Landscapes of the Sacred (1) - Kevin Covucci

In both class, and in Lane's book, Landscapes of the Sacred, we discussed the idea of the ordinary being mask's for the holy. In Landscapes of the Sacred Lane uses a quote from Moby Dick that states, "All visible objects are but as pasteboard masks. They point sacramentally to mysteries far beyond themselves." (Lane, 67) This statement really truly makes me think a lot about what exactly they may be referring to. For example are they referring to a tree in nature, on the whole it looks like just a simple tree. They are everywhere in the world and no one really thinks twice about them when they pass them in their everyday life. However, they have so much more depth to them then just that. Tree's provide shelter for birds, squirrels, and all other types of creatures that use the tree's hight and coverage as safety from the dangers of the outside world. One can also go even deeper still, tree's are the center or human existence. Without tree's ability to turn carbon monoxide into oxygen humans would be deprived of one of the vital parts of life, thus quickly making the human race extinct. However, even with that knowledge the majority of humans still will never think twice when they see a tree on their commute to work, or as they jog through the park. Tree's and wilderness are incredibly good at masking the true mysteries that they hold deep within. This topic and idea is one that I will continue to ponder and think about long after I leave this class. I hope that I will always look past the mask and explore the inner mysteries that the world holds.

Rachel Hrovat~ Moral Depravity

In Turner's book, he quotes a man, Burgos, on pilgrimages and their impact. Burgos said that "I have seen this pilgrimage as the only classless society" (Turner, 97). this got me thinking about how wonderful that is. I guess we sort of get used to having such distinguished social classes, but to be able to be in an environment where the job you have or car you drive does not matter would be truly surreal. Burgos goes on to say, "On the road, they walk, suffer, and pray together" (Turner, 97). Because there are no social constraints, the pilgrims feel more at ease with one another and can take the opportunity to feel what their friend is feeling beside them. THey take the time to care. In Redick's essay, Wilderness as Axis Mundi: Spiritual Journeys on the Appalachian Trail, he writes that a story in Genesis "suggests that God prefers those living in the wild versus urbanites, or that a wilderness lifestyle is less conducive to moral depravity". There is simpleness in the wilderness. There is less to draw one into moral depravity, creating a sort of haven.

Personal Experience with Communitas - Kevin Covucci

After reading Turner's book and learning about Communitas I realized that I had my own personal experience with Communitas in the wilderness. While my experience is nothing like the outstanding ones we learn about that happen on the AT, I still can vividly remember the spontaneous bond that occurred during my experience with Communitas. My experience comes from my very last year of summer camp when I signed up for a 4 day hike through the mountains. I found that while I had known all of the people I was hiking with for a while beforehand, our relationships with one another changed dramatically while we were on the trail. While this transformation was nothing like what people experience on the trail I still felt like I was in much more of a communitas than the community I had left just a few short days before. Everyone was much more helpful and much more willing to adapt or lend a helping hand to others. I found this spontaneous outpour of selflessness to be just amazing, and I feel blessed to be able to even slightly experience what we discuss in this class on a daily basis. I really hope that one day I will be able to experience Communitas on a much larger scale because even just the small sample I received was beyond what I ever imagined.

Noland-Evan Shively

Mosquitoes. that is what the trail represented to me and from watching the people around me. I'm sure it was a major focus of my other classmates. Mosquitoes really are strange animals, insects living off the blood and therefore hard earned nutrients of other animals. I wonder if anyway truly loves these pests, I never hear about nature documentaries on them or mosquito enthusiast. Heck even naked mole rats have fans. watching one land on me I though to myself, how could a Jain or Buddhist monk be so gentle as to let it bite him, to refuse to kill it. I decided to swat it. Upon impact I couldn't help but notice the fresh blood that was left mixed in with the squashed mosquito. It had not bite me so it must of been another classmates blood, what an odd and creepy sensation. Looking I noticed others suffering the same way I was, being bitten, itching, swatting away. While we are all different people I sure we could all agree that mosquitoes are natures annoyance. The sad part is that I let this small annoyance prevent me from diving deep into the Noland. I love the Noland had have many a strong memory of time I've spent on it. It really reminded me of how I let the small insignificant little annoyances stop me from enjoying the grand things in life.

Image and Pilgrimage Reflection #1- Jacqueline Thornley

In Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture, Turner discusses the importance of “trials, tribulations, and temptations of the pilgrim’s way” (Turner). Pilgrimages can be very difficult and leave the pilgrim in a physically worse state than at the start of their journey. For example, every year countless people travel the Appalachian Trail in hopes of hiking the entire distance. Yet the majority of these eager hikers give up on the journey when the physical burden becomes too much to handle. For those hikers who do reach the end, the spiritual significance can oftentimes be overwhelming. The question at hand however, is whether or not the experience would have been as spiritually significant if it had not been as physically difficult or if the temptation to quit had not been there. I guess that question can’t really be answered, but I know personally the most meaningful and memorable experiences in my own life have been the ones fraught with trials and tribulations, so perhaps Turner is on to something…

Fall Break Natural Experience - Kevin Covucci

Over fall break, I decided to take a trip down Interstate 81 out to the place I have spent part of my summers at for the past 11 years of my life. When I was just 7 years old I spent a a whole week in a rickety old cabin in the middle of a mountain right by the Virginia/West Virginia Boarder. Over the years I had many experiences at this summer camp, and met many life long friends. The amazing amount of spirituality I experienced in this particular place for just a few short weeks every summer was more than I could ever image to experience for the other 11 months of the year. There is something about that place that is just connected to God in such a way that the experiences you have and the knowledge you gain is so deep and meaningful in a way that words just cannot describe. As I traveled closer and closer to my destination I began to wonder how much different this trip was going to be. I spent 8 summers as a camper and the last 3 summers as a counselor at this camp, however, my experiences with the location have always been that of kid filled ball fields and action packed days, never of me wondering aimlessly by myself. I was curious if I would still feel the spiritual connect that I have always felt. As I pulled down the long gravel driveway to the small cabin at the far end of camp that called home for a whole month last summer, my emotions quickly began to rush over me. A multitude of memories hit me and all I could do was smile as I slowly stepped out of my car. As I slowly walked through camp my mind juggled 11 summers of memories and when I rang the bell that hung above cabin number 7 I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and a feeling rushed over me that I had not felt since the last day of camp last summer. All my worries and troubles seemed to just vanish, nothing mattered anymore, and all that was important was right in front of me. It felt amazing to have such a clear mind and feel as carefree as I always do every summer. Overall, I do not think any place will every be able to give me the feeling I have every time I visit shrine mont. That place is literally my heaven on earth and I hope to be able to enjoy it for many, many years to come.

Landscapes of the Sacred Reflection #1- Jacqueline Thornley

Landscapes of the Sacred by Belden C. Lane begins with “above all else, sacred space is ‘storied place’” (Lane, 15). This means that a place becomes sacred from the stories told about it. Stories are told over and over and eventually from this repetition, they become truth. After reading this I couldn’t help but think of the holidays. Every year when families get together they always seem to tell the same stories, over and over again. Each time they may change slightly, but the heart of the story is always the same. Everyone can relate to this phenomenon. Eventually, these stories become a ritualistic part of the family get-togethers. The most interesting part is that the stories begin to take shape and almost develop their own character. So Lane says that sacred space is storied place. So often we think of place as being a geographical or physical location, but I’d like to think place can be a mental state as well. And when those old timers get to their story telling, something significant and special happens. So does that mean these simple, repetitive stories that come to be so special, are really examples of sacred place? I would like to think so.

The Rockin' Experience- Meghan Herrity

While in class today a rock was passed around and once the rock had made its way we were asked to write about how the rock made us feel or what we experienced. This is what I got:

When holding the rock in my hands I experienced a sensed that the rock had chipped off of a great mountain, it was only a small piece of something so big and of such great magnitude. As the rock left my hands I began to wonder where the rock had come from? Was it found on the bottom of a creek? Is that why the rock was so smooth? After my thoughts began to wonder, the origin of the rock was finally revealed. It was a small piece of Mt. Lassin, a huge mountain, that had errupted years ago. Once I knew the story of the rock it made me think. And what I gathered from this lesson was that something so small can truly be part of something so huge. So though each of is are only one we are part of something big, whatever it may be.

-November 30th

Image and Pilgrimage (1) - Kevin Covucci

One of the major themes in Turner's Image and Pilgrimage book is the idea of Communitas instead of Community on the trail. When reading Turner's book the idea of such spontaneous bonding between random individuals on the trail seemed very bizarre and foreign to me. I really couldn't understand or fathom how individuals who do not know each other and have no connection to one another besides the trail could become so close in such a short period of time. I also did not really understand how all social classes are non-existent out on the trail. The idea that there is one single social status that everyone falls under seemed extremely strange. How could a lawyer and a homeless man see themselves as equal and work together towards a common goal? The whole idea behind Communitas really did not make too much sense to me. However, when we watched "Lion King's" documentary on his through hike of the AT I cam to realize that all the things I mentioned before truly just do not matter when you are on the trail. Who cares that you are a lawyer or a businessman, it won't help you one bit on the trail, it as all about personal drive to overcome all of the major obstacles the AT is guaranteed throw at you. One thing I noticed while watching the video is that when Lion King interviewed people he never asked what their jobs were or what kind of background they came from. Stuff like that does not matter in Communitas, all that matters is the goal set in front of them. I truly feel that my understanding of Communitas came after seeing concrete examples from Lion King's documentary, and without it I would still be very lost and confused.

Nature Walk - Kevin Covucci

When I first started walking to the Noland Trail for class all I could think about was how much I did not want to be outside walking around in the heat for hours. I honestly was not looking forward to class and actually put myself in a bad mood because of it. As we walked towards the trail I continued to whine to my friends in the class and complain about ever single thing I could. However, once we finally made it on to the trail and Dr. Redick began to talk with us about the beauty that the Noland trail holds, I began to realize how wonderful the Trail truly is. I could hear the birds chirping overhead, and the light crumple of the leaves under my feet. My mind ceased to wonder and I became overwhelmed by something and immediately felt overjoyed to be outside enjoying nature. I'm not really sure what happened but it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and and truly brightened my whole day. Since our trip to the Nolan I have actually gone back since multiple times and enjoyed the beauty and serenity that it provided.

Image and Pilgrimage - Peter Ikeda

Turner's book Image and Pilgrimage discusses the concept of liminality. Turner describes it as "the state and process of mid-transition in a rite of passage" saying that "during the liminal period, the characteristics of the liminars are ambiguous" (248). Liminality is the threshold state one undergoes during a transformation. Those who are considered liminal are "stripped of status and authority, removed from a social structure maintained and sanctioned by power and force, and leveled to a homogeneous social state" (248). Basically when one undergoes a journey they are considered liminal because during that journey or quest they are no longer what they once were yet they are not what they will be. I was trying to apply this term to my own life, thinking about if I've ever been 'liminal'. Nothing sprang to mind because although I've grown and changed a lot I never went through an actual vision quest or pilgrimage to change myself. And then I got to thinking about life and how although I've never been through one of these quests I've still grown substantially through the years, each year bringing new changes and I've gone through social statuses and personalities, growing more and more into who I believe I was created to be. Thinking this way is it too far out to say that life itself is liminal? I mean if you think about it life is a journey in which we are constantly changing and growing; learning new lessons and sometimes to the point of being stripped to the core. Granted, there are social norms and such that we're subjected to but for the most part I feel like if you look at the big picture, life itself is a liminal journey in which we are growing and changing, never really staying the same for too long.

Kayla Delaguila- Landscapes of the Sacred and Wilderness as Axis Mundi

While reading Wilderness as Axis Mundi, the line, “there is no specific material object that is wilderness…” really stuck with me, the fact that you cannot truly give a sweeping identifying definition to wilderness. I think that this is part of the reason that man is so drawn to wilderness. We cannot define it; it is a mystery to us. The adventurer in all of us wants to dive in and explore this unknown place. This then took me to the chart that is on page 222 of Landscapes of the Sacred by Lane. This chart shows the tensions of the wilderness: freedom vs. threat and comfort vs. constriction. Focusing mostly on the freedom vs. threat, I think this has a lot to do with the mystery that is found in wilderness. People want to experience the freedom that nature offers. They can spiritually and literally carve their own path. Then again, it is a scary and threatening thing to delve into unknown and just hope for the best. Thus, the push and pull of the wilderness. What is it about the freedom and mystery that will always attract people? For me personally, it's that sense of adventure. The thought that maybe I could discover something, that maybe I could be the first person to ever climb a certain mountain or tree or swim in a lake. It would be overwhelming and amazing really.

Kayla Delaguila: Open

The other day in class we were talking about how Jesus was both man and god. To be honest, I don’t know a lot about the Christian faith so I found it really interesting when we were talking about the fact that Jesus died a criminal’s death and decided to be born into poverty. This Jesus guy seems pretty alright. I do know enough that Jesus led the perfect life only to die the way he did, just to save us from our sins. I guess it just really makes me think about whether the over-all population appreciates what they have. As in, if you could choose to live any sort of life (as Jesus did) would you choose the life of a poor person? In modern culture social status and wealth seems to outweigh spiritual quality. I am on a role with these entirely too deep posts this evening. I just really want to think about the quality of life I am living. I can honestly say that I think I would choose to live the life of a rich person. Everything seems much easier at the top. Is it a bad thing to want an easy life? Then again, I do really enjoy my life right now, I have to work and go to school, and I may not be able to go out to eat as often as I would like, but the situation I am in is definitely not the worst it could be. At least I appreciate that, right? I might not be able to wrap up this post as cleanly as the rest of them. I don’t know how to answer the question that I have posed here…

Paige Dwyer-Experience (2)

Over the summer my family took a trip up to New York to stay for a week on Lake George. We rented a cute lake house just for the 5 of us. This was a new experience for us city folk. I am used to staying in hotels or at relatives' houses, but never in a small house basically secluded directly on the edge of a lake. I have to admit I was somewhat hesitant when we first arrived. I do not care much for the woods or lakes. I can't stand bugs and insects or the murky water where you can't even see your feet on the bottom. However, I slowly warmed up to it. My dad and I would wake up early each morning and take a nice walk along the lake. It was a rewarding experience. My dad and I had time to reflect on life in general and what the future holds for me, as well as appreciate the beautiful landscape around us. It was perfect because early in the morning in the month of July, it is surprisingly rather cool out. I wasn't concerned about mosquitos or other pesky insects. I just enjoyed a nice stroll with my dad. This vacation was a learning experience for me. I learned to not be quick to judge and to give things a chance before I assume anything. It turned out to be a great bonding experience for my whole family because there was no electronics. We spent all day out on the lake and all night playing card games and grilling out for dinner.

Outside Reading: "A Journey of Hope" - Mary Ragan

For one of my other classes we had to choose a book to read about an "other" and then write a paper on it. It had to examine something that is very different from ourselves. I chose to read a book called "A Journey of Hope" by Neil Willenson. So my "other" was children who are affected by HIV/AIDS. This book was very interesting and included pictures, stories, and poems by kids and others involved at Camp Heartland, a camp created for youth both infected and affected by AIDS. There are camps in many states now and they provide their services free of charge. The camp was created to give kids a chance to feel normal, accepted, and to have fun and make friends. I learned a lot from the book, not realizing many of the facts about the virus and what is involved when you or someone close to you is infected. There are so many ways in which they are affected. They feel shunned, embarrassed, discriminated against, scared, lonely, sad, stigmatized, among other things. Unfortunately, often there are misconceptions about the virus. For example you don't just get it from being around the person or sharing drinks. There has to be direct blood contact, sexually, or through needles. At Camp Heartland they are given a chance to identify and relate with other youth like themselves and finally feel like they belong. Just like many other camps, the children have fun, play outside, relax, and enjoy each other, with the normal summer camp activities. I realize how crucial it is for us as humans to feel this sense of belongingness and to enjoy being with other, to find others like us and be able to share and be together. This is what the kids get a chance to do. They have things like discussions at candle light too and have the chance to be open and talk. These may some things many of us take for granted, being able to be ourselves and share with others, to have fun, and not be stigmatized like so many of those affected by HIV/AIDS are.

Paige Dwyer-Experience (1)

A few weeks ago, Professor Redick held class in an unconventional classroom. We all met up at our usual time but instead of it being in McMurran it was out on the Nolan Trail. We had a few minutes of lecturing and then we set out on the trail. Halfway through the class we were instructed to either walk in groups or alone and record our observations and the emotions we experienced while out on the trail. The purpose of this exercise was to increase our understanding of and the skill of the practice of writing reflectively and interactively in relation to experiencing the connection between spirituality and the natural world. We were to increase our understanding of place as chora and time as kairos. My time on the trail wasn't long enough to fully embrace the wilderness or have time to truly reflect on anything. I did notice how pretty it was with the leaves changing colors and how much life was around me. Although I couldn't see any animals other than squirrels, I knew those woods were a home to many creatures. Seeing how beautiful it was did make me think about pollution and how careless and inconsiderate some people are. I could never imagine throwing something out my car window that I knew was simply trash. I know the only way for nature to remain prosperous is for us to do our part to keep it clean.

Laura Stiles- Rock Experience

Today in class we had to write one single sentence about our experience with a rock that was passed around. At first I couldn’t even think what to write about a simple rock, but when the rock got to me, I was no longer at a loss for words. In fact, I was having trouble fitting my thoughts into one sentence. From the surface, it was obvious that the rock was very old and had been through a lot. It was jagged and but still smooth and refined. Every edge, corner, and crack could tell a different story, and its wisdom was almost overwhelming. I couldn’t help but think that while it was so much older and more experienced than anyone else in the room, it seemed uncomfortable. Its natural beauty was out of place. The rock did not compliment the modern classroom but instead stood out.

Paige Dwyer-Outside Reading (3)

For my research paper, I began by telling the amazing story of Bill Irwin. Mr. Irwin is the first and only blind man to hiker the entire Appalachian Trail. He began his journey in Mark in Georgia. He relied solely on his sensations of sound, touch, smell and taste and the help of his seeing eye dog, named Orient. It is mind-boggling to think of someone hiking the entire 2,168 miles trail in total darkness. He returned with a broken rib and worn out equipment. Even the most skilled hikers struggle with steep ledges, rushing rivers, and jagged rocks and roots. Mr. Irwin had not only these challenges but also the simple tasks of pitching camp and finding water. His perseverance has been a huge inspiration to many, especially those he met along the way. He gained insight into his own self and discovered his strengths and weaknesses. Before hiking the trail, he struggled with broken relationships, alcoholism and losing his eyesight. However, these became the catalysts that inspired him to take on this seemingly impossible journey. He refers to the Appalachian Trail as a metaphor for life. It is true that we all face challenges and obstacles in life, but with perseverance, faith and courage, we can accomplish just about anything.

Paige Dwyer-Outside Reading (2)

A very common theme in the Bible is strength and encouragement. There are many versus that highlight this theme of strength which God bestows in us. A few examples of these versus include the following: in Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might" and in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me". These are very powerful quotes. They are inspirational in a way that gives you strength from within. Whenever I am doubting myself or need some sort of boost I refer back to some of these versus. God is a constant cheerleader for us, always watching our backs and hoping for the best. We are never alone, even when it seems like we have lost touch with everything and everyone in our lives in times of distress. I believe it to be true that we can accomplish anything we set our mind to. It is because of this everlasting relationship with God that makes this true. We need courage and faith in the Lord and he will strengthen us. Those who have strayed from God and lost all faith in Him, are the ones who find themselves alone and struggle through life. How can someone simply deny God's presence. He is all around us, in everyone. There have been times I was unsure of myself and my ability to complete some sort of task; however, I prayed and asked God for strength and courage. Thus, I was successful. I always turn to God in times of need or distress.

Kayla Delaguila: Open- Meaning of Life

So the other day in class we were talking about how sometimes your experience with nature can make you feel really small. When you stand on top of a mountain, you realize you are very small. The example of killing a mosquito was used. It’s true, if you kill a mosquito… who cares? In my ‘little girl’ world I like to think that maybe his mosquito family cares, but in the large scheme of things the mosquito and his mosquito family don’t matter.

Ouch. It’s a hard pill to swallow. I am not the center of the universe.

I am the center of my own universe, obviously, but if I died (knock on wood) people in Asia would not care. In the whole world, the billions of people in the world, my death would maybe deeply affect 100 people. Realistically though, each individual life doesn’t weigh much. If a comedian dies, people might be sad for a while, but someone new will come to make them laugh and it won’t matter as much. It really makes you think about the way you live your life. I feel like at the end of the day we, as average people, do things just to be remembered. Why do you get married? To secure that someone will care when you die. Ok, that’s a little cynical.. a lot cynical. But it just really makes me question why we try so hard to do anything. Why go to school and work your whole life? So you can die without the world caring? But then the opimist in me comes out. As far as I figure it, if I can make one person a day smile, or laugh, or stop crying, then I will matter to someone, maybe not the world, but someone. That is my small rant on the meaning of life. In summary: be a good person so at least the people in your life will care when you die.

I’m not generally this disparaging. Must be having an interesting day today.

Paige Dwyer-Image and Pilgrimage (3)

I had never heard the term iconoclast until I read it in Turner's Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture. According to Turner, iconoclasts regard signans as unnecessary, even obstructive. Iconoclastic religions are associated with radical reform and they seek to purify "underlying meaning". They do this by erasing symbol vehicles, the iconic symbols. Iconoclasts regard them as idols interposed between individual believers and the truths for themselves. There has always been much controversy over the use of idols and images, and there still are disputes today. Many Christians believed that the excess of public devotion to the images at pilgrimage shrines was an abuse of the Church's directives. The Second Council of Nicaea decreed that "the venerated and holy images" were to be placed in the holy churches of God and were to receive "veneration, not adoration". Many iconoclasts argue against the abuse of images and the mistake of considered them to be realistic representations. They should be taken as conventional signs. In my opinion ,I believe the Hispanic population focuses too much attention on images and idols of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. They rely heavily on tangible objects representing the Virgin, taking away the underlying meaning of these "signs". People need to remember these objects should not be worshiped or praised, but merely a reminder of what is.

Kayla Delaguila: Image and Pilgrimage and Wilderness as Axis Mundi

In Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture Turner brings up the concept of flow. Flow is the merging of action and awareness, to become totally involved. Flow also involves action following action without any apparent need for internal logic. This is an interesting concept to me. In Wilderness as Axis Mundi, flow is exemplified with repetitive steps and the forest landscape creating a frame for flow. When I read the repetitive steps example it made me realize that I too had experienced flow. When you run long distances, at a certain mileage, your brain stops telling you to move and your body just takes over. This happened to me on my first 10mile run. Around mile six, my body went into ‘auto-pilot,’ it is a totally weird feeling. I was running, but my mind almost didn’t comprehend that I was still running. I no longer felt the pain nagging at my legs, and I for sure wasn’t thinking about putting one foot in front of the other. I just went. I imagine this is what it’s like on the Appalachian Trail, after walking for so many miles this ‘auto pilot’ starts up and you just go-flow. I am a very analytical person who often gets stuck in her own head, so for my mind to not be focused entirely on what it was doing was really amazing. Maybe next time I will try it walking instead of running. It makes me wonder if this is a feeling I could induced. Going to physical auto-pilot sure would help me out in some situations.

Image and Pilgrimage - Peter Ikeda

Today in class we watched a video on Mount Katahdin and the climb up to it. Redick's video showed four hikers reach the top of the mountain and as they got to the top another group of hikers, who had reached the peak before them, welcomed them with hoots and hollers. Redick pointed out the feeling of communitas as complete strangers welcomed each other and celebrated the long awaited arrival at the top of Mount Katahdin. This reminded me of Turner's writings in his book Image and Pilgrimage on communitas. Turner writes that communitas is "a relational quality of full unmediated communication, even communion, between definite and determinate identities, which arises spontaneously in all kinds of groups, situations and circumstances" (250). Communitas is unique because it breaks down the social norms and expectations of people, allowing them to be completely open with people they'd never normally communicate with. I really got to thinking about this idea of interaction between people and it makes me wonder why it only when people are in such circumstances as climbing mountains or going on intense spiritual quests that they are able to overcome the boundaries culture puts around humanity. Why is it that we all "get along" and associate with everyone despite our varying differences? I mean I understand that the principle behind communitas is that one really has no attached identity during their pilgrimage or other spiritual quest which is it easier for one to commune with whoever is around them. But in the grand scheme of things isn't life merely a huge pilgrimage/spiritual journey where we are constantly in a state of growth and change, also known as liminality? If this is the case it makes sense that we should as people, be able to form a communitas with all those around us instead of succumb to the cultural norms society throws at us, dividing us into communities.

General Reading #3 -Kristen Gladfelter

I was browsing through various articles looking for a topic to write about in one of my science classes when I came upon an interesting article. This article described how doctors and scientists are using bee venom to help with autoimmune diseases such as MS and ALS. Both of these disease are life threatening and at the moment there is very little modern medicine can do to reduce the effects of these diseases. Therefore, doctors are going old school and looking at ancient Chinese bee venom therapy, or apitherapy, to reduce symptoms of these diseases. Great improvements have been made with bee venom, more so that using modern medicine. I found it extremely interesting that nature is more that just a place or peace, but can also relieve pain for those that need it most.

General Reading #2 -Kristen Gladfelter

Writing the final paper for this class allowed me to read various articles and journals pertaining to my topic, Natural Deficit Disorder. One in particular stood out above all the rest. This journal discusses what scientist describe as the biophilia hypothesis. The biophilia hypothesis is the bond between human beings and other living systems. This journal back up this theory with the evidence that more money is spent on zoo’s and national parks compared to all sporting events combined. It describes the reason people rekindle their relationship with nature on a frequent basis. There is a definite connection that humanity shares with the natural world and this journal explores this connection in a deeper fashion.

General Reading #1 -Kristen Gladfelter

For my Environmental class, we are required to find positive articles that deal with the crashing environment. It’s harder than it seems considering disaster is a more interesting topic to write about than success. Though, if you dig deep enough there is still good things that stand along side of the disastrous news. In this case, there is an article that states how old growth trees reduce crime in a neighborhood. The larger the trees the less crime there is. I found this quit interesting as I would never would have expected nature protecting us from the crime of the world. Not only does nature provide a sacred place to find axis mundi, or a place of peace from the ordinary, but a natural barrier against the demons of the world.

The power of place -Kristen Gladfelter

The power of place is simply amazing. The book “Landscapes of the Sacred”, goes into great detail about place. Lane writes, “Some cultures even speak of people dying who stray too far from the life-sustaining strength of the native landscape. Peter Mattheissen observes how the Ona Indians of Argentina, now extinct, were unable to tolerate relocation from their native soil, dying off within weeks of their forced removal.” The fact that people start dying off when the must leave their “place” indicates how sacred it really is. People share a connection with the Earth whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. From the foods that we eat to the clothes that we wear, we cannot survive without the Earth. The strength varies, however, we depend on the Earth to survive.

Axiom #2 -Kristen Gladfelter

After reading Lane’s axioms, I started to think about the second one.. “A sacred place is ordinary place, ritually made extraordinary.” So what’s the definition of extraordinary? Something that moves people severely? Or possibly something that causes a vivid memory to surface? What ever the reason, people all over the world seem to have a sacred ritual that changes their vision of the ordinary. From bathing in the Ganges River, placing stones in a pile, to a pilgrimage to Mecca, the fact is, everyone’s idea of a sacred ritual is unique in order to change their view of the ordinary.

Paige Dwyer-Image and Pilgrimage (2)

Chapter one of Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture for me was the most intriguing chapter. It focused on pilgrimage as a liminoid phenomenon. Pilgrimages have had prominence in many major historical religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They are widely disputed because of their liminal and marginal phenomena of social process and cultural dynamics. Liminality is not only a transition but also potentiality, a "what may be" not just "what is going to be". This book is meant to further examine what we consider to be one characteristic type of liminality in cultures ideologically dominated by historical religions. An example of this liminality in society is in European societies, where life for the masses was based on economy and feudal political structures. Their religious life was also centralized and locally fixed. Christianity developed its own mode of liminality for the laity. A sacred site or holy shrine was located at some distance so that pilgrimages were performed. Jerusalem was one of the first locations where pilgrims joined those going to see the shrines dedicated to Peter and Paul in Rome. Many participate as a form of penance, others were fulfilling a promise to a saint whose intercession he once sought on his own behalf. Whatever the reason, pilgrimages were a prominent aspect in Christian life during this time.

Paige Dwyer-Image and Pilgrimage (1)

In Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture they give proper definitions for certain terms such as ritual, symbol, liminality, communitas, structure and flow. Ritual is a formal behavior prescribed for occasions not given over to technological routine that have reference to beliefs in mystical beings or power. Prior to reading this description of a ritual, I would have said that it is a ceremony that is a performed in memory of someone or something. A symbol according to Turner, is distinguished from a sign by both the multiplicity of its meanings and the nature of its signification. There is some kind of likeness between the thing signified and its meaning. My idea of a symbol is simply a representation for something else. Liminality was a new term to me that means the state and process of mid-transition in a rite of passage. Liminars are betwixt and between. The threshold of a door can be an example of something liminal. It isn't quite inside nor outside. Communitas is a term used for hikers on a trail such as the Appalachian Trail. it is a relational quality of full unmediated communication between definite and determinate identities. The term is closely related to community; however, they are two very different things. The term community, or structure, has attributes in association with the following: state, partiality, heterogeneity, inequality, distinctions of rank, complexity and avoidance of pain and suffering. Flow is the merging of action and awareness, the crucial component of enjoyment. We can easily relate to this idea in activities such as intently playing an instrument, playing a sport or taking an exam. It requires total concentration and immersion, without any room to focus on anything other than the task at hand.

Paige Dwyer-Landscapes of the Sacred (3)

A few weeks ago our class discussion was based off Lane's chapter, "Mythic Landscapes: The Ordinary as Mask of the Holy". He explores the idea that God's glory and majesty cannot be pursued directly and always remains hidden. There are "masks" of the Holy in the American landscape, both in its ritual and urban forms. The purpose of the mask is to reveal and to conceal certain aspects of the divine. The notion of the mask appropriately refers to the mystery of the divine. The mask is never able to consume the holy but yet it can never be known apart. We are meant to seek God's glory not but sight but rather by our hearts. Some try desperately to grasp heaven; therefore, inevitably look beyond everything without truly seeing it for what it is. The mask is merely a test to see if we can see the holy in and through the mask. We can apply this concept to our own personal lives. We all put on masks depending on the circumstances, people surrounding us or the setting. At school we have a mask which may be different from the one we have at home. It is not that we are pretending to be something we are not, but rather concealing some of personal identities that are not meant to be revealed. This notion has widely been used in our ancient history and is drawn out by artists and storytellers. Native Americans, Puritans and others have also used this approach to explain the world. Their environments offer some measure of correspondence to the alternative world of the sacred.

Kayla Delaguila: Outside Reading

I recently finished reading this book called Empire’s Workshop by Greg Grandin. It was a book all about America’s attempt to ‘own’ Latin America… in mostly an economic sense really. This book shows the truth behind a lot of the American foreign policy decisions and opened my eyes to an entirely new governmental world. In reading this I can very clearly see the swing that American journalism and the American education system puts on things. I feel like many American’s see America as the best country in the world, that we can do no wrong. This comes from years of being fed a nationalistic view of the world. It is fine to have pride in your country, I am just as proud as the next American. But it is wrong to blindly follow. I feel like often as a public we take news and foreign policy at face value, we do not delve deeper into the decisions the government makes. This book was written from the Latin American point of view. America has poked its nose into things that have nothing to do with us. Such as drug problems in Latin America, that’s all we ever hear about in the news, another drug war ignited in Latin America. It is a large issue, but it’s not an issue that The United States needs to send troops down for. Then there is the issue of America involved in the jungles of Brazil, tearing down trees for their corporations and leaving Latin America with a naked terrain. That is a whole other issue though really…The US is trying to run the show in Latin America so that when it comes time for trading we can say that Latin America owes us. Again, this seems to have a twinge of me riding on my high horse, that America isn’t good enough. In contrast, I have great respect for America, it has taken on the role of ‘big brother’ to the nations, but it’s something we have to control as to not become to inflated in our egos.

*edit* wow... speaking of Latin American Drug Issues, today in class Dr. Redick discussed Mexican drug cartels, what are the chances? This would be a mistake on Latin America's side, this is why America thinks it has the right to get entirely too involved in Latin American affairs... becuase they bring the drugs into the states. I guess I never thought about the direct envolvement of them here. I'm still frustrated with foreign policy and how things are delt with, but fine, I will accept the other side of things.

Kayla Delaguila- Outside Reading

I have been reading the book Lame Deer Seeker of Visions by John Fire (Lame Deer). It is such an amazing book; in fact, reading this book is part of the reason I decided to write my research paper on Vision Quests. The book focuses mainly on Lame Deer’s vision quest and what exactly he went through. This is remarkable to find in a book because there are very few books that discuss what people actually go through on Vision Quests. Actually, there are very few books on the Quest itself since it is such an individual thing; often it is hard to explain to other people. I had heard my family talk about their experiences on the quest for years, and this book does such a great job of really bringing it to life. Lame Deer spends some time talking about how lonely he got while he was out there. How he felt like everyone he loved had just left him out there to die. I found an easy comparison to life here. I feel like we all have times that we feel alone, and like everyone that loves us have left us. On a vision quest you are really just forced to face that feeling head-on. In facing it though, as Lame Deer and others have seen, you become a stronger individual. Someone who maybe does not need a constant support system. Although, I think we can all agree it is nice to have a net to fall back on. That raises a question though. When people claim to be powerful, independent people, how true is that realistically? Is there anyone that you know that truly never asks a friend for advice, or maybe simply for a hug? In my opinion, humans are social creatures; we rely on each other to make it through our lives. I claim to be a strong, independent person, but I know that in reality, I need certain people in my life to help me through.

*edit* In class on Tuesday Dr. Redick talked about the indian named Ishy in California. I think this fits indirectly well with my topic of humans being social creatures. Ishy was alone for years and then went crazy. He was a strong man too, he survived being hunted better then anyone else in his tribe did. If this doesn't prove my everybody needs a friend theory then I don't know what will.

Image and Pilgrimage - Peter Ikeda

In Turner's book Image and Pilgrimage, he discusses the idea of flow and how flow is the "holistic sensation present when we act with total involvement, a state in which action follows action..." (254). Flow "is experienced in play and sport, in artistic performance and religious ritual" because they incorporate the person's full being in order to fulfill the action. Turner uses the example of an actor for flow to describe this complete immersion in an action. He states that "while an actor may be aware of what he is doing, he cannot be aware that he is aware, or the flow will be interrupted," (254). Flow is only fulfilled when the person is absolutely immersed in what they are doing which is why performing or high energy sports are events in which flow is exemplified. This idea reminds me of whenever I perform. I've been singing for as long as I can remember and performing on a stage since kindergarten. Choir has always been a part of my life and it's come naturally to me. Whenever I get on stage, especially during my show choir years of high school, my 'normal self' would melt away into the character of each song, dancing and singing across the stage, soaking up the spotlight. It's super cheesy but I definitely believe that I experience flow whenever I go onstage to perform. I literally stop worrying about what notes to sing, what dance move is coming up next and simply do it. Once the lights come on and the curtain goes up I lose myself in the action of performing and it isn't until the thunder of applause ripples in the audience that I become aware of what had happened before.

Image and Pilgrimage (1)- Jamie Englert

In Turners Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture, he says that “Pilgrimage provides a carefully structured, highly valued route to a liminal world where the ideal is felt to be real, where the tainted social persona may be cleansed and renewed” (30). Pilgrimage can be a means to healing and putting the past behind us. In class we talked about how several people hike the AT to start fresh and be relieved from the burdens they’ve been carrying. I think people going on pilgrimages and having to the chance to experience how life should be can really rewarding. They are able to be free from things that are holding them back. Turner states that it does not matter what position a person holds in the social hierarchy, all humans experience their guilt, sins and diseases in the same way. However, this “liminal world” freezes time in a sense, and gives the opportunity for restoration throughout the journey.
Pilgrimages are often made to well-known holy sites; these have been considered “holy” perhaps because of the reputation they hold on what has occurred there in the past. A pilgrimage to one of these places may give someone a sense that they are closer to God because they believe they have been purified in his direct presence. I’m not sure if I agree with this entirely because I do not think that God can be contained in one place. But I do agree that in a pilgrimage or powerful experience, it is easier to recognize the authority of God because you are separated from the mundane, routine way of life in society. At a sacred place you are more conscious of where you are and open to the effects of renewal.

Landscapes of the Sacred-Will Geiger

One of the things that struck me in particular in our reading was the idea that "all human perception of landscape is relentlessly interactive."(pg. 53, Lane) A couple classes ago, we discussed the economy of the environment, agreeing that everything in the circle of life was connected in some way. Lane indicates that the landscape is affording us as humans certain things such as a knee high ledge of rock as a bench, or a stone lying flat on the ground that provides a safe haven for numerous smaller animals. It could have ended up there after being used as a projectile against an enemy, or after providing someone with a temporary foothold before being jarred out. It's important, in interacting with the natural environment, to be aware of these types of instances. When one realizes that a place has it's own identity and can see the details of its natural economy, then one can experience intersubjectivity, the state of reciprocal perception between man and nature.

Nature Experience - Erin Comerford

After being introduced to our Noland Trail walk as a class, we were given the opportunity to explore on our own and really see what this place had to offer for us as we walked. So I went and walked around for a little bit with two other people. We were being observant of the different things around us and pointing out things to each other that we may not have noticed on our own. But then we got to a stopping point and we each chose to sit down in our own space and have some quiet time to just reflect. I chose to sit down on an old tree stump and look out at Lake Maury. When I first sat down, I had a song stuck in my head. The one line that kept coming up was "This is the promise I've made, I will be with you always". This is part of a song called Safe by Phil Wickham. I was thinking about how true this statement is, that God will be with you always. He really is, because he is in everything, everywhere. I can see him in the way that the leaves fall, in the stillness of the water in the lake, in the intricacies of tree next to me, and in the intricacies of who I am. Any time I spend out in nature, I can't help but be thankful to the one who has created every part of it. To me, this is God's way of connecting all of his creation, both humans and the environment. A lot of times, people forget that we are all a part of this world, not just the humans, but also all of the animals and plants and even the smallest of organisms too, we all contribute to each other. When Lane talks about understanding sacred place and says that sacred place can be tred upon without being entered, I can't help but enter it every time because we are all technically a part of it. I do understand though that you must be in the right mindset to enter the place because (as mentioned in my last post) your mind can be clouded even when you are in nature for you to be able to receive it. Once you can uncloud yourself though, I feel that you can't help but enter into the beauty that nature has to offer!

Noland Trail- Erin Comerford

I was a little hesitant about this walk. As I was on my way to meet everyone for the walk, I was thinking that isn't it kind of funny that we are being forced into a spiritual experience with nature by going on this walk when nature has to choose you in order to experience the sacredness of that place. My doubts were clouding my mind and not allowing me to be open to whatever this place may have to share with me. As we began, my doubt continued because the very first thing I saw was a dead fish in the middle of the field - not very nature-like to me. Another thing that was clouding my openness to the place was all of the mosquitoes! There were so many out that day. I think I went home with about 10-15 really big bug bites. I even killed one right on my notebook and the blood from the mosquito is still there to prove it. Despite all of this cloudiness in my mind and doubts, I was able to enjoy the time we spent there. While Redick was showing us around and getting us started, he was pointing out things that I wouldn't have necessarily caught if I were just walking on my own such as: the mutual relationship between the vines and the trees, the English Ivy, the Devil's Walking Stick, the pungent smell of the Russian Thistle, and the effects of nature such as hurricane Isabel. I appreciated the guidance that he offered. It wasn't until he let us go though that I was able to truly begin my own experience. By the time he had let us explore, I was ready - all my doubts had subsided a bit and I was getting used to the mosquitoes because I was starting to be aware of my surroundings more rather than focusing solely on me, myself and I.

Taylor Quinn Reflection: Image and Pilgrimage 11/29/10

Flow is the merging of action and awareness. It is a mental state, a holistic sensation, where the entire individual is being involved and enjoying the experience and reaches success. The person who is in a state of flow has clear goals, high concentration, no self-consciousness, distortion of time, immediate feedback, balance between ability and challenge level, sense of personal control, feeling of being rewarded, no awareness of bodily needs, and awareness is narrowed to activity. People often experience flow while they are playing a sport, acting in a performance, or doing a religious ritual.

I have often experienced being in a state of flow while I have been playing sports. While playing basketball I was able at times to be in the zone, where everything went perfectly, I couldn’t miss a shot. I was in total control of my body. I simply just played without any effort. There were times when I saw the game play out in slow motion. I experienced flow in the martial arts. After numerous times of repeatedly practicing a form to the point where you are soaked from the sweat of your body you are able to enter into a state where you no longer think about the next move in your form. You simply flow through it. Every stance and move is powerful, swift, tight, and solid. When I spar other people I am able at times to be in a state of flow. You get to a point where you no longer think you just react. You know what move your opponent is going to throw at you before he does it. Your opponent is unable to hit you and you are able to see every window he gives you for attack. Your are fluid and are easily able to win because you have already won in your mind. You have already defeated them mentally.

Image and Pilgrimage...Flow- Mary Ragan

A while ago we talked about flow in class which is written about and explained in Turner's book. Sometimes I feel like I get this concept of of total involvement and "being in the zone." It seems simple when relating it to things like sports. But Turner describes it more in depth and as a holistic sensation involving more than just the five senses, using emotions and thoughts. I like when it says that you can't be aware that you're aware of what you're doing. Going further than relating flow to plays or sports, the book relates it to religious rituals such as reciting prayers and in chanting groups which results in being able to shut out the mundane world and really focus. This makes a lot of sense to me, including doing things like singing worship songs as you really get caught in it and just focus in on what you're doing or saying. There is such a sense of enjoyment and you get caught in a kind of high. These things contain many of the 9 factors like being intrinsically rewarding, concentration, and a distorted sense of time. Flow is "the crucial component of enjoyment" where there is "no apparent need for conscious intervention on our part"(p. 254).

Meghan Herrity- Visit to the Nolan Trail

After visiting the Nolan Trail for the first time since attending Christopher Newport, I truly see why the trail is so frequently visited. While on the trail we introduced to many plant names and heard many stories of how these wild things got there name. One particular story that caught my attention was the story of how the plant devil's walking stick got its name. It got its name for the reference to the sharp and spiny stems, which can symbolize the devil. Since being shown this plant I have seen it in various places of landscape. We were also shown other plant life such as golden rod, wild berries, and different trees.

Though the real nature experience began once we had left the class. A few of my classmates and I, decided to hike the rest of the trail. While hiking we ventured off the trail and explored the beauty of the nature trail. The trail was vivid with the color of changing deciduous trees and other plants. Through paving our own path we truly explored the trail in a way that no one else had and I feel in love with the trail. Since visiting for the first time, I have returned numerous times. As we have explained in class, each time I revisit I experience the same feelings that I did with my classmates that day, thus being the reason I have revisited.

Landscapes of the Sacred Reflection 3- Jamie Englert

In Lane’s Landscapes of the Sacred, he takes a chapter to focus solely on spiritual themes among various Native American tribes. The fifth and final theme he examines is the act of silence as a key way to encounter the presence of God. He makes sure to differentiate between what we perceive as silence as and how the Native Americans view it. He states, “silence is by no means the stark ‘emptiness’ that modern communications media may seem to suggest” (91). This task of being silent is something that has to be learned and “only the one actively attuned to silence, so as discern its meanings, is likely to hear what is said in the middle of the night” (91). Being silent allows a person to submerge into stillness without the distractions of conversation or ranting.
Similarly, in the Bible, God speaks to Job and instructs him to do the same. “Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak” (Job 33:31). Job had been ranting for a while on his displeasure in being alive in his condition but was never quiet long enough to hear what God had to say in response. This is comparable to the theme that is found in the Native American tribes. Especially in today’s culture of hustle and bustle, very few have time to be alone and reflect. Routines, schedules and to-do lists all interfere. I think it is meant to be an acquired skill of slowing down your day and being in that moment in midst of the chaos.