Wednesday, December 16, 2009

wilderness....




"The soul is full of wanderlust. When we suppress the longing to wander in the inner landscapes, something dies within us. The soul and spirit are wanderers; their place of origin and destination remain unknown; they are dedicated to the discovery of what is unknown and strange."
John O'Donohue, Eternal Echoes

Frightening, the inner wilderness...it's easier to stay within the confines of the flock and not venture beyond the wire fence..... to wander through wonder.  It's risky and full of unexplored territory.  It can tip you off balance, and leave you without the ability to read the map.   A kindred friend wrote this about seeking out the mystery which only a journey into the wilderness can offer.....  As always, he made me think in a smiling sort of way..... (and miss the thoughts and feelings he used to share on his blog....)

"It was John Muir, that patron saint of the great outdoors, who stated that, ‘in wilderness lies the hope of the world.’ And if we understand that everything within God’s creation is connected to everything else, then this isn’t some romantic vision, but a prophetic word providing a legacy for a deep spirituality available to us all.


The truth is that the great religions of the World have always been nourished in the Wilderness."

We are innate seekers, introspectively and outwardly.  Deep in our bones is the drive to explore, to seek out new horizons in an attempt to find answers, to challenge our sensibilities, to stretch beyond our boundaries, to broaden our visibility.  We are home bodies too..........in need of reassurance every now and then that we belong to a flock, especially during those times in our lives when our knees weaken from wavering confidence.

It seems to me that this time of year, our wandering needs heighten as we contemplate a deeper understanding of the connections we have with the wilderness around us and in us.  It's much easier to do when you know you have a "home" to return to.  It might be easier, but is it  necessary?
I used to belong to one ..... one with walls and a steeple, with a pulpit and pews.... with a bell that would ring the call of worship.  For now, I wander.  I'm in the wild, with a picture in my mind of what a new home would feel  and look like.  It's a good place for me to be.   And you know what?  I keep bumping into people I know. That certainly makes it easier and much more fun.

7 comments:

CorvusCorax12 said...

"For now, I wander. I'm in the wild"
that's where i'm stuck at the moment :)
I hope you have a wonderful day ♥

J Pearson said...

In need of a long walk; have been promising myself I would go find the wishing stone in Glaisdale woods, havn't been there for many years.

Savannah said...

I love the freedom you feel while wandering in the wilderness. It's a nice place to be.

kenju said...

I have always felt more close to Heaven in the wilderness than anywhere else.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes were wander because we already know where we've been.

awareness said...

Twain...I think the key is to keep wandering and you won't be stuck for long. :)

David....enjoy your walk...make a wish....can't wait to read about it.

Gypsy....it really is.

Kenju....your words have prompted a picture memory. A couple of years ago, my husband and I along with another couple snowshoed along a path into the woods one night. We ended up at the top of a small hill, which opened up onto a field. The night sky was FULL of stars. There wasn't a sound except for us. It felt like we were looking up at Heaven.

Jason...seeking is in our soul don't you think? We're nomads at heart. :)

Unknown said...

I am in the wild, too but I am not astray. I am still connected. Perhaps more connected than I was when I 'ran' with the flock.