HEALTHY CHANGES:
4 Steps Towards Overall Health
Step 1:
Understanding Your "Total Health"
Step 2:
Make the Commitment
Step 3:
Assessment & Goals
Step 4:
ACTION TOOL RESOURCE CENTER
Mental/Emotional
Health
Social
Health
Spiritual
Health
Physical
Health
Step 4: RESOURCE TOOL CENTER
Spiritual Health: Nature and Spirituality
If you ask many people “When do you feel closest to the transcendent (or your definition of God)?” they will often answer “in nature.” Whether they belong to one of the traditional religions, another new or ancient spiritual path, or are agnostic or even atheist, it’s rare to find a person who hasn’t experienced a deeply moving and pleasurable sense of oneness with something awesomely larger than themselves just through looking at the stars on a clear night… hiking in the woods in the snow… riding a horse… or planting seeds.
But what does this “ecospirituality” have to do with ecotherapy? Can the ecstatic and transcendent aspects of nature-connection heal the psyche?
This has certainly been my experience. The stresses and pains of living as unnaturally as we do in Western culture can melt away when we reconnect with creation on a deep level. Some folks worry that this is “worshipping nature” but others feel that appreciating the blessings and the life all around us in the universe only honors the ultimate Source.
http://thoughtoffering.blogs.com/ice_seeds/2005/02/naturebased_spi.html
Desert Fathers
The importance of a personal contact with nature was felt in early Christianity by the so called Desert Fathers.
"The retreat in the desert opened the way for visitors to restore to their lives the harmony between spirit, heart and mind. In the desert they could undertake an inner journey and reconnect with the inner natural and godly sparks inspired by the surrounding nature."
http://www.encounterofworldviews.org/en/resources
Getting Back To Nature
Most of us can recall at least one time in our lives that we felt a special spiritual connection to God while in nature. The beauty that God surrounds us with is inspiring! Unfortunately, we tend to get caught up in our routines in life, going from the comfort of our homes to our offices to our schools and to our churches, sometimes never noticing the beauty in between.
Take the time to stop and appreciate the beauty and grandeur around you, and incorporate the wonder of nature into your spiritual life. Rediscover how you felt the first time an amazing sunset made you catch your breath, and once again thank God for the gift!
INSPIRATION CORNER
