This is where it all comes together – right? Nope, it’ a work in progress – or I could say that my spiritual practice is constantly evolving. Some concluding thoughts:
I am as eclectic as ever. I am in awe of all the life forms and spirits that contribute to agriculture (& life) on our farm. I wish I could more actively communicate with the plants and spirits – mostly, I try to listen. When the weather feels unfriendly, it is challenging. I find it difficult to feel in synch with spirit when instead of experiencing abundance from nature, we have to fight for what we get.
Spirituality: when I came to the communities movement in the late 1970s, the word “spiritual” was not a welcome word. We were still rebelling against religion and to us, spiritual described groups that had an exalted or charismatic leader (eg ashrams). We were egalitarian and distrusted leaders of any kind; however, I have always been drawn to spiritual experiences – I gradually reclaimed that word for myself and declared myself to be spiritual – but not religious.
Wu-wu – a word/concept some folks use to refer to some of the ideas I am expressing here. In my experience, people use it to refer to: the spirit/non physical world, issues they feel uncomfortable with and/or can’t be proved. It is often used dismissively as in “that’s too wuwu for me”. I am actually proud of my wuwu-ness. Simply put, I’d rather not limit myself to the physical realm – some of my greatest experiences are in the wuwu field. I welcome more wuwu in my life.
With reference to where I started this topic: re spirit in agriculture or spirits out there – I note that currently most of my activity relates to spirit/energy in farming – I am less active in trying to contact nature spirits.
February 9, 2011 at 7:45 pm |
How do you really ever know it is a wuwu that is going on – I wonder how one really connects with their wuwuness- silence, meditation, being in nature or just being for the moment- wuwu
February 14, 2011 at 9:16 pm |
good point – seems like it’s an individual thing. sounds like you are experiencing it.
February 10, 2011 at 7:53 am |
I weave wheat into corn dollies & other straw art. Over 3000 years ago, the first farmers believed that the grain in the field had a spirit. When harvested, the last shock of wheat was woven into a design. They believed that the spirit went into that last shock. The farmers would bring that piece woven from that last shock into their homes to keep safe & warm throughout the winter. In the Spring, the piece would be broken up and would be the first seeds planted in the field, to return the spirit. If that spirit was treated well & kept happy thorough the winter then it would bless the farmer with a bountiful harvest. If that legend has lasted for 3000 years, then spirituality in agriculture (& life) must have some merit. So keep trying, keep listen, and I am sure that Spirit will hear, and maybe answer you, if in some small way. Bright Blessings!
February 14, 2011 at 9:14 pm |
That’s a beautiful story – thanks for sharing that. That is exactly the kind of ritual that feels meaningful.
blessings to you, stan
February 14, 2011 at 9:05 pm |
IMHOTEP (Wisdom to You!) BRTHR,
i appreciate your candor and concerns.
keep living, keep Aware, keep writing… never stop asking questions–
the foundations of Our beliefs are ever quicksand, no?
NARMER
(Think with a Unified brain and Mind!),
TOdd
February 14, 2011 at 9:12 pm |
thanx! and the same to you!
February 14, 2011 at 9:55 pm |
I wish I was ewxperiencing things like deep spirituallity but have not- I do however find reading books by Bede Griffiths a benedictine monk who lived in India a source of some warmth at times.
February 15, 2011 at 5:01 am |
I was given a book to read called “Confessions of a Pagan Nun” by Kate Horsley. It is a translation from the actual nun’s journal that was found I think in Ireland, or Wales. She was also a Healer & Midwife. Was beautiful, and made me look at certain things from a different view point. She was also born before Christianity came to either areas. That is some point of view… I think that you might like it. If I can, I will bring it with me in July, if you want to wait that long.
February 15, 2011 at 1:48 pm |
thanks for the comment and reference – I have heard of it but not read it. sure, bring it.
February 15, 2011 at 11:46 pm |
Ok, I will. Have to admit that the book is what inspired me to look more into Intentional Communities & to be closer to nature. I am now reading “Blessed Unrest” by Paul Hawken. I will be visiting DR in July, but if allowed I will take a walk to drop off the book. =)