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.