Swanson Transformative Sojourning
November 6, 2018
[Topic of Choice]
In class we discussed the transformation from aesthetic tourist to religious sojourner, which begins when a person takes the step from the image of place, and become emerged in the place - entering it. When first experiencing a place, its image is aesthetically pleasing, but when a person embarks on a long-distance hike this image is recreated through a new lens.
Long distance hikes separate individuals from their known landscapes and create new landscapes for them to recognize. This shift from tourist to visitor, that occurs when one begins a journey rather than sightseeing, is marked by that persons' recognition of being a guest in an other's environment. This realization, along with the communitas that one encounters, results in a changed view of nature itself; as not only being aesthetically pleasing like with domesticated wildernesses and scenic views, but also imposing an innate human response to the wilderness.
This happening stimulates individuals to recognize nature as a release, and a healing place, but also as a spiritual extension of God.
After class I was curious whether its better to be an inhabitant of nature or a frequent sojourner during long distance hikes. Dr. Redick expressed the importance of recognizing the sublime as a part of nature, but said that it's not necessary to experience it indefinitely because that leads to a fade of the sublime spirit of a place. Due to the conventionality of our modern, non-indigenous lives, it's ideal to take lessons learned and religious encounters on the AT, and other long distance trails, and build upon our everyday encounters with nature and our personal worlds, changing our experience of life.
[Topic of Choice]
In class we discussed the transformation from aesthetic tourist to religious sojourner, which begins when a person takes the step from the image of place, and become emerged in the place - entering it. When first experiencing a place, its image is aesthetically pleasing, but when a person embarks on a long-distance hike this image is recreated through a new lens.
Long distance hikes separate individuals from their known landscapes and create new landscapes for them to recognize. This shift from tourist to visitor, that occurs when one begins a journey rather than sightseeing, is marked by that persons' recognition of being a guest in an other's environment. This realization, along with the communitas that one encounters, results in a changed view of nature itself; as not only being aesthetically pleasing like with domesticated wildernesses and scenic views, but also imposing an innate human response to the wilderness.
This happening stimulates individuals to recognize nature as a release, and a healing place, but also as a spiritual extension of God.
After class I was curious whether its better to be an inhabitant of nature or a frequent sojourner during long distance hikes. Dr. Redick expressed the importance of recognizing the sublime as a part of nature, but said that it's not necessary to experience it indefinitely because that leads to a fade of the sublime spirit of a place. Due to the conventionality of our modern, non-indigenous lives, it's ideal to take lessons learned and religious encounters on the AT, and other long distance trails, and build upon our everyday encounters with nature and our personal worlds, changing our experience of life.
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