Posted by Brian Sorgatz at 7:19 AM
Shantra left this comment at December 11, 2007 10:07 AM
Brian,
You and I could not be farther apart on this. Nature is magical. Sex is magical. Sex in nature? Super magical.
Shantra left this comment at December 11, 2007 11:22 AM
After my "snapshot" answer, I'd like to provide something a bit more elaborate. First, I’d like to ask, respectfully: How much time have you spent away from city life? When I go camping, hiking or even on a casual picnic in a beautiful outdoor location, the surrounding energy is so much calmer that what I normally experience, and so I become uncharacteristically calm. I feel good, insightful, and closely connected with God. (Note that because I believe God is love and lies within each of us, this is not unusual, but being in nature makes it easier to recognize). My mind slows down. I am able to breathe deeply. I’m able to see confusing situations with new eyes and gain profound insights.
On top of all that, I usually get loads of exercise, which feels great; try spending an entire day on a challenging 15-mile hike on one of the fabulous trails at Mt. Lassen. It's wonderful! You rarely pass another soul, you see all kinds of rock formations and plant life and animal life and lakes and streams and wildflowers. You push yourself physically, so you get this huge release of endorphins (natural drugs?) and are able to sleep amazingly soundly. Before bed, if it’s a clear night, the stars are incredible. Miraculous, I’d say. I have wonderful childhood memories of camping with my father, sitting and staring up at the stars and contemplating our tiny little place in this vast universe and coming up with all kinds of philosophical questions. These memories are among the best in my entire life.
In fact, given the current confusing decisions I am faced with, if I can pull the money together and find something good and outdoorsy to do soon (not camping in this weather, though -- I'm not a snow camper), I plan to do it. Ideally, I’d like to stay in a B & B or an inn close to the majestic beauty of nature. Pt. Reyes, perhaps. Contemplation around the New Year is an annual ritual for me that brings a great sense of optimism, and nature is the best place for me to do it.
To conclude, if you haven't really experienced nature, give it a chance. If you know it's not for you, then of course there's no need to do so.
Your tree-hugging, lake-diving, hiking until the burn feels unbearable and then passes, quiet camping (as opposed to partying camping, which has its place but isn't my favored style) friend,
Shantra
left this comment at December 12, 2007 4:37 AM
The real reason why middle-class people go camping:
First of May
Not safe for work, but if you are reading Reflections on Playboy at work, I want your job.
Additional warning: contains MMORPG geekiness
Talk Soon!
Mark J.
Brian Sorgatz left this comment at December 12, 2007 8:57 AM
Mark,
LOL It doesn’t change my mind about camping, but it’s funny to watch those video game characters have sex.
Shantra left this comment at December 12, 2007 10:44 PM
Mark,
I guess you want my job then! ;-)
left this comment at December 16, 2007 6:10 PM
Brian,
I think you are absolutely correct to stay at home and lock your door as tightly as possible. Those of us who need to tune in to fundamental Earth rhythms away from parasitic synthetic ones to recharge for life from time to time also need techno you to stay the hell away from us while we do so. If you are ever inclined to consider taking on the challenge of nature-conquest by bringing the city rhythms with you in your Winnebago condo-on-wheels, remember how sweet life is behind your windowless front door. Conquest doesn't get any better than that. On the other hand, should Shantra's thoughful appeal to your nascent self ever take root in your soul, our tent zippers will be open to you. Namaste. -Bill
Brian Sorgatz left this comment at December 17, 2007 9:37 AM
Shantra, Bill,
If fasting and self-flagellation can be spiritual for some people, then so can spending a weekend living like a refugee, I suppose.
left this comment at December 19, 2007 4:27 AM
Shantra,
I don't think that I would ever have one percent of the patience to ever do your job. You do amazing work though. We can all learn from you in that way.
Talk Soon,
Mark J.
left this comment at December 19, 2007 5:08 AM
Brian,
I don't know if you have read E.O. Wilson's book Biophilia. However, it might illuminate the question you posed here..
Steven Pinker introduced a talk did with E.O. Wilson here saying that "Wilson has also called attention to the deep human need to be surrounded by other living things and has made it a key argument for preserving the diversity of life in the face of today's massive human-caused extinctions." And Pinker also advanced Wilson's Biophilia hypothesis in his book How the Mind Work.
I am somewhat of a skeptic when it comes to their arguments on this topic, but it might be helpful to look at it from a nonspiritual perspective.
Later,
Mark J.
Shantra Harmony left this comment at December 22, 2007 4:02 PM
Hey, Mark, thanks for the compliment. It means a lot to me. :-)
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Shantra left this comment at December 11, 2007 10:07 AM
left this comment at December 12, 2007 4:37 AM