My newsletter exists to spread the idea of a loving spirit to readers each Tuesday morning.
Each week, I find inspiration from secular and/or sacred texts and weave a personal essay aimed at revealing a loving spirit at work in the universe. Each post concludes with a prayer and self-enrichment journal prompts.
Reflection:
“Keep close to Nature's heart . . . and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” American Naturalist John Muir
My great grandfather had the biggest influence on my life for a variety of reasons. It is only in looking back that I realize how he planted the seeds of both faith and conservation in me. He was both an example for and a champion of my spiritual growth and my appreciation of nature.
Grandpa Ed often took me fishing from the pier or walking through the woods. Sometimes, he took me to the local salmon fishery and the pheasant hatchery. We would go to our community zoo, where he also served on its board. He had hunting and fishing accomplishments, too numerous to count in his 98 years on earth. He worked tirelessly to preserve the woods and waterways.
It is always easy for me to recognize the divine in nature, in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. In the greening of the Wisconsin fields. In the changing blues of Lake Michigan. In the canopy of forest on the Ice Age Trail. In the stillness of an inland lake. The peace I experience in these environments is cleansing for my spirit.
After taking a bath in nature, I am restored to my spiritual truth. The pulse of nature’s heart, which Muir speaks of, beats through me because of the walks I took as a girl holding the hand of a gentle old man.
I can grow deeper in my connection with the divine and honor the legacy of a man who taught me so much about appreciating the world around us by taking time to enjoy the view obstructed by mankind.
Each small act of environmental care, from volunteering for trail maintenance to supporting sustainable practices, is worth the effort. I invite you to nurture the natural world that nourishes our spirits and connects us to something greater than ourselves. As we do so, let us remember the lessons passed down by our elders and strive to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the earth for generations to come.
Prayer: Oh Holy One, thank You for the abundant blessings of the natural world. Allow my spirit to be cleansed with regular time in nature. Amen.
Journal prompts:
Take your notebook outside. Find a spot to be still and know you are surrounded by creation’s bounty. Write what surrounds you. How does paying attention to these aspects of nature make you feel?
Recall a memory of being in nature as a child? Who were you with or were you alone? Write the scene from the perspective of yourself as a youngster exploring nature.
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