Question: What are some ways I can integrate the outdoors and nature with my spiritual life. Any suggestions? Love the outdoors  

Dear Love the outdoors, 

To deepen your spiritual development through nature, engage in activities like meditation or prayer outdoors, hiking and reflecting, or simply spending quiet time observing nature. Deepening your appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings and finding stillness in nature can foster a greater sense of peace and spiritual growth:

Here’s a few ideas:

1. Make Nature a Priority. Schedule regular time: Just like any other important activity, make time to be in nature a non-negotiable part of your routine. Even short periods can be beneficial. 
Find what resonates with you: Explore different ways to connect with nature – whether it’s hiking, gardening, simply sitting by a tree or observing wildlife. 
Consider your environment: Even if you live in a city, you can find pockets of nature like parks, gardens or even indoor plants to nurture your connection. 
2. Engage Your Senses and Mind. Mindful observation: Pay close attention to the details of nature – the colors, textures, sounds and smells. Notice the subtle changes happening around you. 
Meditation and prayer: Find a peaceful spot in nature and use it as a setting for your spiritual practice. The sounds and sights of nature can enhance your experience. 
Reflection and journaling: Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings while immersed in nature. Journaling can help you process your experiences and insights. 
3. Embrace the Lessons of Nature. Find stillness: Nature often reveals its wisdom in stillness. Observe the calm lake, the quiet forest and learn to cultivate that inner stillness within yourself. 
Appreciate interconnectedness: Recognize that everything in nature is interconnected. This understanding can foster a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the environment. Accept change and impermanence: Nature is constantly changing. This can help you embrace the natural cycles of life and find acceptance in the face of change. 
4. Cultivate Gratitude and Respect. Express gratitude: Take time to appreciate the beauty and abundance of nature. A simple thank you to the trees, the earth or the sky can be a powerful practice. 
Protect and preserve: Develop a sense of responsibility towards the natural world. Learn about environmental issues and take steps to protect nature in your community. 
Find joy in simplicity: Nature often offers simple pleasures. Learn to find joy in the small things and appreciate the beauty of the everyday. 
By making nature a part of your spiritual practice, you can deepen your connection with yourself, the world around you, and the divine. 

Rev. Guy Leemhuis, Vicar
St. Luke’s of the Mountains