Wandering in nature is perhaps the most essential soul craft practice for contemporary Westerners who have wandered so far from nature…. The Wanderer allows plenty of time to roam in wild nature, and roam alone. Maybe you start out on a trail, but if the landscape allows, it won’t be long before you wander off the beaten track. Because you are stalking a surprise, you attend to the world of hunches and feelings and images as much as you do to the landscape. 

… You will get good at wandering, good at allowing your initial agenda to fall away as you pick up new tracks, scents, and possibilities. You will smile softly to yourself over the months and years of wanderings as you notice how you have changed, how you have slowed down inside.

Through your wanderings, you cultivate a sensibility of wonder and surprise, rekindling the innocence that got buried in your adolescent rush to become somebody in particular. Now you seek to become nobody for a while, to disappear into the woods so that the person you really are might find you. 

And so, I encourage each of you: Go to a place in nature where you can walk freely and alone.

… Let the land, plants, and creatures lead your feet and eyes. Let yourself be drawn, rather than walking with a destination or purpose in mind. If you are called to a particular place or thing, stop and be still, letting yourself be known and know, through silent communication with the Other. Before you leave, offer some gesture or token of gratitude for the gift nature has given you. — Bill Plotkin

Opening reflection chosen by Amy W. and read by Nancy L.

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God is even in the unexpected… a pine tree in the shape of a live oak and a cactus among the low country brush. Surprise! 

Photos and reflection by Mary S.

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When we let our bodies and minds wander,  pleasant and unexpected places and thoughts can be found. May we feel the presence of God as we find our way home.

Photos and reflection by Denise P.

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Early in my walk I found myself drawn to the “wild edge” of the park… the mystery of it… I stood for awhile and breathed it all in… the dense and untamed growth, the sweet songs of many birds celebrating this beautiful day… 

Towards the end of my walk, I noticed this sign and was reminded that as humans we need to tread very lightly in nature and wild places… we need to be stewards of this magnificent planet Earth. 

Delicate beauty and wonder amidst the natural landscape… 

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.