended, and while that is hard for the people that loved him, I think that he was ultimately ok with that. And in a way I would have to say that his journey was definitely spiritual. Maybe not spiritual in a traditional way but definitely spiritual inside him. I think that anything that involves following your heart can be considered spiritual. He did what felt right for him and in the end I don’t believe that he had any regrets with what he did. In a way I think all of us can be jealous of Chris because I think many of us go through our lives and in the end we feel like we didn’t do everything that we had wanted to do like he did.
Lynda Rice: Natural Poetry
While I was scanning the book I came across a beautiful poem:
Be it ours to meditate,
In these calm shades, thy milder majesty,
And to the beautiful order of Thy works
Learn to conform the order of our lives. (27)
This poem really struck me. The words make me feel so at peace. It makes me think of nature and how it evokes a blessed presence that can sooth the soul. “It” in the first line makes me think of a vast forest with huge, knowledgeable trees that have seen all sorts of beautiful things. The “calm shades” make me envision the base of a huge oak tree with soft moss and grass beneath it, perfect for me to sit on. “thy milder majesty” gives me a sense of tranquility. No harsh or strong noises or actions; a surreal world. “the beautiful order of thy works,” clarifies the presence of God and his ability to create such perfection. And for those things to “learn to conform the order of our lives,” justifies the necessity and destiny for us to incorporate tranquility through nature into our lives.
Be it ours to meditate,
In these calm shades, thy milder majesty,
And to the beautiful order of Thy works
Learn to conform the order of our lives. (27)
This poem really struck me. The words make me feel so at peace. It makes me think of nature and how it evokes a blessed presence that can sooth the soul. “It” in the first line makes me think of a vast forest with huge, knowledgeable trees that have seen all sorts of beautiful things. The “calm shades” make me envision the base of a huge oak tree with soft moss and grass beneath it, perfect for me to sit on. “thy milder majesty” gives me a sense of tranquility. No harsh or strong noises or actions; a surreal world. “the beautiful order of thy works,” clarifies the presence of God and his ability to create such perfection. And for those things to “learn to conform the order of our lives,” justifies the necessity and destiny for us to incorporate tranquility through nature into our lives.
Lynda Rice: Kataphatic & Apophatic
In John Gatta’s, “Making Nature Sacred” he discusses the Kataphatic and Apophatic traditions. These were interesting principles to me because I myself am looking for my relationship with God and places to better connect with that experience.
In the Kataphatic Tradition images and places represent God and holy experiences. The kataphatic tradition is highly originated with place and images as a means to contemplate the divine. Apparently the images and places or the physical is an anchor for the divine presence. It is guaranteed that the divine presence is in these locations because of traditions or blessings bestowed on them.
The Apophatic tradition places emphasis on “placelessness.” The tradition is not based upon images or places that contain the spirit or experiences of God. Rather it takes into account fear, threat, and emptiness in connection with God. It is believed that no place guarantees the presence of God at any given time. It is through the relinquishment for control that one attains a holy experience.
I see truth in both traditions.
In the Kataphatic Tradition images and places represent God and holy experiences. The kataphatic tradition is highly originated with place and images as a means to contemplate the divine. Apparently the images and places or the physical is an anchor for the divine presence. It is guaranteed that the divine presence is in these locations because of traditions or blessings bestowed on them.
The Apophatic tradition places emphasis on “placelessness.” The tradition is not based upon images or places that contain the spirit or experiences of God. Rather it takes into account fear, threat, and emptiness in connection with God. It is believed that no place guarantees the presence of God at any given time. It is through the relinquishment for control that one attains a holy experience.
I see truth in both traditions.
Lynda Rice: Zoology
An issue that has been bothering me for years now is the issue of zoos. I used to believe that I liked them but the more I think about it the more I resent the zoo. The animals are not in their natural environment, they are behind bars in some cases. That is no way to live a life. I sometimes feel like I’m living behind bars yet I have the freedom to go where I want and do what I want. Those poor animals have no choice. They literally are in a prison.
I also heard on a documentary that because the animals are not within their natural environment and are in captivity they develop obsessive compulsive behaviors. For example polar bears are used to being in a vast environment that is not whatsoever spatially challenged. When they are kept in zoos they become lethargic and chew on things they would not normally pay any attention to. Polar bears run miles and miles a day in their natural environments. Their bodies are biologically engineered for that type of environment.
It is not fair to prohibit animals to live in their natural environment for the entertainment of human beings. It is just selfish. I understand the need to raise some animals in captivity in order to save a species from extinction. My issue with zoos is keeping perfectly creatures from their God given, natural world.
I also heard on a documentary that because the animals are not within their natural environment and are in captivity they develop obsessive compulsive behaviors. For example polar bears are used to being in a vast environment that is not whatsoever spatially challenged. When they are kept in zoos they become lethargic and chew on things they would not normally pay any attention to. Polar bears run miles and miles a day in their natural environments. Their bodies are biologically engineered for that type of environment.
It is not fair to prohibit animals to live in their natural environment for the entertainment of human beings. It is just selfish. I understand the need to raise some animals in captivity in order to save a species from extinction. My issue with zoos is keeping perfectly creatures from their God given, natural world.
Lynda Rice: Summer Days in Nature
All of this nice weather is getting me to reminisce about summer and all of the good times we had. I am from Charlottesville Virginia, which is right on the borderline of the country. Even in the city there are not many harsh lights. The stars out there are brilliant; we were usually able to see a full sky with hundreds of thousands of twinkling stars.
Our summer routine included lazy days and pick-up truck. It was not uncommon to find us by the river with the tailgate down and my dog sitting by my side. Those were the days of paradise. Everything seemed so surreal as if I were in a dream or something. I have to admit that I took those days for granted. I was the most at peace then I ever have been since. We could stay outside from sunrise to sunrise. We would sleep in the grass, swim in rivers, and climb trees. At night we would lay under the stars and try to find constellations. One night we were all staying at my house in the basement and we never went to sleep because we were talking. We decided to go watch the sunrise over the mountain. It was one of the best mornings of my life.
At times I just wish I could spend my life in that way. Travel and explore all kinds of places, not to worry about money, school, or possessions. It would be nice to just enjoy the moment without commitments to the future.
Our summer routine included lazy days and pick-up truck. It was not uncommon to find us by the river with the tailgate down and my dog sitting by my side. Those were the days of paradise. Everything seemed so surreal as if I were in a dream or something. I have to admit that I took those days for granted. I was the most at peace then I ever have been since. We could stay outside from sunrise to sunrise. We would sleep in the grass, swim in rivers, and climb trees. At night we would lay under the stars and try to find constellations. One night we were all staying at my house in the basement and we never went to sleep because we were talking. We decided to go watch the sunrise over the mountain. It was one of the best mornings of my life.
At times I just wish I could spend my life in that way. Travel and explore all kinds of places, not to worry about money, school, or possessions. It would be nice to just enjoy the moment without commitments to the future.
Lynda Rice: Fair weather Friend
So I am just sitting here with a friend of mine, who does not know what I am writing. I guess I would say that this blog has to deal with relationships and comfort levels within them. This friend of mine is a good guy I can tell that much. We have not had too many conversations, and anytime we do talk it seems that we are in a confined area like a dorm, or car. I don’t necessarily feel comfortable in that type of atmosphere.
I would like to be friends and get close to this guy, it’s important to me. So I thought of some options… A walk on the Nolan Trail maybe? This was the best way I could think of for us to talk in a natural and peaceful location. I find peace in nature when I’m stressed out I find comfort there. Wouldn’t it make sense that nature could also facilitate relationships.
When I get my heart or mind set on something I will fight for it, as lame as that sounds. Something tells me it will be worth it and a walk through nature may be just what is needed.
I would like to be friends and get close to this guy, it’s important to me. So I thought of some options… A walk on the Nolan Trail maybe? This was the best way I could think of for us to talk in a natural and peaceful location. I find peace in nature when I’m stressed out I find comfort there. Wouldn’t it make sense that nature could also facilitate relationships.
When I get my heart or mind set on something I will fight for it, as lame as that sounds. Something tells me it will be worth it and a walk through nature may be just what is needed.
Lynda Rice: Temperature and Humanity
So I am just curious about what is going on with this weather. Now, I am not native to the Newport News area but this just seems ludicrous. Something must be going on with the environment to produce this type of effect on the temperature. One day it will be 50 degrees outside and the next the temperature will rise up to 70. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy warm weather but when it comes in mid December it worries me. I guess global warming must be involved somewhere in the mix.
On the topic of global warming, it concerns me that people cannot make simple sacrifices to help the environment. Let’s take recycling for example; there are so many people who just don’t do it. Why? It is such an easy thing to do. Especially in the city areas where recycling pick up is free; people do not have much of an excuse not to recycle.
At my home we don’t recycle, I am not going to lie. My mom is not keen on the idea of having to bring the recycling to the dump. This is why I think some changes should be made within local societies. Maybe there should be locations around the county also to drop off recycling that way those not within the city will have it a bit easier. Just a thought.
On the topic of global warming, it concerns me that people cannot make simple sacrifices to help the environment. Let’s take recycling for example; there are so many people who just don’t do it. Why? It is such an easy thing to do. Especially in the city areas where recycling pick up is free; people do not have much of an excuse not to recycle.
At my home we don’t recycle, I am not going to lie. My mom is not keen on the idea of having to bring the recycling to the dump. This is why I think some changes should be made within local societies. Maybe there should be locations around the county also to drop off recycling that way those not within the city will have it a bit easier. Just a thought.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Janae Jones- Making Nature Sacred
In Making Nature Sacred, Gatta begins by asking, "Is nothing sacred?" Numerous people would begin by saying "no." However, if we sit back and contemplate, we would soon find out that many landscapes serve as sacred symbols. Many mountains, walls and plains are sacred throughout the world. The American culture alone I believe has the least amount of respect for nature. The vast amount of fossil fuels, construction and chemical spills show the lack of concern for nature. Many people find spiritual renewal in nature. Connecting with nature is something people may find difficult to accomplish, but in the end find it relieving.
Everything is Holy- Erika Sikon
Edwards believes the beauty of holiness complements the holiness of natural beauty. I agree with him on this. Usually what is natural is beautiful and if God made everything, then everything that is natural is holy. Also we have learned how nature is a sacred place throughout the class. Nature is a holy thing created for us by our creator. It really matters if you believe that nature was made for us or we were meant to coexist with nature. How many people cannot say that the ocean, sky, trees, flowers etc. are not beautiful? Nature is beautiful. We use nature to symbolize holy things. The cross was made out of wood. We hang flowers I the cross at Easter. We set up Christmas trees. The palm leaves were laid in the street for Jesus, so now we lay them in our churches to symbolize the past. We put flowers at weddings and funerals. Everything is made out of nature in some way, shape, or form.
The Paradox of Being Present to Place- Erika Sikon
A person is able to occupy a space without actually “dwelling” within a place. An example of this spiritually would be at a church. When you are little your parents bring you to church with them. Usually you spend your time in the pews coloring or getting walked out of the church to a class during the readings. You are them brought back into the church for communion. So although you were in church, you were not actually in the church. Your mind is too immature to understand what is going on around you. You are more worried about coloring the shepherd and sheep on the fun page or playing with your friends.
Another example would be in the classroom. You are sitting in the class room but your mind is thinking about what you are going to do this weekend. You are not engaged in the class or focused on what is being taught. Therefore, although you are present you are gaining nothing by being present.
Another example would be in the classroom. You are sitting in the class room but your mind is thinking about what you are going to do this weekend. You are not engaged in the class or focused on what is being taught. Therefore, although you are present you are gaining nothing by being present.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Noland Trail revisited-Erika Sikon
I revisited the Noland Trail today during this beautiful afternoon. It is the same trail and path, but it has changed. As mentioned in class the trail has lit up with the vibrant fall colors. Who needs Christmas lights when you can walk in the woods and see pretty greens, oranges, reds, yellows and pinks all around?
My favorite experience today was how drastically the dark came. To make the trip more like the one we took in class I walked the trail about the same time we did. I was able to see the sun sink under the horizon across the water. The darkness came quickly and with cold winds. I thought it was going to rain. The water rippled and waved because of the wind. It was also a new experience being alone on the trail. I was really was not alone I passes many people on the trail, but I did not know anyone else. It was not my whole class out there. The trail also seemed shorter. There were a lot more animals on the trail. They had also marked hazardous roots and stumps in bright green and red paint. It was the same trail we walked, but it was not the same trail or experience. Returning to a place does not guarantee the same experience. For me this was a true experience taking that long walk alone and then partially in the cold, dark and wind.
I noticed a sign at the entrance near the Lion’s Gate Bridge. It read, “Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees” by Katie Wilson Baker. I pondered the quote for a while as I walked. I did not feel smaller. I felt more alive and cautious to my surroundings. The Noland trail is a place of chora. I was not there alone listening to my own steady footsteps I was listening to the life of nature. I was in a place that was its own place and had its own energy that I found and experienced today.
My favorite experience today was how drastically the dark came. To make the trip more like the one we took in class I walked the trail about the same time we did. I was able to see the sun sink under the horizon across the water. The darkness came quickly and with cold winds. I thought it was going to rain. The water rippled and waved because of the wind. It was also a new experience being alone on the trail. I was really was not alone I passes many people on the trail, but I did not know anyone else. It was not my whole class out there. The trail also seemed shorter. There were a lot more animals on the trail. They had also marked hazardous roots and stumps in bright green and red paint. It was the same trail we walked, but it was not the same trail or experience. Returning to a place does not guarantee the same experience. For me this was a true experience taking that long walk alone and then partially in the cold, dark and wind.
I noticed a sign at the entrance near the Lion’s Gate Bridge. It read, “Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees” by Katie Wilson Baker. I pondered the quote for a while as I walked. I did not feel smaller. I felt more alive and cautious to my surroundings. The Noland trail is a place of chora. I was not there alone listening to my own steady footsteps I was listening to the life of nature. I was in a place that was its own place and had its own energy that I found and experienced today.
Making Nature Sacred Pages 52-53- Erika Sikon
On page 53 of John Gatta’s text, “Making Nature Sacred” he talks about a Quaker John Woolman. Woolman describes an experience he had in his childhood to explain human connection with the “brute creation.” He says that when he was a child he threw a rock at a robin and killed her. Realizing what he had done he climbed up the tree and killed all of the babies in the robin’s nest. He felt it was the right thing to do. It was his ethical duty considering he killed their mother. He even quotes Prov. 12:10 as he decides what to do. “The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Woolman believes that “purely gratuitous malice toward the most helpless of God’s creatures violates the deepest nature of humanity as well as of God” (Gatta 53).
What would you do if you were put in a similar situation? If you thoughtlessly killed a mother animal, would you leave the babies there to die or would you kill them yourself? Would you hope they would make it on their own?
If I had a similar incident I would have not thrown the rock killing the mother bird, but if I had I would have taken the little chicks to an animal rescue center or called animal rescue. However, the Quaker John Woolman was alive in the 1700’s and did not have animal control services. It this case I would have tried to take care of the chicks myself.
What would you do if you were put in a similar situation? If you thoughtlessly killed a mother animal, would you leave the babies there to die or would you kill them yourself? Would you hope they would make it on their own?
If I had a similar incident I would have not thrown the rock killing the mother bird, but if I had I would have taken the little chicks to an animal rescue center or called animal rescue. However, the Quaker John Woolman was alive in the 1700’s and did not have animal control services. It this case I would have tried to take care of the chicks myself.
Snow -- Peter Michalski
One thing i can't wait for when i go home for break is snow. Snow has always been magical in some way, no matter how many times you see it if some one says it's snowing you race for the window like your life depended on it. Unfortunately it doesn't snow that much back home, at least it hasn't for awhile. Another thing about snow is that in a way it makes the cold bearable. If the wind is piercing your jacket and your toes start to get numb when there's no snow around it makes no sense and is just plain pointless. Now if there is snow its still not fun to be in the cold but it's a little bit better because of the snow. It's always magical to be able to wake up and look out the window seeing the world changed over night in to some fantasy world covered in snow. It generates a kind of peaceful feeling, along with extreme excitement that makes you want to run other there and play around. It may seem childish in a way but i see that as being the best part of it.
The Moose -- Peter Michalski
During my recreation trip to the exit glacier in Alaska, my friends and i stopped at a hostel to spend the night. When we first got there we were all excited because are long car ride was over and everything around us was different. We all wandered around the yard taking pictures of the mountains and house itself until we got bored and went in side to settle in for the evening. After a little while i decided to go back outside and take pictures of some of the mountains in the back yard. I walk looking around when i heard something in the tall grass a couple of feet away. i looked over and it took me a few seconds to realize what i was looking at. Camouflaged in the tall grass was a moose! so far on our trip the only time we saw a moose was from really far away and they were all females so they didn't have antlers. This one was less than ten yards away and had a huge set of antlers. my heart began to race and i could barely take a good picture of it because my hands were shaking so much. After taking about a hundred picture of it i finally went back into the hostel to get every one else and we just took picture of it forever and watched it walk around and eat. Slowly we all went back into the house or just relaxed in the backyard. For those few minutes i was standing alone with the moose and my heart racing was one of the best moments in my life.
"The Land Ethics"- Erika Sikon
What are your own “Land Ethics?” I believe we should not litter or pollute. Respect the animals and nature by leaving them and their habitats alone. You should try not to break tree branches off trees and kill animals. Aldo Leopold writes that “The Land Ethics” is a belief by “preservationists” that the nonhuman world has a life of its own that is worth protecting and respecting for other reasons than to serve the needs of humans (57). His beliefs are stronger than mine, but similar. People need to use nature more wisely. Now people do not care about the trees or the animals they just care of the money. The reason we are seeing more deer getting hit by cars is because their habitats are becoming smaller and fewer. 1.5 million crashes involve deer every year. If we could go back even 20 years ago you would be surprised how much has changes and how more forests and wilderness there was back then. Because of the growing populating people we are building more places to live and work. We have taken over the world. If there were no parks or protected wetlands our world would just be pavement with a small tree or shrub stuck in a few places. This could become the case in a few more years. We have talked about the different “powers” a place holds in class. Each place does have its own life and power. If we rid the world of nature then we have just killed another life that is essential to our own lives. On page 58 Gatta says we need to treat the land no as a "commodity belonging to us" but rather a "community to which we belong."
The Woods -- Peter Michalski
After living in Slomniki in my aunts house my family moved to another town that was pretty far away. The town seemed to be in the middle of a big forest because if there wasn't a house or road taking up space then there was probably tree's growing there. This time are house was along the edge of a big forest and are backyard was blending with it. Those woods were always special to me, because on days i had nothing to do the woods were a whole new land filled with adventure. My friend and i would sometimes go blueberry picking so we could make home made blueberry jam or just pretend to be lost in some great wilderness trying to survive. For some reason no place here even come close to matching up with those woods. we have national parks here and things like that but often times you don't see a forest left alone that you can go play in. All wilderness places seem to have restriction on what you can and can't do. which is understandable but it also takes away from the experience and reason for going out in the first place.
Landscapes of the Sacred- Erika Sikon
A special experience that one has at a place perceived at be sacred usually proves to be unrepeatable. Going back to the site never guarantees one’s being able to return to the experience” (217). Although we used this quote in class to get our gears working on our spiritual place writing; I believe this could be used to represent everyday of our lives. Unless you are suffering from the “Groundhogs Day” effect no two days of your life are the same. We all have routine in our lives, but still not two days are exactly the same. You see different people every day. You learn something new in each class. You do not have the same classes every day. Each day is a new adventure. That is a good thing and a bad thing because we all have really really bad days and we all have amazingly good days. We also have days we wish would never end. That is just all part of life. So with the quote from Landscapes of the Sacred in mind; a person cannot just repeat a moment or day just by going to a place. Just because you get to your classroom at exactly the same time you did on Friday does not mean you will have the same pop quiz that you did on Friday. Just because you go back to the coffee shop you saw the woman at does not mean you will see her again. Some things only happen once. Wouldn’t life be so boring if every day was the same. As we advance in college we are all faced with new challenges and experiences. Just because you comeback next semester or next fall does not mean all your friends will. Things will never be the same. Like it or not after this week you will no longer have the same 5 or so classes you had fall 2007. That is all in the past. When we come back from holiday break we will have new classes, teachers, peers and books. Going back does not guarantee you will return to an experience.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Janae Jones- Outside Reading- Darfur
I read a book not too long ago called Not on our Watch by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. This book is about the tragic events that are occurring in Darfur and how you can help stop this genocide. In 2004, President Bush declared the events in Darfur to be a genocide. Ten years earlier in 1994, there was a genocide in Rwanda. As many as 450,000 have died in this genocide. There was a movie made based on the genocide in Rwanda. The movie was called Hotel Rwanda and it starred Don Cheadle as the main character, Paul Rusesabagina. The genocide in Rwanda was about the Hutu's killing the Tutsi's. A hotel manager, Paul Rusesabagina sheltered over a thousand Tutsi refugees from the other Hutus. Because Paul was married to a Tutsi, his family was in constant danger. In Darfur there are innocent civilians being raped and murdred. The genocide is the brutal plan of three men in the Sudanese National Government. This book was really hard to swallow at times and as a result I have not finished reading it. It really puts into perspective how fortunate we as Americans are to have the government that we have that doesn't allow mass genocides to occur.
Janae Jones-Student Choice- college
Before I came to college I had an image in my head as to what it would be like. I thought it was going to be never ending studying, big lecture halls, weekend parties, drinking, and total freedom. I was wrong. The part of never ending studying is wrong. Although I should study more often than I do, my studying days are Wednesday-Friday. My partying days...what partying days? The first party I went to was two weeks ago. I do have to say they were not like the parties I was used to back at home. Back at home we would play reggae or hip hop, turn it up real loud and just dance until we were all dripping with sweat. The lecture halls are not as big as I thought they would be. I'm guessing it is because this is a small campus. When I was in a college prep program ran by George Mason University, everything was huge. The dining area was two floors, the lecture halls could fit 300 and the campus itself was too big for me. The part about total freedom is true however I had a vision that I would be going crazy because I didn't have my parents right in my ear telling me what was right and what was wrong. I guess the disciplinary action I received at home molded me into who I am today which is probably why I didn't go to my first party until two weeks ago and also a reason as to why I don't drink. Overall, I am content with my memories and experiences I have had at CNU my first semester, but I must admit there are times when my friends from VCU and VSU call me with more than enough noise in the background and they're drunk and they sound like they're having a blast...without me.
Janae Jones-Student Choice- Fast Food
There was one night that I was hungry and I did not want to eat any of the food I had in my room. The girl next door was hungry as well. We weren't sure where we wanted to eat at, we just wanted food. She went to McDonald's but I didn't want McDonald's so because I didn't want McDonald's she no longer wanted McDonald's. However, she did get a small fry from McDonald's. I wanted a cheesy bean and rice burrito and cheesy fiesta potatoes from Taco Bell. So we went to Taco Bell. She ordered food from Taco Bell as well. We didn't want a soda or juice to drink, instead we wanted a milk shake. We then made our way back to McDonald's only to find out there ice cream machine wasn't working. We had to think of the next best thing. A frosty from Wendy's. We then had a craving for macaroni and cheese and potato wedges from KFC. We made our way to KFC and ordered our food. After we left KFC we went to Wendy's and ordered a frosty. We were so happy that we had all of the food we were craving for. We got back to our residence halls and went in our rooms to eat. Ten minutes later she came in my room complaining of how her stomach hurt. Unfortunately, she was not the only one. The mixing of food from all the different fast food places had made us sick to our stomach. Needless to say, we never tried that again.
Janae Jones-Student Choice- wal mart
There was one night I was extremely hungry with no food. I decided my roommate and the girl who lives next door should make a trip to Wal-Mart (this was at midnight). As we entered the Wal-Mart there were probably about four people total. We went up and down all the aisles. I then decided to get on the back of the cart and have my roommate push me down a long clear aisle past the cheese, past the dairy, all the way down to the produce section. I was afraid towards the end I was going to fall so I screamed. Seeing as how there weren't many people in Wal-Mart the guys who were stocking looked at us as if we had lost our minds. We were also laughing hysterically at one another even though nothing was funny. I think we were laughing to much because we were making such total fools of ourselves and also because we may have been tired. As we were going up the frozen food aisle to the cash register we noticed a guy that worked at Wal-Mart was approaching us so we (me and my roommate because we didn't have to push the cart) ran up the aisle and left the other girl behind. We got to the cash register turned around and noticed she was no longer behind us. The guy had approached her and asked for our numbers. We then paid for our groceries and as we were leaving another guy that worked there began to approach us and we ran out of the Wal-Mart screaming. All of the commotion for food. WOW.
Janae Jones-Visit During the Semester (x2)
I was out with a friend and we could not find anything to do to keep us entertained so I suggested we go to Virginia Beach. Keep in mind this was at 11:30pm and it was very windy out. When we go to the strip we were having the time of our lives. We were about to walk onto the beach with our shoes on and then thought twice about it and took our shoes off (I left my socks on because it was cold). The sand was cold and little pieces of it went into my sock. At times I felt like I was sinking into the sand. I was extra cautious where I walked because there were crabs EVERYWHERE. There was a slight slope and when I stood on top of the slope of sand, the waves were crashing and the moon was full and it lit up the center of the ocean. Because the wind was blowing the air smelled like the ocean (not fishy). I stepped down closer to the ocean where the sand was damp from the rising tide and looked up to the moon, held out my arms to the side and breathed in. At this moment I felt a sense of comfort. It felt good to look out into the crashing waves and see pure darkness and look up at the full moon and feel as if it was pulling me nearer. As I was doing all of this the wind was blowing in my face and my hair. I hadn't felt that relaxed in a long time. What started as entertainment and pure fun ended up being not only the best night of my college career, but the most relaxing.
Janae Jones-Visit During Semester
Aside from walking the Noland Trail as a class I decided to walk it by myself to reflect on some stressful situations that had been occurring. I wanted to sit and look out at the water and just think. I found a cliff and below the cliff lead to the read and two pine trees had fallen into the water and made somewhat of a bridge which I thought was very fascinating. As I sat on the edge of the cliff trying to resolve my current situation I came to the conclusion that I have no control over how my life goes. Things happen to me for a reason. I believe many of times that they happen to me to make me a stronger person and more wise. What I do not understand is why I must go through pain to learn something or go through unnecessary stress to make me into a stronger person. I tend to look at problems as "soon this will be over and I will be fine." Sitting on the edge of that cliff that day brought me at ease with much of the stress I was going through.
Janae Jones-Outside Reading
I have been reading a book by Delores Phillips called The Darkest Child. It is about the unjust and dreadful life of a 13 year old girl named Tangy-Mae Quinn who is born to Rosie Quinn. Tangy-Mae is very dark and therefore is despised by her mother. Her mother uses Tangy-Mae as a maid and later as a prostitute to feed and clothe her family. Tangy-Mae not only has to deal with her mother's negativity, but racism is also very well prevalent. To escape her mother Tangy-Mae receives an education. At the end of the story Tangy-Mae escapes all of the hardship she had to go through. While reading this story it made me think how far we as a nation have come although we still may hear of an occasional abuse a child is facing. This book made me have a greater appreciation for my childhood and how my parents appreciate me and support me 100%.
Janae Jones-Landscapes of the Sacred
In the beginning of the semester we learned about chora and topos. As I mentioned in a previous blog, this had no significance to me until later on in the year. Lane describes topos as each second being equal meaning this second means no more to you than the last second or the second to come. He describes chora as something that has significance to you, but did not before. I went home for fall break and I too experienced chora. I was driving to the mall (just to window shop because I had no money) and I drove past the spot where my mom and my step dad got married. I had not been there in ten years, so I decided to stop by and just look at it. As soon as I stepped foot onto the gazebo a feeling came over me and I realized why this place was so special. Driving past it for ten years it just looked like another park, but stepping onto the ground brought back all the memories of that hot day in September when my parents got married.
Janae Jones-Landscapes of the Sacred
I read about Jack Turner's story in Lane's Landscapes of the Sacred. He experienced terror and awe while viewing the dark torsos on the canyon floor and then realized that they were just paintings left by ancient people. He returned two months later with friends hoping to experience the same feeling he did two months before, but unfortunately was unable to. I can relate to this in many ways. The day we went on the Noland Trail as a class, I came in with a negative attitude because I found it not only stupid but impossible to connect with something that does not speak and better yet has no life. To my surprise I found open water with trees surrounding it and I immediately connected with it. It somehow reminded me of my life in a symbolic way. I wanted to come back in three days to take pictures and to hopefully connect the same way as I did three days prior. While I was walking on the trail I began taking pictures of the leaves changing colors and as I would look at the picture, it did not appeal to me. Everything I photographed meant nothing to me. Not only did the pictures mean nothing to me, but the trail and the water and trees I once connected with I was no longer able to connect with.
Janae Jones-Landscapes of the Sacred
Lane's diagram of tension between place and space relate to not only my life, but the majority of my friends that I explained this diagram to. At first glance, the diagram meant nothing to me. It was after reading it about five times that it 'clicked'. At the top of the vertical axis it says Freedom which explains how there is limitless exploration with no boundaries and we feel free, but at the same time there is also a feeling a fear which becomes a threat (located at the bottom of the vertical axis). It becomes a threat because it is something new and there is nobody by your side guiding you. I can relate to this because before I came to CNU I had fear instilled in me because I was going to be making my own choices without the influence of my mother. When I was at home I was able to do as I pleased, but if it looked like I was going to be in a bad situation, my mother was there to help and guide me. I find it amazing how numerous assignments in this class have no significant meaning to me in the beginning, but in the end I always learn from it.
Experience the Night- Erika Sikon
Take a walk outside in the dark. It is funny how things look so different at night. Things almost gain another personality when it is dark. Things are more mysterious, peaceful, or scary when it is dark. A tree is no longer a tree. It is an obstacle you must avoid when you are in the dark. The small animals do not seem so scary when you see them six feet in front of you during the day, but in the dark your vision is taken away and that kitty may make your skin crawl and scream when you see it at night. The surroundings seem more peaceful at night because there are less people out. It is so wonderful just to sit in the cool night air and ponder about the little things or talk to a friend. The air and weather change when the sun goes down. It usually gets cooler. Day and night really are two opposites. At CNU you may take another path to get to the Library at night then you would during the day because some paths are lit better than others. People are afraid of the dark and the unknown. Take some time to go outside and really experience the night. Feel the difference in the air and atmosphere. Hear the different night sounds and mainly take some time to relax; especially during exam week.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Endless fields -- Peter Michalski
When i was younger i used to live in Poland in my aunts house. It was in a small town called Slomniki and the house was located on the edge of a vast expanse of wheat fields. Often times i would talk walks on a path through the wheat fields with my family walking sometimes for what seemed an entire day. The fields to me always seemed endless because i never got to see where it finally stopped. This began to build into a mystic view of the fields where you could walk forever and ever surrounded my wheat with no end in sight. I would loose frisbees and other types of toys in there where they would get swallowed never to be found again. This only added to my idea of the fields being mystical. I've visited the house several times since i left Poland and look towards the fields. They still stretch beyond the horizon and i've always wanted to just start walking through the fields to see how far it really does go. Each time i visit though, i always put it off.
Cameron Browne- Outside Reading
Out of the two texts we were required to read my favorite one was Landscapes of the Sacred by Lane. The book was written very well and gave insight on how landscapes are sacred and how the wilderness can correlate with a spiritual journey for some people. On the John Hopkins University website I found reviews of Lane’s book, Landscapes of the Sacred. A few for example were, "Clearly written and grounded in far-ranging scholarship . . . Anyone interested in American history and, more specifically, with American spirituality will be deeply enriched by studying (not just reading) this brilliant text."—Most Rev. Robert F. Morneau, auxiliary bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin, St. Anthony Messenger , reviewing a previous edition or volume and "Read Belden Lane's book and you will encounter your own desire for that elusive sacred country where the ordinary world changes from the moment to the eternal, where opposites are reconciled and all things are drawn to the center in an irresistible confluence."—Ruth M. Slickman, Review for Religious , reviewing a previous edition or volume. Both of these reviewers were positive about Lane’s book and I believe they are both right. Lane writing was great and his examples of how the ordinary world changes were interesting and not boring to read. This text was required for the class but I enjoyed reading Lane’s book, Landscapes of the Sacred very much and this book should remain in this course.
Cameron Browne- Outside Reading
On Oxford University’s website they had the book Making Nature Sacred by Gatta featured. There were reviews on the book by other professors. All the reviews on Gatta’s book were good and they enjoyed reading the book. A few examples are, "This is a subtle, learned, and complex book that makes important contributions to ecocriticism and to the ongoing discussion of the persistence of responses to the natural world that it makes sense to characterize as religious." --Christianity and Literature and "Required reading for anyone interested not only in ecocriticism but also in an interdisciplinary approach to Christian nature spirituality."--Laurie J. Braaten, Professor of Biblical Studies, Judson College. Both of the reviews are good and give Gatta praise for his work. I thought the book was intellectual and I taught me a lot about nature being a sacred place. I enjoyed reading it and I do believe it is a good choice of reading for this class.
Outside Reading
On Oxford University’s website they had the book Making Nature Sacred by Gatta featured. There were reviews on the book by other professors. All the reviews on Gatta’s book were good and they enjoyed reading the book. A few examples are, "This is a subtle, learned, and complex book that makes important contributions to ecocriticism and to the ongoing discussion of the persistence of responses to the natural world that it makes sense to characterize as religious." --Christianity and Literature and "Required reading for anyone interested not only in ecocriticism but also in an interdisciplinary approach to Christian nature spirituality."--Laurie J. Braaten, Professor of Biblical Studies, Judson College. Both of the reviews are good and give Gatta praise for his work. I thought the book was intellectual and I taught me a lot about nature being a sacred place. I enjoyed reading it and I do believe it is a good choice of reading for this class.
Cameron Browne- Being sacred
In Gatta’s book, Making Nature Sacred he states, “All art and song is sacred to the real As such” (237). This quote to me is powerful and important to the ideals of something being Holy or sacred. Any place can be sacred to someone depending what they experienced there. Sacred places or things become sacred due to the memories with that certain place or thing. For me my trip to Hawaii changed me as a person I felt complete there and I didn’t want to leave. The rushing sounds of the waves crashing down and the sun-kissed glow on people’s faces. It felt like home and that trip was a spiritual journey for me and I will never forget it. Art and songs are sacred to the artist that paint, draw, or write them. When one puts effort into something they care about that things becomes part of them and also becomes sacred to them. It might even become sacred to other people. One might write a song about something they have personally been through. And then a person in a similar situation heard the song played on the radio and that person was affected drastically by the song. That song came at the right time in that person’s life and became sacred for them when it helped them get through the hard times they were facing. So in conclusion, memories or experiences affect a person’s outlook on what is sacred to them.
Cameron Browne- Outside Reading
While writing my research paper I was reading many blogs on people that have traveled and hiked the Appalachian Trail. Some were very detailed then others were just reflections of their day and what they experienced. It was nice to read how much these hikers learned from just climbing mountains or walking across rivers. The experiences that they had on the Appalachian Trail changed their lives forever. Reading their experiences inspired me to try to take more time and reflect on the wilderness and what it does to my soul and spirit. The wilderness gives one the ability of letting go and relaxing and becoming more in touch with ones spirit. If one is hiking the Appalachian Trail or just taking a walk in the woods it can lead or become a spiritual journey for that person. The wilderness has different affects on different people but the feeling when one does hike the entire Appalachian Trail is one of the greatest feelings according to the hikers’ blogs I read. It makes me realize how just taking a walk to cool off from a stressful week is important to my well being!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Megan Howard Making nature Sacred
Megan Howard Making Nature Sacred #3 Blog
In the afterward of Making Nature Sacred John Gatta begins with the question “Is nothing sacred ?” In today’s world, although we would like to believe this is an obvious no, we cannot be so sure. With an increase in corporative bullying and lack of respect for our natural world we as a people are forgetting where we came from. That’s why I believe that this course, Wilderness as a Sacred Place, is a critical learning experience for our entire culture. We are forgetting the spiritual renewal that can be found in nature and are forgetting that our most critical asset is our natural environment. Gatta goes so far as to mention postmodern secularism no longer construes this shift as a momentous existential drama involving “the death of God”. The direction of our culture is headed towards a complete dissolution of spiritual growth and respect for sacredness as well as an uprooting of what is defining our religions in America today.
In the afterward of Making Nature Sacred John Gatta begins with the question “Is nothing sacred ?” In today’s world, although we would like to believe this is an obvious no, we cannot be so sure. With an increase in corporative bullying and lack of respect for our natural world we as a people are forgetting where we came from. That’s why I believe that this course, Wilderness as a Sacred Place, is a critical learning experience for our entire culture. We are forgetting the spiritual renewal that can be found in nature and are forgetting that our most critical asset is our natural environment. Gatta goes so far as to mention postmodern secularism no longer construes this shift as a momentous existential drama involving “the death of God”. The direction of our culture is headed towards a complete dissolution of spiritual growth and respect for sacredness as well as an uprooting of what is defining our religions in America today.
Megan Howard's Making Nature Sacred 2
Megan Howard’s Blog #2 of Making Nature Sacred
Religio is defined as a connective or ligature to the divine origins of life, as embodied by the minister’s planting. Such as when Nathaniel Hawthorne described an orchard on pg 105 as “loving each tree as if it had been his own child” a minister feels a personal spiritual connection to his planting. This is also an expression of agape and believes that nature has incarnations of divine grace in its plantings. This deeply spiritual connection helps promote a greater spiritual respect towards natures and the food that we as a people reap from Mother Earth.
Religio is this connection and helps us to understand nature as a sacred place even more. By viewing an orchard as having a relation to mankind he opens himself up spiritually to the religious renewal nature has to offer. Religio is a key aspect of this ULLC course.
Religio is defined as a connective or ligature to the divine origins of life, as embodied by the minister’s planting. Such as when Nathaniel Hawthorne described an orchard on pg 105 as “loving each tree as if it had been his own child” a minister feels a personal spiritual connection to his planting. This is also an expression of agape and believes that nature has incarnations of divine grace in its plantings. This deeply spiritual connection helps promote a greater spiritual respect towards natures and the food that we as a people reap from Mother Earth.
Religio is this connection and helps us to understand nature as a sacred place even more. By viewing an orchard as having a relation to mankind he opens himself up spiritually to the religious renewal nature has to offer. Religio is a key aspect of this ULLC course.
Megan Howard Making Nature Sacred
Making Nature Sacred Blog #1
“The Puritans assumed that, beyond the definitive revelation of Scripture, signs in the phenomenal world also declared God’s glory and will” (Gatta 35) .
The theme of Gatta’s Chapter 2 is visible wonder of the Invisible world. He claims that the Puritanism believed in an unknowable character of God’s essence and I think that God I everywhere in nature without being seen thus he gives us visible signs of his wonder without actually revealing himself. Believing in a faith when there is not always evidence is a critical theme of the Bible. Such as when doubting Thomas asked to put his hands in the resurrected Jesus’s wounds and he replied with “Blessed are those who believe without seeing” religion requires a sort of blind obedience. This is in great contrast to modernists and other philosophy teachings that require us to question and reason things in the world to acquire a greater understanding. But to have faith in wilderness as a sacred place one must recognize the visible wonders of the invisible world.
“The Puritans assumed that, beyond the definitive revelation of Scripture, signs in the phenomenal world also declared God’s glory and will” (Gatta 35) .
The theme of Gatta’s Chapter 2 is visible wonder of the Invisible world. He claims that the Puritanism believed in an unknowable character of God’s essence and I think that God I everywhere in nature without being seen thus he gives us visible signs of his wonder without actually revealing himself. Believing in a faith when there is not always evidence is a critical theme of the Bible. Such as when doubting Thomas asked to put his hands in the resurrected Jesus’s wounds and he replied with “Blessed are those who believe without seeing” religion requires a sort of blind obedience. This is in great contrast to modernists and other philosophy teachings that require us to question and reason things in the world to acquire a greater understanding. But to have faith in wilderness as a sacred place one must recognize the visible wonders of the invisible world.
Megan Howard
Landscapes #3 Blog
When Casey described the six features of being all were at first equally important. However, when I looked again at the list the sixth trait seems more important. The trait says “ what makes us aware of the landscape as itself containing feeling” (Lane 56). This is the sense that catches our eyes, slows our breathe and causes us to come to a stop. This is what, as mentioned in my first interaction “Bighorn Canyon” caused me to come to a stop and recognize the edge of the forest and its spirituality. This is the sense of knowing that the forest contained its own feelings.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit my sister during her semester abroad last year in Italy. After many hours, I arrived in Rome and traveled with her to the island of Capri. We then traveled to the peak of the island and instantly recognized the pulse of its spirituality. It was as if we were sitting on the heart and soul of the island. This is where God had come down and shaped the island it seemed, at this point. We were standing on a green field; in the midst of the ocean and the rocks in a place of iconic beauty and spirituality.
When Casey described the six features of being all were at first equally important. However, when I looked again at the list the sixth trait seems more important. The trait says “ what makes us aware of the landscape as itself containing feeling” (Lane 56). This is the sense that catches our eyes, slows our breathe and causes us to come to a stop. This is what, as mentioned in my first interaction “Bighorn Canyon” caused me to come to a stop and recognize the edge of the forest and its spirituality. This is the sense of knowing that the forest contained its own feelings.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit my sister during her semester abroad last year in Italy. After many hours, I arrived in Rome and traveled with her to the island of Capri. We then traveled to the peak of the island and instantly recognized the pulse of its spirituality. It was as if we were sitting on the heart and soul of the island. This is where God had come down and shaped the island it seemed, at this point. We were standing on a green field; in the midst of the ocean and the rocks in a place of iconic beauty and spirituality.
Outside Reading, Lindsey Ceniviva
The word sublime has been an ongoing topic throughout this course. It is difficult to explain and yet everyone has experienced it in one way or another. It is defined as the quality of greatness or vast magnitude, whether physical, moral, intellectual, metaphysical or artistic. It is the feeling of awe and astonishment, while experiencing a feeling of fear and uncertainness. The sublime is a greatness in which nothing else can be compared, often used to describe nature and the wilderness. There are many originations for the term sublime and each are very similar in that they represent something majestic and unmeasurable. The German Philosophy of sublime began with a man named Immanuel Kant. He used the term to describe one of his subject's mental states. He noted that beauty "is connected with the form of the object". He divides the sublime into two categories, the mathematical in which the notion of absolute greatness not inhibited with ideas of limitations and the dynamical category in which sublime is "nature considered in an aesthetic judgment as might that has no dominion over us". I believe he has come up with the most outstanding and appropriate description of the sublime. It bring the entire meaning together ever so beautifully. He said that sublime is ultimately "supersensible substrate," underlying both nature and thought, on which true sublimity is located.
Megan Howard
Landscapes of the Sacred Blog #2
The Ontological Approach immediately struck me as being the opposite of how a sacred place is conceived. It is more of an individualist experience and not a conceived notion passed from one generation to the next as a set part of a culture and or mythology. “Places in themselves are void of any intrinsic meaning and open to unlimited claims and counter-claims on (their) significance”(Lane 43) and should be perceived from an individualistic encounter. This is the heart of what a sacred place is.
Like the top of the mountain after a Native American spirit quest, at the end of the day to most it is still just a mountain. Although a culture may require us to respect a place and to believe in its spirituality to many it is still just a mountain, still just a hill where the story of a man is passed on. Although we do not have an intrinsic connection to this place and have never been there we still believe it holds great sacredness due to what our beliefs are. Our interaction with a place is crucial to it being called a “sacred place” and while we may believe it is holy it is only because of what we have been told and not from experience.
The Ontological Approach immediately struck me as being the opposite of how a sacred place is conceived. It is more of an individualist experience and not a conceived notion passed from one generation to the next as a set part of a culture and or mythology. “Places in themselves are void of any intrinsic meaning and open to unlimited claims and counter-claims on (their) significance”(Lane 43) and should be perceived from an individualistic encounter. This is the heart of what a sacred place is.
Like the top of the mountain after a Native American spirit quest, at the end of the day to most it is still just a mountain. Although a culture may require us to respect a place and to believe in its spirituality to many it is still just a mountain, still just a hill where the story of a man is passed on. Although we do not have an intrinsic connection to this place and have never been there we still believe it holds great sacredness due to what our beliefs are. Our interaction with a place is crucial to it being called a “sacred place” and while we may believe it is holy it is only because of what we have been told and not from experience.
outside reading, lindsey ceniviva
Trail Magic is a topic that has come up continuously throughout the course. It is a random act of kindness in which one leaves food, beverage, or other form of helpful item along a trail to support hikers and encourage their spirits. It has become a popular event and most hikers look forward to finding some trail magic along their hike. Trail Magic originated along the Appalachian Trail and is distributed by Trail Angels who perform kind acts for hikers. Trail Magic can be thought of as, "A tradition where food is prepared and served as a pleasant surprise to hikers as they come along the trail." Usually the food is left in a cooler places randomly along the trail. The hikers are expected to clean up after themselves and care for the trail as all those who have traveled it before them. There have been many disputes about Trail Magic and whether or not it should be continued due to the carelessness of some hikers who leave their trash behind. I feel that Trail Magic is a wonderful way for past hikers to show their support for all the hikers to come. Every little bit helps along the trail and getting surprises such as sandwiches and beer can make all the difference. Trail Magic should be allowed and supported, as long as everyone respects the trail and everything it represents.
Megan Howard
Megan Howard’s Landscapes of the Sacred Blog #1
When Belden Lane described Bighorn Canyon on pg 38 of Landscapes of the Sacred one particular phrase stood out to me and caught my attention.
How are Earth and sky joined here” (Lane 38) instantly brought back many memories and I understood what Lane was implying here. The description of the peak of Bighorn Canyon was more than of scenic beauty. It seemed to make the world come to a standstill. This image catches the soul in a raw moment and calls the heart’s attention to all of its awe.
I have a place in my life where I too believe the Earth and sky are joined. I have tried to reason and figure out my love and desire for this sacred place many times but always come to the conclusion that it is a place of God and no amount of reductionism can explain it. Lane described Bighorn canyon almost as an Eden; with greener grasses and sweet cloves as you continue your ascent into a place where the Earth and sky are joined. This is a sacred place where everything in the world has come to a stop, breathing slows and eyes widen.
When Belden Lane described Bighorn Canyon on pg 38 of Landscapes of the Sacred one particular phrase stood out to me and caught my attention.
How are Earth and sky joined here” (Lane 38) instantly brought back many memories and I understood what Lane was implying here. The description of the peak of Bighorn Canyon was more than of scenic beauty. It seemed to make the world come to a standstill. This image catches the soul in a raw moment and calls the heart’s attention to all of its awe.
I have a place in my life where I too believe the Earth and sky are joined. I have tried to reason and figure out my love and desire for this sacred place many times but always come to the conclusion that it is a place of God and no amount of reductionism can explain it. Lane described Bighorn canyon almost as an Eden; with greener grasses and sweet cloves as you continue your ascent into a place where the Earth and sky are joined. This is a sacred place where everything in the world has come to a stop, breathing slows and eyes widen.
Experience of a Natural Setting, Laura Boleyn
One experience that I have had during the semester in a visit with nature was at the Noland Trail. It was a Sunday afternoon and I just wanted to get out of my dorm and away from campus without having to drive anywhere. I wasn’t looking for a connection or a spiritual experience and I did not have one. However, being there enabled me to think clearly, and the quiet serenity of the spot where I sat for a while just kept me there. This visit helped to me to finally decide that I don’t belong here at CNU. It helped me remember all of the reasons why I wanted to come here and all of the things I want from my college experience. Just sitting there, being able to think without people or without interruption helped to really clear my mind and reason. Being in a place without unnecessary distractions and a place that offered me clarity helped me realize that, as much as I appreciate my experiences here, I unfortunately don’t fit in at CNU and that I need a change, anywhere but here. That day, I appreciated nature as a place for clarity and renewal, even though I was expecting it. Even though I went just to get outside and enjoy the weather and environment, I got much more: the clarity and serenity I needed to sort through a mixture of confusing thoughts I had been having throughout the semester.
Outside Reading, Lindsey Ceniviva
Wilderness Therapy is an intriguing form of therapy for those in need. It challenges one to the extreme, breaking down their strengths and weakness and building upon them an outstanding awareness of oneself. Wilderness Therapy can help anyone who is willing to give it a try. People transfer all the beneficial skills learned along the journey into their every days lives, and become happier people for it. Troubled youth who have been hanging out with the wrong crowd, learn who they truly are as an individuals. They learn how to avoid those negative relationships and how to build positive ones with people who will support them. In the 5th grade each school went on a 3 day 2 night camping trip at a nearby settlement camp. We were put to the test with group challenges in the woods. We had to carry each other through a tangled "spider web" and support each other across a "box bridge". These tasks, along with others, helped us improve as a group, develop leadership skills, and prove to ourselves that we are responsible and strong people. Even at such a young age this form of therapy can be effective to its highest potential. The solitude and purity of the wilderness provide the best setting for positive life changing events. Wilderness Therapy should be recognized and used more often among teens and women. It is extremely helpful and can be designed to fit each individuals situation. Wilderness Therapy is an effective approach to bettering ones life.
Chap. 8-Making Nature Sacred, Laura Boleyn
Chapter 8 of Making Nature Sacred discusses the appeal and attraction of “exotic” and often uncivilized or “unmapped” places. The exoticism of a place reveals its natural identity, perceptions and spiritual presence of the place and its landscape. Exotic places are so alluring and appealing because they are so different from what the person is used to and are, as earlier stated, unmapped and unknown to most. This gives this place an innocent and spiritual identity that makes it sacred and attractive to those not from the area. Those who live near or in this exotic place often do not have the same connection because they are used to it and accustomed to it. However, they too can recognize its innocence and spirituality. These secret, hidden places offer a mysticism that can be received by the person discovering it and offer a moment of epiphany and connection to the spiritual world. Remote places offer insight and thoughts and dreams of freedom. They can also offer “inner renewal” and spiritual cleansing because they are so exotic. New places offer unique experiences and are often strange. These new places that are uninhabited, unmapped and unknown offer an escape and open opportunities for spiritual encounters and connections. The landscape of these exotic areas can be desolate or any kind of environment and exceed human understanding of place. They enable us to go on a path to religious experience.
Megan Howard Wilderness at the Pool
Student Choice Number 4 Blog
Unlike most pools in Northern Virginia, the pool I am a member of us in surrounded by woods. While most people worry about sun burns while out swimming, I am more concerned about hoe muddy the picnic tables are. I would not have it any other way though. It gives our community pool a sense of intimacy by being surrounded by the lofty trees towering above us. It is as if we are in a exclusive club and the rest of the world has been put away behind these forests. You jump off the diving board and pop to and the first thing seen is a giant oak behind my neighbor talking to the lifeguard. You can also travel over to the picnic tables and wander through the patchy grass and feel the coolness of the ground touching your wrinkled foot. Or the kids wander over to the tether ball and laugh as their heels sink into the mud surrounding the pole. On swim meets on Saturday mornings, the water is always extra icy due to the lack of sun. I think this gives our swim team a little extra kick while others think it is just God being cruel. I think nature though gives us this sense of community as a gift and the forests and nature surrounding the pool is his way of giving us more of this unity.
Unlike most pools in Northern Virginia, the pool I am a member of us in surrounded by woods. While most people worry about sun burns while out swimming, I am more concerned about hoe muddy the picnic tables are. I would not have it any other way though. It gives our community pool a sense of intimacy by being surrounded by the lofty trees towering above us. It is as if we are in a exclusive club and the rest of the world has been put away behind these forests. You jump off the diving board and pop to and the first thing seen is a giant oak behind my neighbor talking to the lifeguard. You can also travel over to the picnic tables and wander through the patchy grass and feel the coolness of the ground touching your wrinkled foot. Or the kids wander over to the tether ball and laugh as their heels sink into the mud surrounding the pole. On swim meets on Saturday mornings, the water is always extra icy due to the lack of sun. I think this gives our swim team a little extra kick while others think it is just God being cruel. I think nature though gives us this sense of community as a gift and the forests and nature surrounding the pool is his way of giving us more of this unity.
random topic, Lindsey Ceniviva
Throughout ones growth there are many hard time in which one needs to just get away. I feel that most children experience a run-a-way situation at least once in their lives. Children are often faced with tough experiences and decisions while learning the ropes of life. Running away from home gives one a sense of escape and distance from their problems. As a child I would “runaway” from home every couple of weeks, however, I would only get as far as my backyard. I feel that most kids tend to just retreat to their backyards and just get some time alone to think about their situation. I often left my house after a fight with my younger, stubborn brother. I would pack a bag with some snacks and a blanket and head out into the woods in our yard. I organized a small fort to support me for the next hour or so and just relaxed among the wild. I could clear my head and feel the comfort of nature wrapping its arms around me. Children sometimes need a sense of oneness in this crazy world, especially in today’s world, to just gather their thoughts and think about their place in the world. Even at relatively young ages, this practice of running away can be beneficial and educational. As long as they do not take it to a dangerous level, children should be given the opportunity to runaway and escape from their problems every one and while, just as adults do.
Megan Howard's The Omnivore's Dilemma
Outside Reading Blog #3
In the past week I have recently started reading a book entitled The Omnivore’s Dilemma. It discusses the American diet and the roots of our eating habits. In one particular chapter, the author (Michael Pollen) attempts to create a food that he has made utterly and completely with no artificial help and no outside contributions. He tries to create a meal that he killed, harvested, planted and seasoned with nothing from a grocery store. This was a mighty undertaking that took many months and had many twists and turns. In the beginning he immediately breaks his own rules and accepts help from close friends in scraping salt from a lake in Northern California, taking a bottle of wine from his friend Antonio’s vineyard and allowing others to help him prepare the pork that he killed on the hunting trip. The experience has many ups and downs including this middle aged man stealing cherries from his neighbors for his dessert, nearly poisoning his company with the salt he collected and nearly dieing of hypothermia while wading out into the water to trap fish. However, in the end all of his hassle is well worth the reward of preparing this meal. He believes that by collecting all the goods himself he has brought himself closer to nature and the landscape from which he harvested. Michael Pollen now has a greater understanding of Northern California and what the wilderness has offered to him.
In the past week I have recently started reading a book entitled The Omnivore’s Dilemma. It discusses the American diet and the roots of our eating habits. In one particular chapter, the author (Michael Pollen) attempts to create a food that he has made utterly and completely with no artificial help and no outside contributions. He tries to create a meal that he killed, harvested, planted and seasoned with nothing from a grocery store. This was a mighty undertaking that took many months and had many twists and turns. In the beginning he immediately breaks his own rules and accepts help from close friends in scraping salt from a lake in Northern California, taking a bottle of wine from his friend Antonio’s vineyard and allowing others to help him prepare the pork that he killed on the hunting trip. The experience has many ups and downs including this middle aged man stealing cherries from his neighbors for his dessert, nearly poisoning his company with the salt he collected and nearly dieing of hypothermia while wading out into the water to trap fish. However, in the end all of his hassle is well worth the reward of preparing this meal. He believes that by collecting all the goods himself he has brought himself closer to nature and the landscape from which he harvested. Michael Pollen now has a greater understanding of Northern California and what the wilderness has offered to him.
Megan howard's "The Road not Taken
Outside Reading #2
Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken is my favorite poem. It takes the most complete and simple idea of the wilderness and cultivates it into the basis for every decision in my life. It is the most deeply personal poem I have ever read and I feel like he is talking about me with every choice I make. I find myself wondering the differences a choice would have made, the consequence of the alternate decision, the life of the road not taken. I find myself falling onto the common path but hope soon I will do what inspires me and not what is expected. This poem helped me to come to my decision to join the Peace Corps after I graduate from college. I find everyone else getting a job after graduation, partying and rushing onto what they have the rest of their lives to do. I want to take a moment to breathe and see what opportunities and experience await me on the road not taken. Because I want to see what more to life awaits me “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference” I believe. This change in route will change who I am and who I will become.
Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken is my favorite poem. It takes the most complete and simple idea of the wilderness and cultivates it into the basis for every decision in my life. It is the most deeply personal poem I have ever read and I feel like he is talking about me with every choice I make. I find myself wondering the differences a choice would have made, the consequence of the alternate decision, the life of the road not taken. I find myself falling onto the common path but hope soon I will do what inspires me and not what is expected. This poem helped me to come to my decision to join the Peace Corps after I graduate from college. I find everyone else getting a job after graduation, partying and rushing onto what they have the rest of their lives to do. I want to take a moment to breathe and see what opportunities and experience await me on the road not taken. Because I want to see what more to life awaits me “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference” I believe. This change in route will change who I am and who I will become.
Making Nature Sacred, Lindsey Ceniviva
While discussing our text, Making Nature Sacred, the poet Anne Bradstreet was mentioned. She was a poet whom I studied very intently at my previous institution. She was a very well educated woman of her time and came to America during the "Great Migration". She fell ill and eventually became paralyzed. Despite many hardships, Bradstreet remained faithful to the scriptures and kept her devotion alive. Her education and decent social standing allowed her to write on a variety of topics including politics, theology, and history. The main poem i have focused on before was, To My Dear and Loving Husband. This poem spoke about the unconditional and passionate love Anne and her husband shared. It is a strong and romantic poem expressing their lovely and eternal relationship. Anne Bradstreet was a beautiful poet and should be noticed for her unique and descriptive works of art.
Megan Howard's natural Setting
Natural Setting Blog #2
For a graduation gift my family went on a cruise to Bermuda. This is not the usual thing for us I’m used to the Jersey shore or trips to the local pool; not an exotic location where even my dorky parents wanted to visit. Getting onto the ship, we quickly became isolated on the ocean. There was water surrounding us, with nothing else to be seen. It was the most captivating natural scene I have ever encountered. It was so simple yet s awe inspiring us. There were no other boats and the only other thing to be encountered was the sun. The sun rising, the sun blazing down on the deck and the sun setting. The moon at night, gazing down with the stars, and the ocean appropriately changing colors to reflect the mood of the sky. At times it was nothing but a dark abyss surrounding the ship, other times the brightest turquoise splashing against the boat. There was a mysterious deepness and secret surrounding my family on that cruise. A world was lurking under the luxurious boat that I could only comprehend on the surface. Having only the ocean in sight was one of the most awe inspiring natural settings I have seen.
For a graduation gift my family went on a cruise to Bermuda. This is not the usual thing for us I’m used to the Jersey shore or trips to the local pool; not an exotic location where even my dorky parents wanted to visit. Getting onto the ship, we quickly became isolated on the ocean. There was water surrounding us, with nothing else to be seen. It was the most captivating natural scene I have ever encountered. It was so simple yet s awe inspiring us. There were no other boats and the only other thing to be encountered was the sun. The sun rising, the sun blazing down on the deck and the sun setting. The moon at night, gazing down with the stars, and the ocean appropriately changing colors to reflect the mood of the sky. At times it was nothing but a dark abyss surrounding the ship, other times the brightest turquoise splashing against the boat. There was a mysterious deepness and secret surrounding my family on that cruise. A world was lurking under the luxurious boat that I could only comprehend on the surface. Having only the ocean in sight was one of the most awe inspiring natural settings I have seen.
Random Topic, Lindsey Ceniviva
This semester I am also taking the course Religions of the East. In this course we tend to touch on some similar topics being discussed in our Wilderness as a Sacred Place class. In my religion course, we mentioned Axis Mundi and its significance within the practices of many religions. In Jainism the Axis Mundi represents the center of all their values. Being in Sanskrit, the Axis Mundi provides wellness for the religion and its followers. In Jainism, nonviolence is the basis of their beliefs, followed by truthfulness, not stealing, celibacy, and not being attached. While all of these points are key to the dedication to Jainism, the symbolic power of Axis Mundi brings them all together.
Experience, Lindsey Ceniviva
This past weekend I experienced an amazing connection with nature. Although I was not completely subdued out in the woods, I felt the presence of the wild within me. This past weekend I went ice skating with my cheerleading squad and while circling around in the uncomfortable skates, my sight became hooked upon a group of trees in the distance. Despite the lights and crowds and noise, a personal and silent feeling came over me. I felt as though I was alone on the rink and that I was just floating above the thick ice. I have an overwhelming love for Christmas spirit and the Holidays and this feeling just boosted that even more. The trees I had been fixed upon took my breath away and made me feel the love that nature provides during our holiday seasons. It is the recognition of life and natural beauty that these gorgeous trees instill. Even though this experience only lasted a few moments, it was something that I can reflect on and remember throughout the holiday seasons to come.
Megan Howard Natural Setting Blog
Natural Setting Blog
The Noland Trail expedition for class was very intriguing. It was a pleasant change to experience the wilderness that was a significant part of our class. Instead of being inside a classroom of cinder blocks we got to experience the source of sacredness for itself. Walking through the woods I began to see in it the things we had talked about in class. The superiority of the tall trees, the calmness of the water, the small detail of the plants we walked by. And all this scenic beauty around me gave me a small idea of the world we lived in. It was not about my problems but a bigger picture with God having worked out a plan for us somehow. How could all this be around me and I not see it? How could I only see the text from the class readings and not realize the grandeur of it? The trail gave me an idea of how big this world was, the beauty that was in it and the sacredness instilled deep within nature. The trip to the Noland trail and actually being able to see the wilderness and touch it was a highlight of my ULLC class this semester.
The Noland Trail expedition for class was very intriguing. It was a pleasant change to experience the wilderness that was a significant part of our class. Instead of being inside a classroom of cinder blocks we got to experience the source of sacredness for itself. Walking through the woods I began to see in it the things we had talked about in class. The superiority of the tall trees, the calmness of the water, the small detail of the plants we walked by. And all this scenic beauty around me gave me a small idea of the world we lived in. It was not about my problems but a bigger picture with God having worked out a plan for us somehow. How could all this be around me and I not see it? How could I only see the text from the class readings and not realize the grandeur of it? The trail gave me an idea of how big this world was, the beauty that was in it and the sacredness instilled deep within nature. The trip to the Noland trail and actually being able to see the wilderness and touch it was a highlight of my ULLC class this semester.
Martin Konkel - Gatta Reading (Enviromentalism)
While studying for the exam, I was reading over the pages assigned and came across the parts where Edwards was giving his environmental views. Basically, he stated that we are part of the earth, and the earth does not belong to us. We should take care of it in order to be virtuous and ethical people. It was pretty good views of early environmentalism, and while I might not agree 100%, it's understandable.
If the greenies of today acted more tranquil perhaps I wouldn't consider them such laughing stocks. But instead a lot of them act like a bunch of loonies forcing us to adhere to a lot of their junk sciences. Hell, I've watched a documentary with the co-founder of Green Peace admitting to having to leave the organization, which he helped started, because a lot of the old commies started jumping to environmental causes with a reverent fever. Their disrespect for private property rights shines right through, and I hate to break it to them, but this land isn't your land, so quit hammering your hammer hippies (horrid pun to old stupid folk songs intended). When I see these greenies, all I see are a bunch of a lazy college kids with nothing else better to do but whine about some cause in a effort to "change the world". Thy go about it with hatred, and hell if something like a fact gets in there way. I could go on, but lets just say I have zero respect for the smelly white boy in dreads holding a sign that says "We belong to the Earth, the Earth doesn't belong to the evil Bush administration!!!" (insert peace symbol here).
What happened to the days of more tranquil environmentalism? Was it that people just had better things to do back then, or perhaps there brains weren't liquidized by the crappy media and overtly liberal college professors? I could get into the whole 17th century environmental movement, or at the very least understand it and even listen to it, but todays greenies, well, I think I've said enough already.
If the greenies of today acted more tranquil perhaps I wouldn't consider them such laughing stocks. But instead a lot of them act like a bunch of loonies forcing us to adhere to a lot of their junk sciences. Hell, I've watched a documentary with the co-founder of Green Peace admitting to having to leave the organization, which he helped started, because a lot of the old commies started jumping to environmental causes with a reverent fever. Their disrespect for private property rights shines right through, and I hate to break it to them, but this land isn't your land, so quit hammering your hammer hippies (horrid pun to old stupid folk songs intended). When I see these greenies, all I see are a bunch of a lazy college kids with nothing else better to do but whine about some cause in a effort to "change the world". Thy go about it with hatred, and hell if something like a fact gets in there way. I could go on, but lets just say I have zero respect for the smelly white boy in dreads holding a sign that says "We belong to the Earth, the Earth doesn't belong to the evil Bush administration!!!" (insert peace symbol here).
What happened to the days of more tranquil environmentalism? Was it that people just had better things to do back then, or perhaps there brains weren't liquidized by the crappy media and overtly liberal college professors? I could get into the whole 17th century environmental movement, or at the very least understand it and even listen to it, but todays greenies, well, I think I've said enough already.
Chap. 10-Landscapes of the Sacred, Laura Boleyn
Chapter 10 was an interesting chapter on placelessness and the function of imagination on understanding spirituality and landscape. After class discussion, reading and thought, placelessness can be described as not having a place or, not having a home or place of belonging. In Christian spirituality, placelessness can be described as what is ultimately real is not concrete, transcendent of the senses. Instead of concrete, it is abstract, which is something that cannot be touched or felt, for example a thought. As we learned in class, one example is the number two. The number two is a symbol or an abstraction. As an abstraction and a symbol, the number two cannot be found in nature.
Another are of the chapter is the place of imagination in spirituality and landscape. This area was also touched upon in Making Nature Sacred. It requires imagination, thought and care to find a place where the connection to God can be felt and where it seems that God has effected, or “stirred,” a given area. As the book says, “the call of a particular place evoking the spirit of abandonment.” The tranquility and spirit of a place can have the feeling of this spirit of abandonment to “call a life of abandonment to God.”
Another are of the chapter is the place of imagination in spirituality and landscape. This area was also touched upon in Making Nature Sacred. It requires imagination, thought and care to find a place where the connection to God can be felt and where it seems that God has effected, or “stirred,” a given area. As the book says, “the call of a particular place evoking the spirit of abandonment.” The tranquility and spirit of a place can have the feeling of this spirit of abandonment to “call a life of abandonment to God.”
Chap. 9-Landscapes of the Sacred, Laura Boleyn
Chapter 9 was a rather confusing one but after class discussion I have a better grasp of the some of its topics, especially “double intentionality.” In class, we learned it to be “the aboutness of something.” In other words, nature symbols have two meanings, the literal definition, what it actually is, and a hidden meaning or a “deeper, analogical meaning,” that is what it symbolizes. One unnatural example is a stoplight. It is about something and is indicating to you to stop but it is also just a stoplight. Another example of double intentionality, but this time a natural symbol, is used in the phrase, “Life is a river.” First, the literal, obvious meaning being that the river is a flowing body of water through a channel and the second analogical, deeper meaning that rivers can be a natural symbol for life. Like a river, life is always changing direction and paths and it is not always smooth, but instead has bends and turns that make living difficult some times. These examples we learned in class really help to understand the idea of double intentionality and chapter 9. I understand double intentionality, in terms of the chapter, to be a natural symbol that has tow meanings: a literal, obvious meaning and a deeper, analogical meaning, as described on page 231.
Making Nature Sacred, Lindsey Ceniviva
While analyzing our text, the topic of freedom arose. The fact that humans lack a lot of freedoms was discussed. I was taken aback by this discussion topic and had to let it sink it at first. How could our freedom possibly be limited considering all of our natural rights? How could I lack a sense of liberty, especially being an American? Then it was mentioned that we do not even get to choose our own name. It had never occurred to me how something so valuable to each person in this world is chosen for us by our parents. Our name represents our identity and our entire being. I was astonished to realize how something so incredibly personal could be assigned to us before we have even become ourselves. In high school there were two other Lindseys in my grade, but we all spelled it differently so I had never shared a name with anyone. Then I walked into cheerleading tryouts at CNU and heard someone yell, “Lindsey!” and it was not to me. She even spells it the same way! That is when I realized that I would have to share my identity with someone, not just anyone, but someone else on the same exact team as me. After a while I learned that it was not my identity that I had to sacrifice and share with someone, just some arrangement of letters! This discussion also made me realize how many decisions are made for us while we are young and growing up. Even though this seems restricting I am sure it is for the best. Those making the limitations just have everyone’s best interests in mind!
Making Nature Sacred, Lindsey Ceniviva
In this book, the topic of filtered experience is discussed. What does it mean to have a filtered experience? I first thought that it would mean an experience that has been restricted by an outside force, such as your school, or your parents. However, in this text it is explained as an experience that one has no prior knowledge of whatsoever. It is an even that you have never heard of anyone attempting before that is completely new. This type of experience sounds much more appealing than my initial thought. One example we discussed in class, was the journey of the man in Into the Wild. He had heard of someone traveling to
Megan Howard's student choice blog
Student Choice #3
The class discussion on December 2, 2007 about double intentionality was a very difficult concept for me to grasp. I like to interpret things as they are, not what they can be. The ambiguity of the idea was more than what I was used to discussing in a class. Once I understood that you have to see the world in symbols I began to grasp the concept more. “We make sense of the world through this symbol making” is the key idea behind double intentionality. Like a mask which reveals and conceals, double intentionality is the aboutness of 2 things. Double intentionality is perhaps one of the most creative concepts that I have learned in my first semester of college. It is not just about a philosophy in Wilderness as a Sacred Place but a lifestyle view of interpreting things in multiple ways and not just what they appear to be.
Everything has the potential to have double intentionality such as a river. A river can be seen as a symbol of anything that is long and changing and evolving or a river can be seen as just that, a river. Double intentionality allows us to branch out of the typical boundaries of how to view things.
The class discussion on December 2, 2007 about double intentionality was a very difficult concept for me to grasp. I like to interpret things as they are, not what they can be. The ambiguity of the idea was more than what I was used to discussing in a class. Once I understood that you have to see the world in symbols I began to grasp the concept more. “We make sense of the world through this symbol making” is the key idea behind double intentionality. Like a mask which reveals and conceals, double intentionality is the aboutness of 2 things. Double intentionality is perhaps one of the most creative concepts that I have learned in my first semester of college. It is not just about a philosophy in Wilderness as a Sacred Place but a lifestyle view of interpreting things in multiple ways and not just what they appear to be.
Everything has the potential to have double intentionality such as a river. A river can be seen as a symbol of anything that is long and changing and evolving or a river can be seen as just that, a river. Double intentionality allows us to branch out of the typical boundaries of how to view things.
Martin Konkel - I have too many cars
Last one of my choice (I think).
I am 21, and I have 4 cars. Why the hell do I have 4 cars I do not know, but most people find it interesting.
First is the 79' Malibu which my mom bought brand new and kept it around. I got it when I was 16, a few later I took the engine out and made it faster, and today it sits in the garage and collects dust. I hardly even drive the thing, partly because I'm lucky to get 10mpg, and second well, because, I don't have too. So my best car, my most favorite car, I do not even drive but once a week at the very best. Most people can't comprehend owning a car that doesn't even get driven, and until you've been there, I can't explain it.
The next thing I have is a little Pt Cruiser. My grandma is rich and needed to get rid of some money or the government was going to take it away, so she gave us grandkids (I'm the only one below the age of 30) money to go get a car. It was the best, most practical and nicest car I could find for the money. Actually, I got a killer deal on it, and it can't be beat for taking on trips.
Then there is the 1983 Jeep CJ7, which I bought in my first year of Community of College. I paid $1,500 for that wreck, and a few years later I've spent twice that and countless hours performing a rolling restoration on it. I've made a lot of progress on it, and recently it's been to the Outer Banks twice and central Virginia three times. It got my dad to his house when everybody else was stuck because of the flood, and it's gotten me around back ups by driving through ditches. It doesn't have A/C, it's pretty slow, it handles like crap, it's noisy, drafty, the heat barely works, but I love it. Simple as simple, old, I can hose out the interior, there is hardly any plastic on that thing, and despite getting wheels off the ground, driving it through floods, pulling a tree or two out of the ground, the thing just keeps on going!! Ok, so sometimes it breaks, but it's nothing that some time and cash can't solve.
Then I bought a truck, not just any truck, but a giant 71' Chevy C30 1-ton flat bed truck. It's huge, old, gets about 3-4mpg, and I've painted it flat black with a skull on the hood. This I actually picked up for cheap and plan to sell this spring after I get the body work squared away.
Also, my grandma has a 1975 Corvette sitting in her garage at WV thats going to be mine. When I go up there to visits I set my PT Cruiser aside and use the Vette. It's not extremely fast, and my Malibu would leave it behind, but it's a absolutely beautiful car the drives nice and nothing beats cruising those back country roads in it. It's a beautiful old Corvette, enough said already.
So I kind of have 5 cars, even though I really only have 4 technically. Why do I own 4 cars?? Because I can, or I'm a bit off in the head...... most people think the later, but every now and then I meet somebody who understands me, like the guy I worked with how had 14 cars; ok, he was on a whole new level of insaneness, but still. And alright, the old ones break now and then, and I always have something to do on at least two of them. However, nothing beats getting them out and just going for a drive, espicially after standing at the end of the driveway and pondering for ten minutes which one I want to take. Crazy?? Perhaps, but I love every minute of it, and you can damn well bet this is only the start to a long life of car craziness.
I am 21, and I have 4 cars. Why the hell do I have 4 cars I do not know, but most people find it interesting.
First is the 79' Malibu which my mom bought brand new and kept it around. I got it when I was 16, a few later I took the engine out and made it faster, and today it sits in the garage and collects dust. I hardly even drive the thing, partly because I'm lucky to get 10mpg, and second well, because, I don't have too. So my best car, my most favorite car, I do not even drive but once a week at the very best. Most people can't comprehend owning a car that doesn't even get driven, and until you've been there, I can't explain it.
The next thing I have is a little Pt Cruiser. My grandma is rich and needed to get rid of some money or the government was going to take it away, so she gave us grandkids (I'm the only one below the age of 30) money to go get a car. It was the best, most practical and nicest car I could find for the money. Actually, I got a killer deal on it, and it can't be beat for taking on trips.
Then there is the 1983 Jeep CJ7, which I bought in my first year of Community of College. I paid $1,500 for that wreck, and a few years later I've spent twice that and countless hours performing a rolling restoration on it. I've made a lot of progress on it, and recently it's been to the Outer Banks twice and central Virginia three times. It got my dad to his house when everybody else was stuck because of the flood, and it's gotten me around back ups by driving through ditches. It doesn't have A/C, it's pretty slow, it handles like crap, it's noisy, drafty, the heat barely works, but I love it. Simple as simple, old, I can hose out the interior, there is hardly any plastic on that thing, and despite getting wheels off the ground, driving it through floods, pulling a tree or two out of the ground, the thing just keeps on going!! Ok, so sometimes it breaks, but it's nothing that some time and cash can't solve.
Then I bought a truck, not just any truck, but a giant 71' Chevy C30 1-ton flat bed truck. It's huge, old, gets about 3-4mpg, and I've painted it flat black with a skull on the hood. This I actually picked up for cheap and plan to sell this spring after I get the body work squared away.
Also, my grandma has a 1975 Corvette sitting in her garage at WV thats going to be mine. When I go up there to visits I set my PT Cruiser aside and use the Vette. It's not extremely fast, and my Malibu would leave it behind, but it's a absolutely beautiful car the drives nice and nothing beats cruising those back country roads in it. It's a beautiful old Corvette, enough said already.
So I kind of have 5 cars, even though I really only have 4 technically. Why do I own 4 cars?? Because I can, or I'm a bit off in the head...... most people think the later, but every now and then I meet somebody who understands me, like the guy I worked with how had 14 cars; ok, he was on a whole new level of insaneness, but still. And alright, the old ones break now and then, and I always have something to do on at least two of them. However, nothing beats getting them out and just going for a drive, espicially after standing at the end of the driveway and pondering for ten minutes which one I want to take. Crazy?? Perhaps, but I love every minute of it, and you can damn well bet this is only the start to a long life of car craziness.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
