“Spirituality in Nature”

Have you ever described yourself as “spiritual but not religious”? Do you think the best way to experience a sense of the sacred is by getting outside and communing with nature?

You are not alone. A recent large survey of Americans found that “almost half of Americans (45%) found being outdoors or in nature to be the most spiritually fulfilling activities, followed by prayer (42%) and giving to charity (28%).” To drill down a little more, when asked “Which of the following activities do you personally find the most spiritually fulfilling?” the answer “being outdoors” was number one for Catholics, mainline Protestants (like Episcopalians), those who affiliate with another, non-Christian religion, and those who consider themselves not religious at all—leading the authors of the survey to conclude that “Outdoor activity is the common ground for spiritual fulfillment.”

This survey was conducted by the Ipsos research group on behalf of the Episcopal Church, which like many religious institutions is struggling to find new ways of reaching people in a world that mistrusts organized religion.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Davis (640 Hawthorn Lane, behind the “Trader Joe’s” shopping center) was already offering activities and worship services outdoors before this survey came out last year. In part this was a response to the pandemic lockdown and in part it was because it just fit with the culture of the parish and the community.

“We have a beautiful church campus, with a redwood-lined walking path and an outdoor labyrinth that is open 24/7,” said the Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan, rector of the church. “People from all around the neighborhood walk their dogs here or use the labyrinth on their own time and for their own reasons. We love that! You don’t have to believe anything or join anything to enjoy this space. We see it as a gift that we want to share with others.”

In that same spirit, and in order to explore the intersection of spirituality, environmentalism, and the health benefits of being outdoors, St. Martin’s is offering a monthly Spirituality in Nature Gathering, usually on the second Saturday of the month. The location and theme will change from month to month, and details will be available on their website: www.churchofstmartin.org.

This Saturday, January 14, members of the church will gather for a 60-minute walk around the Wildhorse trail. Participants will meet at Duchamp Park (2620 Duchamp St, Davis, CA 95618) at 10 am, have a brief orientation, and then get walking at their own pace. Attendees who wish to do so will head to a nearby coffee shop after for a conversation about the spiritual lessons found in challenging winter weather. The SiNG (Spirituality in Nature Gathering) event will be “rain or shine.” Anyone who is concerned about accessibility or would like more information, is asked to contact St. Martin’s at (530)756-0444 or email info@churchofstmartin.org.

Rev. Dolan said this is an open invitation and nobody should worry that there are strings attached if they show up. “I want to be clear that all of our outdoor activities these are intended to be joyful experiments in answering God’s call to care for one another and all creation, not reactive marketing ploys. You don’t have to be a Christian, a tree hugger, or anything else in particular to participate. Just give it a try and see what happens.”