As a class we ventured to the
sculpted and cultivated Botanic garden. We settled into a grass clearing that was
primped and pruned to our liking. A tree aged by time reached both towards the
sky and possessed a branch that encircled around a quarter of the group. The readings we discussed was Chapters 1 and 2
of the Wilderness and the American Mind and
pages 168-205 of Nature Writing. We
discussed the history of how nature and the wild was feared and likened to Satan
by the primitive man who feared what he could not control. The wilderness was
dominated by man with fire, domestication, and cultivation. As we discussed the
history of humans’ relationship to nature I thought of my own relation to
nature. Much of my own understanding of nature is from the man made and kept
gardens such as the one I was in. To me places such as the Botanic Gardens are
full of beauty and cause me to step outside of myself and truly think, but is
this truly nature? I, like the pioneers of early America, fear the unknown. I
feel at peace and comforted in the nature environments that are controlled by
society, but if I were to be thrust into the untamed wilderness untouched by man’s
hand I do not believe I would feel the same comfort. Nature is such an elusive
term to define for “One man’s wilderness may be another’s roadside picnic
ground” (Nash 1).
During
class we also discussed the idea of the Bible shaping ideas of the wilderness.
Wilderness is described as both a refuge and a place of punishment. I believe
this is an accurate depiction of nature. Nature has the potential to be a safe
haven and a place to purify one’s life. However, nature is unpredictable at its
core and can cause great devastation. I do see a great connection between God
and His creation. I find that I can most tangibly feel God’s presence when I am
truly out in His creation. It causes me to think to the world as something
greater then myself, and to be in harmony with this beautiful gift God has
given us.
While
sitting on the grass of the Botanic Garden I wondered if it is wrong to have
places such as this in a city. I then quickly rectified this question by thinking
of the importance of a slice of nature in the midst of the city. The city holds
a fast pace that leads many to stress and frustration. Although the Botanic
Garden may not be wilderness it possesses the essence of nature and causes its
visitors to take a step back and slow down. It is strikingly discordant to the
surrounding landscape of highways and buildings.
As
a class we also discussed a compilation of journal entries from Meriwether
Lewis. I was enamored by the descriptions he told of the land and waters he
encountered. Mere words seem to fail me more often than not, yet he so clearly
showcased me the untouched American wilderness through his pen and paper. His
journal entries summarized the reading from the Wilderness and the American Mind. Lewis not only spoke of the
beauty of the untouched nature, but also the danger. The danger was showcased
in his vivid description of being chased by a bear. In those moments he was no
longer in control. He was at the mercy of the unknown and powerful forces of
the wilderness. The wilderness is unpredictable. This idea is outlined in the
fact that once Lewis entered the water the bear turned around in fear. This
seems to be a highly unusual occurrence to me, but it describes an important
theme of the wilderness. The wilderness is vast and unpredictable.
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