Jake Frasier - Landscapes of the Sacred; Nature Participation

“To be fully present at any locale is to recognize the reciprocity in touching and being touched by its particular array of rocks, trees, animals, and geographical features.” pg. 44

Most people do not consider of nature as living. Many do not see how nature actually interacts with us. When we are out in nature we are constantly under its influence. We are no longer in control; nature decides our path. There are so many ways that the wilderness interacts with us: wind blowing through your hair, the feel of grass on your feet or the sight of a mountain. It is difficult to deny the participation of nature in our appreciation of places in the wilderness. Our memory of a place is molded by our senses and emotions. If nature did not participate, what would make a place special? The multitudes of sounds, scents, textures, and sights in nature help us to create a lasting image of the place and to remember the special things experienced there. A relationship with nature is not simply a one man game; we interact with the wild and it interacts with us.

Jake Frasier - Landscapes of the Sacred; Interpreting Nature

“A place can become anything its patrons conceive it to be.” pg. 49

The fact that places are so open to claims about their significance is one of the very things that make them special. Wilderness is open to so many different interpretations, and as such there is actually a term to describe it. This idea of individual interpretation holds true in our appreciation of places in the wild. Whether we know it or not, we all have our own interpretations when we describe a place as sacred or special. We interpret the experiences we had there in our own way and then share those experiences with others. A place that someone finds special does not necessarily have to be the most beautiful place in nature; it could be anything from a simple stone to a fallen tree, the only thing that matters is what each person makes it.

Jake Frasier - Landscapes of the Sacred; Active Wilderness

“But if are patient you become gradually attentive to the way aging juniper trees speak to the rock, how wind whispers along canyon walls and morning sunlight dances on yucca plants and Mormon tea.” pg. 57

To most people nature is full of inanimate objects that do not interact with us; however, this is not the case. Nature is extremely lively, we just have to be patient and observe our surroundings. For example, the bristling of a tree’s leaves or the whistling of are ways that nature communicates with us. Patience is a key part of interacting with nature. There have been instances when I’ve been outside lying in the grass and felt at peace just watching the clouds and listening to the birds. As soon as someone experiences the serenity of the wilderness they can see how truly alive nature is. People often personify nature in literature because they have had some connection with the wild. They see nature as a living entity capable of interacting with its surroundings just like humans do. People judge their opinions of places off of the experiences they had there. If their experience lacked any true interaction with nature, that is to say nature’s reciprocal interaction, then they may not think of that place as special. However, when one is engaged by nature’s tranquility then they will have a lasting memory.

Jake Frasier - The Bamboo Grove

Every so often people discover places that they deem as special in some way. For me, such a place exists here in Newport News. It is a decently sized area with flourishing bamboo plants. The trip there is a struggle, but once you arrive it is inspiring. It is so fascinating to see such a non-native plant flourishing in the wild. When I visited the grove, I was a freshman and I felt a sort of connection with the grove. I was still uneasy about my transition to college, but after my trip to the grove I realized that it is possible to thrive in an area unknown to us. The grove still holds a special place in my mind because it is an area where you can be completely free from any sort of mask that we may dawn when in an urban setting.

Jake Frasier - The Noland Trail Experience

Recently I walked the Noland Trail with some friends picking up trash as we went. The Noland Trail yields a unique experience for whoever walks it. It possesses natural beauty that is truly inspirational. A few of my friends walked quickly on the paths but I kept a low pace in order to observe my surroundings. It was amazing in the fact that every part of the trail played into my experience. Everything from the trees, insects, wind and water made that moment special. As I walked, a friend and I stopped to observe the lake and to take everything in. We stood there for some time, looking out at the world before us, and it was awe inspiring. It is interesting to think that even in such urban areas, there are still special natural areas like the Noland Trail in which people can experience everything nature has to offer.

The Beach-Chelsea Gilbert

One of my favorite places in the world to visit is the beach. I love going on a hot summer day in July when the tourists are all around. It's exciting to watch someoen experience the beach for the first time, especially because I've lived by Virginia Beach my entire life. When I lay on the beach, it's relaxing to me, almost like a meditation. I listen to the waves crash and it quickly puts me to sleep. I also do my best thinking at the beach. I sit and watch the waves crash and look out into what seems like a never ending ocean, and it makes me wonder about all the possibilities that lie in the world. It's here that I can clearly imagine my future. I am also most thankful when I'm at the beach. Maybe its because it's where I see the most beauty in nature. I always feel at home when I'm at the beach.

The Noland Trail-Chelsea Gilbert

Whenever I walk on the Noland Trail, I get a calm feeling. I don't know if it has to do with the trail itself or the fact that each time I go outdoors in nature, I feel free. The thing I like best about the trail is that it's community place. Somewhere that everyone can visit and experience together. I love going far back into the trail and inspecting the trees; each one seems to have its own story and physical prescence. Whenever I go running on the trail, I feel liberated and refreshed when I'm done. The Noland Trail is definitely one of my favorite places to visit when I'm at school.