While Henry David Thoreau went into the woods to live a solitary life as an experiment such as wise men and women have been known to do to explore their psyche, reconnect with nature, and get an objective outlook on the subjects they want to contemplate, my version of armchair, pagan philosophy is to be in the thick of life with all the hubbub and chaos of city life (urban and suburban) swirling about me. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the healing time spent in nature as well. Balance is the key.
For some people, contemplation on life or spiritual matters occurs during peaceful meditation, while for others, their mind examines its reflection while the body is engaged in moving meditation—while performing some physical task (mowing the lawn, jogging, driving home in a car, walking on a trail through the woods, or whatever works for them).
I’ve found myself engaged in moments of self-reflection during both situations—from insightful thoughts while washing dishes (see W. Somerset Maugham’s”The Knife’s Edge”), to lying in bed while counting my breaths to slowdown my thought processes, or to even when I’m connecting with the gods through my personal spiritual work.
My posts stem from a random thought entering my head out of the blue, some discussion over druidry or heathen thought with a friend, or reading someone else’s words and letting them trigger the ideas that I’m writing down here.
NOTE: My view on spirituality and philosophy is very much a “take what you need and leave what you don’t” view on knowledge and growth to me. Some of my words might not connect with you, but other things I say just might resonate and make something click within you. I find that’s a great approach to any sort of self-help or spiritual book I’m reading or even a post or article I’m browsing through. Take what you need and leave what you don’t.
When it comes down to it, everyone has their own personal spiritual path, their own philosophy, and their own belief systems. What feels right for you now might just be what you need now. You might abandon some outlooks on life as you change and grow, which is a part of becoming who we are meant to be.
I hope my writings on druidry, heathenry, philosophy, as well as the rituals and blots I’ve written are helpful in some way to you.