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Nature as Spiritual Practice

Endless Wonder, Mindful Reflections: A Different Kind of Reading Group

2nd Wednesday each month Oct-Nov & Feb-May, 6:00 p.m.

Join author Dr. Steven Chase, Amanda Castonguay and Jodie Peschl as they facilitate this unique practice group based on readings from Nature as Spiritual Practice, an innovative text that shows in practical ways how delighting in the natural world can enhance spiritual life.

Primary Goals

  • Making Connections with Nature
  • Recognizing the Creator in the Created
  • Participating with Nature as Spiritual Practice
  • Reawakening Attention, Wonder, and Moral Response

Book Group Schedule

Wednesday, May 9th

 

Meeting location: New Science 150 (Natural History Museum) 6:00-7:30p.m.

 

All are invited whether present last month or not.

  • Following questions are appropriate to end with I think:
    • Two primary themes of Nature as Spiritual Practice are Attentiveness and Wonder. What do these mean to you and how have you practiced them in nature? What have been the results when you have practiced them?
    • Another primary theme is Reciprocal Attention. What lies behind that concept? Have you experienced this and if so where and how did you experience it?
    • We talked often of Nature as Solace and Spiritual Guide. Where do you find solace in nature? Why? How does nature help in discernment or spiritual guidance?
    • How is nature in prayer and how can we join nature's prayer?
    • There are many aspects of the Dark night of the Planet mentioned in the book. Which has the most impact on you? Which disturbs you the most? What can you do to bring light to this darkness?

About the author:

Steven Chase is a resident scholar at the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, Collegeville, Minnesota. Dr. Chase has taught seminary spirituality and theology for 20 years, has designed and facilitated numerous retreats, and has written extensively in the areas of contemplation and spiritual practice.

About the books:

nature as spiritual practice book coverNature as Spiritual Practice
"This innovative book shows in practical ways how delighting in the natural world can enhance Christian life. Steven Chase employs personal anecdotes, ancient wisdom, modern science, scriptural tie-ins, practical advice, and thought-provoking contemplative exercises to reclaim the role of nature in the formation of spiritual and moral identity."

 

field guide cover photoA Field Guide to Nature as Spiritual Practice
"According to Chase, this field guide "will get you into nature; it will encourage you to pay attention to details large and small; it will awaken curiosity; it will invite you to reacquaint yourself with wonder and astonishment and beauty in nature; it will lead you into wanderings, serendipitous experiences, surprises, perhaps even into getting lost..."

Registration

The book group is free, but you are responsible for purchasing the texts and registering to participate.