The Native Americans, whose wisdom Thoreau admired, regarded the Earth itself as a sacred source of energy. To stretch out on it brought repose, to sit on the ground ensured greater wisdom in councils, to walk in contact with its gravity gave strength and endurance. The Earth was an inexhaustible well of strength: because it was the original Mother, the feeder, but also because it enclosed in its bosom all the dead ancestors. It was the element in which transmission took place. Thus, instead of stretching their hands skyward to implore the mercy of celestial divinities, American Indians preferred to walk barefoot on the Earth: The Lakota was a true Naturist – a lover of Nature.
Frédéric Gros
As winter approaches and the temperatures become colder, I spend less time in nature. It seems now that on dark predawn mornings warm blankets are a womb I reluctantly want to leave. Maybe it’s old age. Maybe it’s poor circulation. Maybe it’s attitude. Sometimes I tell myself it’s time for someone else to brave a cold morning with camera and tripod in nature. But, I know that my spiritual life includes time in nature so I will still brave those cold mornings and evenings for those divine moments with Mother Earth. I will walk in contact with her and walk in prayer!
4 Comments
Faye
Please wear your shoes and socks… at least until Spring. 😉
Monte Stevens
Not much of a problem there, Faye. I’m quite the wimp in the cold anymore.
Joe
I took the dog for a long walk in fresh snow yesterday. It was beautiful and we were the first to lay tracks on the trail. Yet, I’m not so motivated anymore to get up early and do that.
Monte Stevens
Early morning walks in the fresh snow is invigorating to say the least! Hope you have many more mornings like that with Buddy.