Melissa Modolo "I and Thou"

I think animals are good at demonstrating the concept of "I and Thou" just as the horse example was used in the text. They are generally not interacted with since they can't speak to us. They are often brushed aside as a part of the scenery or as simply another fixture in the room. It is only in those brief moments where there is a true understanding between human and animal. It is in those moments where they become more than an "it" but rather a "you". Often it happens when they are being disciplined and they understand they have done something wrong. Many times, however, this happens in a very intimate moment where there is a clear exchange of ideas. This rarely happens in the presence of other people but there have been times with my former pet bird at home and with my close friend's kitten where we have made eye contact and exchanged a thought. Maybe not a thought containing emotion or meaning, but one of acknowledgement that the other understands. These moments are amazing where one can see a glimpse inside the mind of the other. They are personal exchanges that are never exactly the same and they are always very memorable.

Melissa Modolo "communitas"

Communitas was an interesting subject to learn about. I have experienced it before but had never put a name to the connection that is formed between people on a journy together. It is a strange connection that is deeper than simply what your lives have in common. You do not only have a relationship with them because you both are neighbors or go to the same school. Instead you both have a common goal that brings you together in a way that "community" cannot bring people together. Maybe this is because when you are a pilgrim along with someone else you do not expect anything from them. In a "community" people rely on each other for the things they need or want. Your relationship with the mailman is that he gives you your mail and you indirectly pay him. These relationships are all a part of "community" even if you do not consider yourself to have any friendship with the person. In "communitas" people are all free of a social structure. Everyone needs the same things and everyone is working equally to obtain them. The bonds that can be formed free of a social structure are consequently much stronger than those formed in a typical "community". I thought this was interesting because it is only in that pilgrim state that social boudaries can be erased. Eventually everyone reverts back to "community" but those who have experienced "communitas" will never forget it.

Austin Kaseman "Outdoors"

Sitting outside last class was a great change of pace from the norm. Being outdoors, with the warm sun and a nice breeze, makes any class in general a more comfortable place to be. Since I would rather be outside in nice weather than in a cold, dim lit classroom, I found I was able to follow along better and not have my mind wonder. (Although I do admit to zoning out a little bit and finding two 4 leaf clovers!)

Also, I'm extremely anxious to walk the Noland Trail today in class. Hiking is one of my favorite past times over the summer due to my close location to the Blue Ridge Mountains. I haven't been on a trail in a while, so getting to walk the Noland for an hour will not only satisfy my winter nature crave, but will also be nice to have Professor Redick there teaching us about things along the way. I hope to come out of class today with a bit more knowledge of my local environment.

Melissa Modolo "ecology"

I really enjoyed what we talked about in class today regarding ecology. As an environmental science major I have a very strong interest in topics like ecology. I love that feeling when I can go on walks and feel the ground under my bare feet. It's that personal connection we all have with nature that fascinates me. We can't help but be drawn to it. We are as much a part of the earth as it is of us. Ecology is such an amazing subject because it includes us. Ecologists study interactions between all living organisms. We are included in the web of life. It is an amazing thing to be a part of.

Walker Riley "Flow"

When we were talking about the idea of "Flow" in class, I could really relate to it and found it interesting. Basically Dr. Redick spoke about how it is a state of unconsciousness, and though you are actually conscious you don't realize what you are actually doing. You are completely immersed in what you are doing, and it's like being "in the zone." It's a state that gives you visions and goals, and it's something that I've experienced several times.

Dr. Redick made a reference to playing golf, and being an avid and former high school golfer, I really connected with this metaphor. Whenever I play golf or whenever I played in tournaments throughout school, I experienced this idea of "Flow." It was really surreal and after every shot I made, I could never actually remember hitting the ball. I was so immersed in the moment I entered this state of Flow.

This reference to Flow is an example of how it's a spiritual state. When experiencing this concept, you enter a different state of mind. Whenever I was about to hit a shot, it's like I left my body and was being spiritually controlled. I never realized what I was doing and I never remembered it, but it happened. I find this idea extremely interesting, and having experienced it first hand, I can relate to it as well.

Melissa Modolo "the four axioms"

Learning about these four axioms has been very interesting to me because I was able to understand them and relate my own experience to them. I have often set out on walks to find places where I could reflect spiritually and sometimes on these walks I cannot ever find that "thin place" I'm looking for. The axiom that states "a sacred place is not chosen but instead chooses" held the most meaning for me. Sometimes it is completely unexpected. I have been walking through the woods thinking of nothing deep or serious and suddenly I have that feeling that I've found "it". It's not a tangible thing but there is a feeling of connection with the place in which I am standing. I tend to find these places when I am home hiking in the mountains and often I am alone at the time I find it. It always happens at the times I least expect it. I have shared these places with other people and often the energy I feel is not there when I return with a friend. The sacredness of a place is definitely a personal connection with the land and can't be found or recreated. It is an experience that can exist only personally and as a memory. Learning about these axioms helped me to understand the energy I feel when I connect with the place I am in.