wellbeing and the outdoors
“The world is created as a means of God’s self-revelation so that, like a mirror or footprint, it might lead us to love and praise the Creator. We are created to read the book of creation so that we may know the Author of Life.”
Jesus frequently points us to nature in the New Testament. Nature in turns may then reflect back to us something of God and something of ourselves. God is not up there, to be brought down writes the apostle Paul but is near, here and now. In The way under our feet: a spirituality of walking Graham Usher observes, along with many others, 'In addition to learning who we are, walking, especially in nature, helps reduce unhealthy stress levels'.
We each have areas we have access to for a daily walk, or windows through which we may see nature (God's 'first book'). There are places on our doorsteps, in urban as well as rural areas, and also places further afield we may like to explore.
Click on the images above for a small selection of Scottish trails, spaces and crafted contemplative paths plus and reflections on biblical journeys. The quiet spaces will range from churchyards to installation sites, retreat centres to gardens and viewpoints. The trails will include river trails, hill trails, park trails, pilgrim routes, and established recognised walks. There are also sample crafted contemplative pathways together with general guidelines for what we might look for and do, wherever we are.
So with the aim to be practical and contemplative we will be starting a collection of actual trails and open, quiet spaces of various types in Scotland plus links to poems, questions and/or possible onward reading. These will be added to along the way and marked with a date to show if/when a downloadable A5 leaflet for the trail or space is available.
“God is present in creation and can be understood through creation; you’re in the sermon, the readings come from the Second Book of God”