Nature as Beloved, Nature as Self

John Muir, a wilderness Christian mystic himself, once famously said: "Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places where people can play in and pray in, where nature may give strength to body and soul alike." This is just one of the many lasting insights left behind by Muir. More than just a mountaineer, naturalist, or preservationist, Muir was a mystic of mountains and alpenglow.  His writings reveal a person whose faith was shaped not by dogma, but by the ecstatic beauty of the natural world. In this conversation, we explore why Muir still matters—how his exuberance, reverence for nature, and visionary conservation ethic continue to speak powerfully today. The episode traces Muir's spiritual awakening and his unique contribution to Wilderness Christian Mysticism. Drawing from his journals and personal reflections, we discuss how beauty, joy, and awe can be sources of divine knowledge and renewal.  For Muir, the sacred was never distant—it shimmered in granite, waterfalls, and wind. His way of seeing reminds us that the divine is not confined to temples or texts, but revealed in the living world all around us. Carried by the Spirit, his words echo today. No matter how difficult life may seem at times, we still need beauty and bread. For such nourishment keeps us rooted in what is true, good, and enduring. Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @natureasbeloved. Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

This bonus episode offers a guided Christian Insight Meditation designed to support contemplative practice. Listeners are invited to settle into a space of inner stillness and spacious awareness, using breath, imagery, and sacred story to cultivate presence and wonder. The meditation includes: Breath-based grounding and visualization of a spacious landscape Reflection on divine spaciousness as a symbol of God's loving Presence A mythic framework that imagines God's unspoken Word echoing within each thought The use of the phrase “echo, echo” to gently label thoughts and return to stillness A spacious, imaginative approach to encountering the divine through awareness This contemplative practice is intended as a quiet space for deep listening, spiritual reflection, and awakening to the sacred mystery at the heart of everyday experience. __ Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@natureasbeloved). Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

This mini-episode offers an introduction to Christian Insight Meditation, a contemplative practice grounded in awe and wonder. Drawing from the Christian mystical tradition, we explore how inner spaciousness mirrors the vastness of creation and how thoughts can be seen as echoes of a divine Word never spoken. This episode concludes with practical guidance for engaging in Insight Meditation, inviting a deepened awareness of thoughts, presence, and the divine within. Follow along on Facebook or Instagram @natureasbeloved. Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

In this short bonus episode, listeners are guided through a practice of Wilderness Contemplative Prayer. This guided prayer and meditation invites you to step into a quiet, sacred space—a space where you can breathe, be still, and gently return to yourself and the Presence that holds all things. Whether you're beginning your day, in the midst of a busy season, or simply need a pause, let this be your gentle return to your center. Practice Suggestions: Find a quiet space and comfortable posture.  Begin by taking a few deep breaths before pressing play Let your thoughts come and go without judgment. Use this meditation as a morning ritual, midday pause, or evening reflection If something rises in you—emotion, clarity, resistance—greet it kindly and without judgement.  __ Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@natureasbeloved). Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

In this special episode of Nature as Beloved, Nature as Self, we explore how Wilderness Contemplative Prayer as a path into divine intimacy—where silence becomes the language of God, and the soul sinks into a deep, sacred stillness. Further, we explore: The mystical imagery of the “abyss of God” found in Christian contemplative tradition—from Angela of Foligno to Meister Eckhart, Hadewijch, and John Ruusbroec. How to engage in Wilderness Christian Contemplative Prayer using sacred landscapes and images to foster a deeper sense of awe, surrender, and belonging. From the Grand Canyon to the mystics' visions of the abyss of God, this episode invites you to open inwardly and downward—toward the Divine Depth that lies within all things. Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @natureasbeloved. Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

In this episode, we explore the deep roots and evolving expressions of what it means to be "Spiritual But Not Religious" (SBNR), especially through the lens of Christian mysticism and contemplative history. We ask: What does it truly mean to be SBNR? Where did these spiritual instincts come from? And can we trace a meaningful lineage that validates the SBNR experience as more than just a modern reaction, but part of a legitimate spiritual path? The conversation journeys through the lives and legacies of figures like Emerson, Thoreau, John Muir, and the Quakers—spiritual seekers who shaped an evolving Christian spirituality that was less institutional and more experiential. We touch on the influence of Calvinist Puritanism, the rise of Transcendentalism, and the period that became known as The Jesus Movement. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to consider how the SBNR impulse—often seen as post-religious—is in fact deeply rooted in the Christian mystical and contemplative tradition. It's not about rejecting religion entirely, but about seeking a more integrated, soulful, and embodied way of being. Whether you're inside, outside, or somewhere in between institutional religion, this is a conversation for anyone on a spiritual path. Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @natureasbeloved. Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

We're starting a new mini-series! In these shorter episodes, Stephen will be sharing his musings and reflections, speaking about the ways Wilderness Christian Mysticism connects with what's going on in our world.  For this first "musing," Stephen shares his reflections about the current state of affairs, while responding to the question: Why would a Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) person want to embrace anything Christian? ___ Follow along on Facebook or Instagram: @natureasbeloved Share with us your feedback or thoughts: natureasbeloved@gmail.com

In this inspiring episode of Nature as Beloved, Nature as Self, we delve into an intricate exploration of the "True Self." Within the framework of Wilderness Christian Mysticism, this conversation seeks to illuminate the place where the True Self resides. Drawing from Christian, psychological, and interspiritual perspectives, we explore the profound differences between the false, superficial self—shaped by societal expectations—and the beautiful, interconnected essence of the True Self that yearns to be expressed. Vivid metaphors like the canyon, abyss, spark, and sphere help illuminate this journey, offering fresh ways to visualize and engage with our inner landscape. Through personal reflections and mystical insights, this episode provides practical insights for connecting with the place where the True Self resides. Tune in for an enriching discussion that empowers you to live with greater integrity and authenticity. Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @natureasbeloved. Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback: natureasbeloved@gmail.com.

To better understand who Christ is in our lives, we're exploring a handful of metaphors: Christ as a Mirror (of our True Selves), Christ as Light and Warmth, Christ as a Listening Presence, and Christ as Inter-being. This conversation is for anyone who is Spiritual But Not Religious or exploring new horizons. It's for Christians seeking renewal and new ways of connecting with Christ. And it's for anyone intrigued by the connection between faith and our shared human experience. We hope you enjoy listening! - - -

From the perspective of Wilderness Christian Mysticsm, Christ is not confined to one group, religion, or interpretation. In this episode, we tackle harmful ideas that have distorted Christ's essence and message, such as exclusionary doctrines and narrow interpretations. And in doing so, we reclaim a Christ who stands with the marginalized, uplifts the oppressed, and calls us to radical love and compassion. Further, we explore how Christian spirituality connects with LGBTQ+ experiences and what it means to transcend gendered views of divinity. Join us as we peel back the layers to rediscover Christ as a universal presence—an open embrace for everyone, everywhere. - - -

Have you ever heard the phrase “crazy wisdom”? It's a mystical concept from Tibetan Buddhism that turns normal logic on its head. In our everyday lives, we're used to thinking of opposites as completely different. In the spiritual world, things work a little differently. It's not about things logically making sense but about tapping into something deeper. And the best way to do that? Through the power of imagination. In fact, imagination is the only way to truly grasp these paradoxes and mysteries. In this episode, we talk about how opposites can shapeshift into each other, how imagination helps us understand deeper spiritual truths, and how poets and mystics are able to harness the imagination. In addition, we explore the primary ways of relating with God/The Divine, and how we can deepen our understanding and expereince of God via our faculty of imagination. Join us in embracing paradox! - - -

On this episode of Nature As Beloved, Nature As Self, we continue our journey through time, surveying the landscape of Wilderness Christian Mysticism. We resume our exploration in the 14th century, where we are introduced to Meister Eckhart. A few centuries later we meet the Spanish mystics, most notably John of the Cross and Teresa of Ávila. Along our journey through time, we encounter many more mystics. As we make our way to the modern era, notable figures include John Muir, Thomas Merton, Howard Thurman, Thomas Keating, and Tessa Bielecki. We hope you enjoy and thanks for joining us on this audio journey! - - -

What does Christian Mysticism offer us? Many who consider themselves Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) sometimes think that Christianity has nothing of value to offer us. Understandably, there are numerous reasons for them to be skeptical. Yet the Contemplative Christian Tradition is not bound to any one institution or denomination. The Spirit of Christian Mysticism is about relationship—deep communion with the Divine, the True Self, and all of Life. Throughout history, from the times of the Jewish and Christian Testaments and up through the centuries to our modern era, countless individuals and communities have sought after God. In their collective search, these mystics have discovered great insights about the contemplative life. Their wisdom has endured and continues to guide and inspire seekers of all kinds to this very day. Join us on Episode 03, the first of a two-part series, as we begin exploring the rich history of Christian Mysticism. This will not be an exhaustive exploration, but a survey of the landscape; a way of introducing listeners to key ideas and distinct figures throughout history. Of course, we will do so with an emphasis on Nature. We hope you enjoy this episode! - - -

Socrates famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." From the perspective of Wilderness Christian Mysticism, spiritual disciplines enable us to reflect upon life more deeply, discover our true selves, and find greater meaning in our lives. In this episode, listeners are introduced to the disciplines of Wilderness Christian Mysticism. We explore the core disciplines of meditation and contemplation, in addition to silence, solitude, simplicity, and service. Also, we discuss the importance of faith, journaling, and "gathering the fragments of goodness scattered throughout the world." Listen to learn how you can integrate the spiritual disciplines into your life! - - -

An introduction to Wilderness Christian Mysticism—what it is, why it matters, and how it can help us all live more fulfilling lives.