What if our deepest spiritual experiences aren't found in churches or meditation halls, but in lonely wilderness and abandoned subway tunnels? In this week's episode, Rewilding the Soul, hosts Michael Ellick and Jeff Mansfield explore how their earliest encounters with the divine came through wandering in the woods, which later developed into seeking out the "in-between spaces" of disused urban landscapes. From a transformative 2,200-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail to trespass in the post-apocalyptic spaces of New York City, they reveal how conventional spiritual practices often try to recreate what wilderness and devastation free offer: direct contact with another world, hidden right next to our own. The conversation weaves together their experiences as ministers, meditation practitioners, and eternal seekers, examining the paradox of trying to cultivate through discipline what might be more readily available through surrender.
Episode Highlights
[00:01:21] The Challenge of Stabilizing Spiritual Experiences
Discussing the difficulty of integrating profound spiritual or mystical encounters into everyday life without losing their intensity or succumbing to overwhelm.
[00:06:44] Early Spiritual Practices in Nature
Jeff recounts childhood experiences in the woods and how exploring nature became his first spiritual practice.
[00:15:29] The Appalachian Trail: A Transformative Journey
Jeff shares the story of his 2,200-mile hike and its profound impact on his sense of simplicity, mindfulness, and joy.
[00:22:39] Post-Apocalyptic Spaces in Urban Landscapes
Michael reflects on exploring abandoned places in New York City as a way to reconnect with the sacred in the midst of urban life.
[00:26:49] Apocalypse as Revelation
Exploring the idea of apocalypse as a revelatory experience that disrupts and rewilds our perceptions of life and spirituality.
[00:36:25] The Paradox of Practice
The hosts dive into the challenges of spiritual practice, particularly the tension between structured discipline and the spontaneity of direct encounter.
[00:45:47] Active Imagination and Spirit Guides
Jeff discusses using active imagination, inspired by Carl Jung’s The Red Book, to engage with inner symbols and spirit guides.
[00:54:43] Meditation as Access to the Sacred
Michael describes his journey with meditation, blending Christian and Buddhist influences to create a bridge to mystical experiences.
[01:09:12] Rewilding the Soul
A reflection on how stripping away the distractions of modern life can create space for direct contact with the sacred.
[01:13:19] Closing Reflections
Jeff and Michael summarize their key takeaways, including the idea that practice honors what has already emerged in life and creates space for new encounter
Continue the Conversation
Have you ever had a spiritual experience in the woods, in an abandoned train tunnel, or anywhere else?
We want to hear your story!
Comments