I (Erika) cannot count the number of times that people have told me how close they feel to God when they are in nature. On a purely pragmatic level, spending time in nature does remove us from our daily cares and our “normal” environment (unless, of course, we are so lucky as to work outdoors!). On a spiritual level, being in nature can reconnect us with the rest of God’s good creation and remind us that humans are not the center of the universe. In addition to these, spending time in nature can reduce cortisol levels by up to 50%, boost immunity and help reduce depression. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” (simply spending time in the forest atmosphere) is perhaps one of these “common sense” practices that Western science is finally beginning to recognize. The experience of breathing in the smell of the trees, the earth, being immersed in a world that is at once peaceful yet teeming with life… this encounter instills in us a sense of awe. Awe is not just something that we experience when surrounded by what is loud or flashy—it is rather feeling our smalless in the face of the immensity of creation. It reminds us of our rightful place in the universe, that we are but one member of the body of Christ. Awe is not an optional, decorative element of spirituality, but an essential. It helps us to be connected to God and to one another – in mind, body and soul. Here are some suggestions for local awe-evoking sylvan encounters:
Here are some suggestions for local awe-evoking sylvan encounters:
Erika grew up in Kansas, USA. Trained in music at Prague and Emory University, she earned a Master of Divinity (Yale, 2007) and then a PhD in the history of Christianity (Boston, 2016). After serving in seven Methodist parishes in the United States, she was pastor of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Lausanne (2015-2022), before helping to create Village Mosaïque.
