Wilderness Prayer

Mindfulness is camping in the wilderness, rising at dawn, and listening to nature wake up around you as you cook breakfast over a fire.

Prayer is a conversation we have with the mountains and rivers, with ravens and coyotes. We share our thoughts and feelings, and as we listen to the Other, our perceptions about ourselves and the world change and deepen. As we watch the lives of nature, we grow in compassion for all creatures.

Awareness is an adventure because on the trail we don’t know what we will encounter around the next bend. There could be a mother bear with her cubs, a mountain lion, or the trail may open to a stunning view over a river canyon.

The insights of contemplation come like a cool breeze on a hot day when we’re hiking up the steep ridge behind North Dome.

Awe is feeling the Creator walk by in storm that roars and bashes the valley walls with lightning and thunder.

As we hike into unknown territory, we trust the Spirit of nature to guide us to where we need to go. We travel with holy intention on a search that may take years, but being mindful is not the answer. 

Mindfulness is a journey, and compassion is our companion along the way.

Prayer is being aware of the beauty of a single pine seedling rising through the humus on the ground.

Gratefulness is watching the alpenglow on white granite mountains fade and stars appear that travel overhead, and feeling connected to them on their pilgrimage through the depths of the Great Cosmos.