Connecting with God in Nature

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Comment by Matt Henry on November 6, 2009 at 8:29pm

Sky, yes, an interesting question. I think it's a quote/idea that is well loved by educators ;) , which makes sense. I think that experiences do teach us if we are open to them, which requires some deliberate intent. My day job is filled with tragedies of people who seem to not learn the obvious from countless repeated experiences. In most cases, I think it's a deficit in the education of how to learn, of how to let experience be your teacher.

Maybe it sticks with me well because it sounds good on a t-shirt.

Comment by Helen Shultz-Kamadulski on November 6, 2009 at 8:23pm

Yes an understanding that goes well beyond what our "minds" get, down into that deeper knowing. As for understanding only what we've been taught...I like the idea that the Universe is always teaching...but are we always paying attention and learning? And then there is just being too, the time and place for just being and being with...

Thanks for sharing your musings Sky.

Comment by Sky McCain on November 6, 2009 at 8:13pm

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love.
We will love only what we understand.
We will understand only what we are taught."
-Baba Dioum.

Very interesting. I mostly agree with the first two sentences, especilly the first one. The second sentence, yes as long as understanding is something deeper than just what our thinking function can know. Understanding should encompass that which we know intuitively, for want of a better set of words to describe other ways of knowing.

However, the last sentence, I have a problem with. Thankfully, we can learn without being taught, unless one classes each present moment's experiences as teachings. I personally separate that which I know from being taught and that which I learn from from my experience. Of course, I learn both ways. Experience is a teacher, but somewhere there is just being. I find this difficult to explain.

Comment by Helen Shultz-Kamadulski on November 6, 2009 at 8:08pm

Our seasons out here in Western, WA are definitely on the move. Pretty big wind and rainstorm tonite, 1-2 feet of snow forecast for the mountains. Leaves changing color, swirling in the wind and scuttling across the ground before pasting themselves to others that have already completed the journey and are forming a wet blanket of ground cover. I miss the drama of midwest thunderstorms but enjoy the different type of drama our weather here provides.

Stocking up on batteries, candles, matches and firewood is officially called for.

Comment by Matt Henry on November 6, 2009 at 7:51pm

Mary, my little patch of the planet is only having one experience these past few days: rain. Soon to flood...

Comment by Matt Henry on November 6, 2009 at 7:50pm

I know that I've read a few expressions that suggest that we are the Universe's arrival at self-knowledge. Maybe Brian Swimme or Thomas Berry? I think it's a question that can only be approached by poets and artists at this point. I don't think we can wait for the sciences of consciousness to get certain about it.... might be too late.

And to add another quote beyond SJG's advice for us to love:

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love.
We will love only what we understand.
We will understand only what we are taught."
-Baba Dioum.

....which circles back around of course to what you've added yourself, Sky, saying that we need for humanity to be taught about Gaia.

Comment by Sky McCain on November 6, 2009 at 6:56pm

Here is an interesting quote which echos my thoughts recently.

“We cannot win this battle to save species and environments without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well – for we will not fight to save what we do not love.” Stephen Jay Gould

Wouldn't it make a big difference if people were taught that Gaia is a living, intelligent, lovable being?

Are there separate consciousnesses or could it be that we are the expression of the consciousness of Gaia?

Can any support be found for the question above?

Comment by Mary Ellen Latela on November 6, 2009 at 10:48am

Anyone notice the changing seasons? I am sensing that this is an inactive community. Helen? Matt?

Comment by Mary Ellen Latela on November 1, 2009 at 2:57pm

When I visited cousins in Southern Italy, I was moved by the startling blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, and I thought - God is like this. I will find my pictures. Mary Ellen

Comment by Helen Shultz-Kamadulski on October 15, 2009 at 3:15pm

Welcome back Sharon WNC-Bluebird. I've kind of assumed the moderator role. However, if at any time you would like to take that role on again, just let me know.

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