Monday, March 9

Listening in Nature- Sacred Wander 

A reflection from Scott Hardin-Nieri

Invite yourself to be open hearted while walking or resting. 

Wander around outside silently, perhaps on your church property, neighborhood or in the woods or near a creek. If you  are unable to be outside, try to be someplace where you can see nature (a window or door).  Set a designated time for this or let yourself have all the space you need.  This is not designed to have a predicted outcome- it is a  way of listening to God, self, nature, and community.  

Sacred Wander  

While in nature, notice what shimmers to you, draws your attention. (a tree, a creek, cars passing by,  an insect…) 

Allow yourself to focus on that one main character, element, creature, or aspect of nature for a while. 

Sacred Wonder 

Allow yourself to look at what has drawn you.  

Listen.   Watch. 

What do you notice? 

What are your reactions to what you are experiencing? 

What is troubling about what you notice? 

What is beautiful about what you are noticing? 

Sacred Response 

Draw or write what you see. 

Describe what you hear, see, feel. 

Notice any connections in your experience in nature and your daily life. What could this experience tell you about the Spirit of God?  

What does it reveal to you about yourself? 

Is there an invitation here? 

If your main character, creature (tree, cloud, creek…) could offer you a message in a language you could understand, what message could you imagine it offering you?  What message might it have for your community or humanity?

If alone.  

Once your designated time is up, offer gratitude to God for this space and time-consider expressing  your experience through journaling, talking to a trusted friend or creating art.  

If in a group. 

When the bell/chime rings please return to the group in silence until the group is invited to begin to share. It may be helpful to use some of the art supplies to express your experience (you will not have  to share anything you do not wish to). Sharing in groups of 3 for 5-6 minutes allows for ample time for people to listen and share stories. Then after all have had a chance to speak the facilitator may ask for brief responses to be spoken into the larger group.  

Listening is the prevailing spirit of this time of prayer.  

This is not problem solving or discussion time.