Student Centered: Religion on the Trail

Lizzie Nelson

Something that I have noticed while in the class as we discuss spirituality on the trail is that there is actually a physical representation of it on the trail: communitas. If you look at the connections made on the trail and how honest and true they are it is easy to see. Yet I think the true test of this is the fact that many of these relationships, that have developed while deep in the wilderness away from most civilization, continue beyond the dirt trails. They become Facebook friends’ kind of relationships and “see you coffee next week” relationships. They form a bond stronger than maybe any other friendship you have know before. I think that attests to the strength of the spirituality on the trail. It may not be as obvious as it would be if you were at a church or other religious experience, but I believe the work and pain you go through together with the strangers you meet is a sort of religious experience. One that stays with you for longer than many church services might.  It is powerful and beautiful as rare as it may seem, it is as easy as walking onto your nearest trail.

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