I recall hearing a Native American elder's simple, yet profound description of the difference between his culture's relationship with nature compared to the Western world's: "We walk IN the woods, while the white man walks THROUGH the woods.
" On first impression, the distinction may not seem significant, but upon further contemplation, a major difference in perspective begins to emerge.
A better understanding and appreciation of this difference, I believe, could benefit us all.
My interpretation of this contrast in perspectives has to do with "connection".
Indigenous cultures the world over emphasize the importance of connection, or a sense of oneness, with nature.
When one feels a part of nature, becomes inseparable from it, the result is walking "in the woods".
When nature is experienced as simply a resource, either for economic or recreation purposes, the sense of separation is reinforced, and the result is walking "through the woods".
The question we may ask ourselves then is, how can I determine the way I "walk", and is it really the way I think? Contrasting Ways of Experiencing Nature Indigenous people often claim that elements of nature speak to them.
The trees, rocks, wind and animals all have voices and will speak to those who will listen.
In fact, this is the primary means of personal enlightenment in the vision quest ceremony of some Native American cultures.
In this ceremony, the individual seeking a vision, or enlightenment, secludes himself in an isolated natural setting and waits for guidance.
If the quest is successful, the guidance is received by way of an animal or some other aspect of nature that "speaks" to the seeker.
Often, the quest entails several days of isolated sitting, waiting and listening.
The key points here are the recognition that nature is the source, or the vehicle through which deeper understanding can be realized, and the need to adopt a receptive, listening attitude in order to receive this understanding.
In contrast, Western man's relationship with nature is typically very action-oriented.
Even our recreational pursuits like backpacking, canoeing, hiking, etc.
, involve fairly rigorous forms of physical activity.
It seems we are always in motion, seeking fulfillment and even relaxation by "doing" something in nature rather than by simply "being" in nature.
And, quite often we are sharing these activities with family, friends, or a significant other.
Rarely do we find an opportunity, or seek an opportunity to be quietly alone in nature.
The result is often an enjoyable time, but inevitably just a superficial experience of what nature truly has to offer.
Connecting by Listening Our failure to connect with nature on a deeper, more meaningful basis is not usually intentional, and often we are not even aware of it.
We may truly love the outdoors and the time we spend in it, regardless of our chosen activity.
We may even regard ourselves as true environmentalists, supporting organizations and causes that help protect and defend the environment.
The stumbling block to a deeper appreciation of nature lies in our belief that we must DO something while we're outdoors, instead of an awareness that we must ALLOW nature to do something within us.
And what is it exactly, that we must allow to happen within us? Basically, we must first learn to be still, to become receptive and recognize that nature has a voice that will speak to us, if we will listen.
And we need to learn to listen with humility and with our entire being, not simply with our physical senses or intellect.
If we can empty ourselves of our preconceptions of what we think nature is and what our place in it is, we cleanse and prepare ourselves to receive a new understanding, which will come to us gently, quietly and naturally.
And when we hear this voice and receive its meaning, we will know that we are walking in a new way, no longer THROUGH the woods, but IN the woods.