The headline on yesterday's edition of the Seattle Times reads, "Sorry, but summer is almost outta here" -- a message about the approach of fall-like temperatures to the part of our country that lies west of the Cascade mountains.  While you may or may not feel that "summer is almost outta here," the article serves as a reminder that there's no time like the present to be outside, drinking in the grandeur and intricacies of God's creation (which, of course, includes the "creation" that is our very own lives).  Our souls need to drink, breathe, see, smell, and touch the God is who so present through creation; and God's broader creation desperately needs those who can fall in love with its grandeur and intricacies time and again.

Do-It-Yourself, Outdoor Reflections
For groups small & large

 

Would you like to plan a meaningful hike with friends?  Does your faith community have times of prayer outside?  Are you part of a church outdoor group?  If you've answered "yes" to any of these, then here are a few ideas for helping to facilitate a reflective, prayerful time in the out-of-doors; whether your group is taking an "urban hike," wandering your church's grounds, visiting a farm, hiking in a forest, strolling along a shoreline, walking through a SuperFund site or brownfield, setting off for a group kayak/canoe paddle, etc.:

• Before heading out, consider perusing resources like Nature Stations (below) and Joseph Cornell's Listening to Nature or With Beauty Before Me.  
• When everyone has reached your chosen outdoor spot, gather in a circle and welcome each other and the Holy Spirit.  Explain that you are all about to enter into a time of silent reflection -- a time that's "book-ended" with opening and closing, spoken reflections. 
• Begin your time together with a simple prayer and/or reading(s) (like the one above from St. Bonaventure, from Scripture, and/or from another creation-caring voice) that encourages everyone to open their senses to the Holy that upholds all creation. 
• Welcome your group's time of silence and then walk/paddle/etc. with open senses throughout the outdoor place in which you find yourselves.  Walk in silence for 5 minutes, an hour, or as long as you feel comfortable (consider "pushing" your comfort level -- you may be surprised by the results).  You may even want to plan for a time when each person can venture off in silence for a brief "solo"/alone time with God and creation (you can introduce this in your opening circle). 
• Reconvene as a group in a circle (perhaps at your original gathering place).
• Gently draw the silence to a close by inviting everyone to offer one word (literally, one word) that comes to their hearts/minds from the preceding time of silence.
• As the Spirit moves your group, conclude this time of sharing with an "Amen," a song/hymn, another reading, a prayer, or something else that seems to bless the moment.     

Nature Stations, A Meditative Walk
By Margaret Schmidt and B. J. Schlachter

From IHM* Publications' web site:

"The new IHM Nature Stations booklet, [is] a gem of education, reflection, poetry, images and ritual....  The beautiful, 30-page, four-color booklet is an invitation to spend time with the wonder, beauty and vulnerability of creation. Nature Stations, A Meditative Walk, links the universe story, Earth story, our Christian belief story and our personal stories to nurture an awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation with God, Source of all Being.

 

"Written by B. J. Schlachter, IHM Associate, and Margaret (Peggy) Schmidt, IHM, each of the nine nature stations includes a descriptive text, a poem by an IHM, an image, reflection questions and simple rituals. The authors say, 'We believe nature can heal us, transform us, and connect us more deeply with God as Holy Mystery. Today, planetary survival challenges us as humans to change and make sacrifices for the good of the whole Earth community. God's kin-dom of love, justice, and peace -- as taught and lived by Jesus -- requires us to respect and to protect all of creation. Being a living memory of Jesus challenges us to be lovers of all creation.'

 

"Enter into this challenge by taking a meditative walk with Nature Stations, $7.  Order safely online by credit card. If you wish to purchase booklets by check, please call 734-240-9838, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST."

 

 

Footnote

*IHM stands for "Immaculate Heart of Mary" and refers to the "Sisters and Servants" of this creation-caring ministry based in Monroe, MI.  To learn more about IHM's sustainable community please click here; you may also wish to view a brief news video -- "Nuns Go Green."