TRS3340 Virginia Commonwealth Wisdom of Wilderness Nature and Spirituality Paper

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zwonol

Humanities

TRS3340

Virginia Commonwealth University

Description

Nature and Spirituality Paper: Wisdom of the Wilderness, Due MONDAY 9/30

As with all work in this class, do not respond to the prompts for the paper outright. But within the course of writing the content.

The outline is similar to our first paper. Remember, it is an essay so keep the tone/voice personal. Just a warning too - one pitfall some make is writing a book report rather than an essay, so focus on the issues brought out for you in the reading,rather than describing what is in the book.

The Template ( Please read the directions as you go - and yes, you do need to use the headings!):

Intro and thesis

As always, introduce what you will discuss in your paper with 2-3 sentence in your own voice, and end with a thesis that says "I think......, because...." [Note the comma before the word because is required] Yes, you absolutely need a "because...." clause. This sets up your analysis, and is a sharing of your reasoning.

Your thesis can be on the "power of the slowing" concept, or nature and healing, or simply what you learned from the book.

My experience

Yes, do talk about your experience interacting with nature, and telling whole stories is a good idea. But make sure to compare this with what you read in Wisdom of the Wilderness, to show how you relate/don't relate to the power of the slowing/nature and spirituality. You may add some quotes to do so, but in this section talk more on your experience. This section should be at least 2 long paragraphs/ 1 page.

Analysis

Start paragraphs in this section with a personal claim that relates to your thesis "because...." clause. Then talk about specifics of the book, the metaphors used, and what you though significant points. Do quote to support yourself, and go in depth into the issues. But don't review the book; examine issues. (Keep telling yourself "this is an essay, not a book report). Aim for at least 3 paragraphs/ 1.5 pages. Each paragraph in the section needs a claim, quotes, reasoning and personal examples.

Conclusion Sum up your paper, and re-state your thesis in a new way, given what you discussed. This is no place to quote; use your own words to end the paper.

Bibliography

Include the Wisdom of the Wilderness, but also any other sources you found helpful for writing the paper.

The template is meant to help you think through issues raised in reading this book, improve critical writing skills, and clarify expectations.

Sample papers are available in Writing Specifics.


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Reflective Essay 2: Wisdom of Wilderness 2/9/2018 TRS 3340 - 701 Introduction Spending time in nature engages all the senses and allows one to fully observe the surroundings without judgement. It allows one to appreciate everything around and brings a state of calm to the body and the mind. Whether it’s walking or hiking, gardening or fishing, nature has positive effects on the brain. The elements of nature bring a positive energy to the body and uplift the spirit. Sometimes the raw power of nature is just what our body needs to heal itself from the inside out. I believe nature has the power to heal, because exposure to nature brings the body and mind into a state of calm. My Experience In Gerald G. May’s book, The Wisdom of Wilderness, he writes about “the call” of the wilderness he experienced during his mid-life after suffering losses and being under stress. As he’s on his way into the foothills, May writes, “I notice my mind shifting from thoughts about things left undone to excitement and wonder about what I’m getting into.” (May, 1). Being a military wife, a full-time nurse, and a mother to three small children I have felt great stress, anxiety, and feeling loss of control. A hiking trail near my home runs alongside a creek; this trail provides a significant healing power and sense of spirituality for me. During difficult times, I walk alone alongside the creek. The fresh air, sound of running water, and the sun beating down provide that same shifting of thoughts from things left undone to excitement and wonder as May describes. I leave the trail in a calmer state of mind and body. On camping trips, my family disconnects from electronics and stops looking at the clock. The weekend commences with no agenda or itinerary. We wake up with the sunrise and our daily activities depend on what Mother Nature has in store for us. We eat only when we are hungry, and we relish quality time to enjoy each other’s company. Being out in the elements of nature all day not only calms the mind and the body but provides a spiritual experience that is quite difficult to describe. This experience to me is what May would describe as “the Power of the Slowing.” This presence, “the Power of the Slowing,” May stated “seemed to beckon, guide, teach, heal, and show me very deeply who I am.” (May, xxiii). I agree with this statement from the book as I leave each camping trip feeling a stronger sense of self and connectedness to my family. I quite literally interpret this as a “call” to “slow down” and take the time to appreciate my surroundings and just live in the moment. It is truly powerful to feel the presence come over you and feel so connected to the earth and to yourself or your loved ones. My Analysis. As an adult, I have found new appreciation for the wilderness and what it has to offer. Many lessons to learn and many opportunities to rediscover my true self like May states in his preface, “The inner wilderness is the untamed truth of who you really are.” (May, xx). When I am out walking along the creek, seemingly alone, I know that I am never alone. My worries disappear, and I am transported to a calming state of mind. I have found this power also helps ward off depression, migraines and body aches. It’s quite difficult to describe how nature heals us, but as May states “…we must allow ourselves to be healed. And we must allow the rest of Nature to help us.” (May, 170). I have also noticed in my children how powerful and healing nature can be. After staying home with my son for a couple of days due to flu like symptoms, I bundled him up and took him for a walk outside in the woods. When we returned home, he was lively, ate his entire dinner, and slept the whole night through. He woke up the next morning energized and feeling back to normal. The Wisdom of Wilderness is a collection of May’s experiences outdoors that healed him from the inside out and surfaced his untamed nature. I have felt this same revelation, and for me, one of the statements May uses to support my thesis is that “…we cannot do this healing for ourselves…the healing came through Nature itself.” (May xxii). Nature has an amazing way of calming our mind and bodies, as supported by May’s statement, “I have no notion of being perceptive or alert, but the depth of my relaxation has made me very open, receptive to everything.” (May, 19). Conclusion Nature engages all of the senses. It “calls” one to slow down and just be present in the moment (the Power of the Slowing). It is then that nature can be allowed to come in and provide healing, leaving the body and mind in a state of calmness. My thesis, that nature has the power to heal by bringing the body and mind to a state of calm, holds true in these statements and descriptions. Word Count: 864 Bibliography May, Gerald G. The Wisdom of Wilderness: Experiencing the Healing Power of Nature. New York: HarperOne, 2007. Print.
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Explanation & Answer

Attached.

Outline
Introduction
Nature can be defined as the healer of all illnesses and depression, and the giver of spiritual
healing.
Body
In The Wisdom of Wilderness by Gerald G May, he states his experience in nature and the
connection he felt with the outside world, which promoted healing and peace upon him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as may states, "we must allow ourselves to be healed. And we must allow the rest
of nature to help us" (May, 170)," I believe that granting nature the power it needs fuels the
journey towards healing.


Course title
Student name
Institution affiliation

2
Healing Power of Nature
Introduction
Nature can be defined as the healer of all illnesses and depression, and the giver of
spiritual healing. Spending time in the wilderness allows one to connect with the environment
and their inner self, which is always hidden beneath other senses. Nature awakens the senses that
allow spiritual building and in return, promote a sense of internal peace. In the presence of
Mother Nature, one thinks not about the challenges or negative issues around them; rather one
admires the beauty and the peace brought upon them which allows the mind to wander off to a
peaceful and quiet location. I believe that nature promotes s...


Anonymous
Awesome! Perfect study aid.

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