THIS IS THE LAST BLOG ON THE VARIETIES OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE -

ENDING OFF WITH NATURE

We have covered the various forms of inner practice over the last several blogs including; 
Mind Meditative - Active or Passive 
Body Meditative - Active or Passive (might include Reiki or massage etc.) 
Breath or Prana 
Sound
Sensory based meditations such as gazing at a candle, using incense, drumming, dancing... 
Spirit Guide practice e.g. offerings, rituals etc. 
 Active forms that include art, writing or playing an instrument.

 Nature.

There is nothing wrong in having more than one practice especially for the Western mind that is so active and gets bored easily. Why not have a core practice but also use others that appeal to one rather than just doing the same meditation each time because of "tradition"? This is especially true for some folks who have difficulty with "sitting" like me. It is better to do a little bit of something inner directed than nothing at all.

For those interested in Wilderness Rapture there is more info. at www.davidcumes.com including a summary pdf of the book Inner Passages Outer Journeys which speaks to using nature as spiritual practice or if you like the "yoga of wild places." 

There are also two music driven, video sensory meditations.

Click on the links to highlight then view and play. 

Fire and Water

http://davidcumes.com/videos_7.html

Earth and Sky

http://davidcumes.com/videos_6.html

The Ancestors

For those interested here are some principles that have been extracted from my site regarding being "Inward Bound."

 The closer we can get to Gaia by emulating the hunter-gather archetype as much as possible, the more powerful the effect. Moreover, the greater the likelihood of rapturous experiences and tuning into nature's mystery.

When immersed in nature, and having as little between one and the wilderness as possible the following affects are commonly realized.

Being or feeling more like one’s true Self. An appreciation of awe, oneness, wonder, transcendence or peak experiences (Maslow.) Humility and a realization that any control one thinks one has over nature is an illusion. Becoming more pleasant and affable with oneself and fellow trekkers. A connection with and a sense of comfort in wilderness. A sense of renewal, and aliveness, feeling less cluttered, more mindful and focused. An appreciation of alone time. Release from bad habits or even addictions.

Before one ventures into the wild outdoors there may be a sense of uneasiness which creates the need for much preparation. There is often a sense of duality. Luther Standing Bear said; 

“It was only when the white man came that wilderness existed.” 

To the Native American there was no such duality. We, however, often feel that we are “here” and wilderness is out “there.” Finally, we enter and imperceptibly become part of nature and a sense of oneness and harmony supervenes.

The experience of "WIlderness Rapture" also may cause a “re-entry depression,” 

which can be considered a manifestation of how potent the inner effect of the journey has been. Many participants experience a sense of loss when they return home. Paradoxically this depression occurs in the face of a demonstrable restorative effect. The re-entry depression seems to be a result of having been in an altered state of consciousness and upon the return there is a dramatic shift as one is propelled back into a normal state of awareness. The severity of the depression is directly related to the inner effect of the journey coupled with the resignation that one must now return to the frustrations of ordinary life. Often the harder the home and work circumstances, the greater the depression. The seeker understands that s/he has been meditated by the power of the Creator's masterpiece. Fortunately the depression is reactive and usually only lasts about three weeks. Intensifying one's spiritual practice on return helps, as does keeping busy.

If we analyze the mystical effect of the wilderness we see these reflect some of the principles of ancient wisdom - such as; being in the present moment, unconditional positive regard for one another, suspending judgment of fellow travelers, coming closer to one’s true sense of Self and being less egocentric and more humble. The ultimate goal of these philosophies is to leave the duality of everyday existence behind and reaching a more profound state of "oneness." It is easy to appreciate a sense of the interconnectedness with all beings - still, growing, wild and talking when one has been out in nature for some time. When we allow ego to subordinate to the real Self in nature “Wilderness Rapture” often occurs. 

The following principles should be kept in mind to facilitate the  journey along with an inner intention.

An attempt should be made to keep as little between one and the wild as is feasible, bearing in mind safety and comfort. The closer we get to the Earth Mother, the more powerful the healing. Nature being feminine can help us embrace the intuitive and creative aspects of ourselves. Endurance or survival-type experiences and time restraints are best avoided with careful planning. If one is a neophyte in nature it is wise to go with a like minded, more skilled group who can support any insecurities one may have.

In addition in summary;

Click on the link to highlight then play

Indigenous_Voices_-_MP3s/05_Bushman_Bush_Mantra.mp3

Those that are interested in the phenomenal Bushman out of body Trance Dance and their chanting which facilitates the trance can also check out the short video link below. This experience is testament to the power or nature and their intimacy with Her. The Bushman do not use any mind-altering plants - only rattles around the dancers' ankles with the unique clapping and chanting of the clan!

http://davidcumes.com/videos_5.html

NATURE  
THE LAST OF THE BLOGS ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Dave Cumes (Inner Passages Outer Journeys)

Because of the multiples polarities Nature and more especially wild places are rooms with many doors and windows to spirit that can facilitate an active form of sensory meditation.  The Buddha confirmed that spiritual transformation was about finding the middle way - the balancing of polarities and the forces around us - light and dark, positive and negative. 

 Nature has all of these; sun and moon, hot and cold, hungry and satisfied, thirsty and quenched,  invigorated and exhausted, terrified and tranquil.

And

The Ancestors

It is in the balancing of these forces that the magic exists.

Nature can meditate us by its sounds, sights, sunsets, sunrises, smells and rhythms of the moon cycles and seasons. Its with these and the "mantra" of the bush that we can entrain ourselves to the language of Gaia. 

However, many of us use nature as a platform for working out, excitement or performing; jogging, cycling, windsurfing, canyoneering, rock climbing, kite sailing etc. Although this can be stress busting and will sometimes lead to transcendent experiences this is more easily found with an inner intention - preferably alone or in silence. 

Even our language often has a militaristic or a macho tone to it. We bag peaks, run rivers, master our skills and conquer mountains... 

Connecting with the Earth Mother by default must be more of a feminine, intuitive experience.

A Oneness Experience occurs when 

The Knower, The Known and the process of Knowing

fuse into one thing - so called Unity Consciousness which could also be described as Maslow's Peak Experience or even as a mini-Samadhi. For instance this mystical encounter with Yosemite Valley described by Bunnell, one of the first non-natives to have ever seen it.

These experiences are common in nature.

Anyone interested in the concept of Wilderness Rapture and using nature as spiritual practice can download the summary pdf of Inner Passages Outer Journeys from my web site (now out of print) or borrow it from our office or even find it on Amazon. Nature is a powerful catalyst for spiritual transformation if entered with inner intent. My experience is that by going into wild places and being "Inward Bound" transcendent experiences are common - the longer one is out there the better - five days is ideal.

 We can also find the "Magic of the Ordinary" in nature that is all around us, walking on the beach, in a park or gardening but done 

for its own sake 

and not to look good or achieve anything at all.

This rapture is...

The Ancestors

It certainly helps to have awesome vistas

The Ancestors

Nature is the Creator's masterpiece and it is easy to find harmony, peace and equanimity in the Garden of Eden archetype.

Wilderness an amazing template for change.

So for the more adventurous among you; a backpacking experience, a cabin in the woods or anything that allows as little between you and nature or wilderness as possible is likely to have the greatest impact even if not necessarily being the most comfortable.

Click to highlight and the play

_-_MP3s/01_Waters.mp3

ACTIVE MEDITATIONS ARE VERY MUCH ENDORSED BY THE ANCESTORS 
BUT WITH THE USE OF THE SENSES

The Ancestors 

Anything sensory goes with this type of meditation; reading poetry, eating a piece of chocolate and being in the moment with the taste or watching a lighted candle or a fire and maybe while listening to an inwardly directed musical vibration of your choice.

The Ancestors

 Equanimity can be ongoing in our day to day lives if we recognize the Creator in everything and are able to see the "Magic of the  Ordinary." We can have awe, reverence, gratitude and joy for the smallest things such as a spiders web or the structure in a leaf.

In other words an exquisite awareness is also a form of active meditation bound more to the sensory (often in nature) rather than the "noticing" in Vipassana or Mindfulness meditation which is also active.

There are also active physical inner practices such as Chi Gong, Yoga etc. but the focus is on the activity and not contemplation.

"Active meditation animates and intensifies inner thoughts to help concentration, reflection and contemplation. It engages metal faculties to a directed focus."
The Ancestors

Imagination is a form of active meditation and the songs below describe the qualities and benefits.

In the words of the Ancestors.

"We must conjour our thought with care both carefully and care-ingly.

Imagination allows the vision. Intent sustains its potential. Acting with trust manifest it. To think like God is to imagine. As you think it so it can be. As you imagine it also it can be. As you believe it so it will be! Imagination greatly affects our lives."

Poetic license had been used in order to fit their words to their song. The original prose is more beautiful but the tune makes up for it.

Click on the link to highlight then play

_-_MP3s/13_Imagination.mp3

"You create your reality. You are as you imagine and believe yourself to be. 

Soul's intention is empowered with imagination. Whatever the heart yearns can be imagined. It is only for the will to activate. Imagination allows the vision. Intent sustains its potential. Acting with trust and surrender actualizes with faith, belief and love. Words and imaging are essential for the subconscious to act and are most effective around sleep. Imagination is dormant unless activated by love (feeling.) Intent is made real by imagining in detail. What is not imagined cannot be fulfilled. 

Soul imaging is best heard with the senses."

≈

Click on the link to highlight then play

_-_MP3s/07_Imaging.mp3

 SOUND AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

The vibration of the music is key. Music can be used for light of dark purpose. Soldiers have walked into battle to kill or be killed under the influence of a particular vibration of music. Other genres of music such as heavy metal and Rap can be violent. 
Sacred sound may reflect an essence of the so called
Music of the Spheres and also the Celtic Oran Mor - the sacred tune of the universe.
We will say more about this in a future blog regarding nature as meditative practice and especially in Africa - the mantra of the bush.

The Ancestors

The Ancestors teach that sensory driven inner practices can be extremely powerful - "the way to God is through the senses."

Sound can be a powerful form of meditation such as chanting the Ohm or sacred mantras. The words carry more power to the sound. Music enhances guided imagery and other forms of imaginary contemplations or imaginations used to achieve an objective, especially healing. Chanting in the form of a mantra or something simple and repetitive is more powerful than songs with lyrics which can divert our meditative focus. 
Research has shown that guided imagery of one's gymnastic routine is almost as effective as the physical practice in obtaining results and may be a way of assisting the athlete in getting into the "zone" - a meditative and profoundly functional state during performance. 

David the Psalmist once sang;

"from the sound of my sighing has my essence (my soul) cleaved onto my flesh (my body.)"

(No doubt his psalms were also sung rather than spoken.)

The Ancestors

With inner practice body and soul can be at one with one another - "... from the sound of my sighing ..."
The soul is pure and with "sex, drugs and rock and roll''  or the irresponsible immersion in sentient pleasures the soul separates from the body. If this is ongoing it causes soul sickness or worse still even soul loss. The soul which is pure and made in the image of the Divine - checks out and "leaves." Sacred sound is a way of bringing the soul back into one's body. This can be a horn (the shofar is especially piercing and shattering), a didgeridoo, Tibetan and crystal bowls, gongs, chanting, rattling, singing, drumming, whatever, as long as the intention is to connect with spirit and the vibration of the sound suits that intention.

The Ancestors


Click on the links to highlight and then play to see if these Chassidic chant vibrations suits you. Ohm and other Eastern chants can be sampled on line. Each of us to our own. You may prefer classical music or Gregorian chants.

_MP3s/16_Tzahal_Hashem.mp3

-_MP3s/13_Kodoshim_Tihiyu_-_Holiness.mp3