In our numerous discussions of nature in class I have many times reflected on my experiences among the wilderness in my home state of New York. I live in a wooded area surrounding one large lake, and encircled by myriad smaller reservoirs and ponds. One experience I had in high school within one of these reservoirs is particularly memorable.
I don't know the exact time, but I had been at a friends house late at night. We walked through the woods in complete darkness, with little more than cell phone light to guide our way. After nearly a mile of walking we came upon a clearing in the woods that opened up into on the most most incredible things I had ever seen. The reservoir was absolutely alight with the glow of stars and the moon. We instantly stripped to our underwear and swam. This experience was overwhelming, the reflection of the stars on the water, the friends I was with, the darkness, everything contributed to a feeling of sublimity.
This is one of the resounding events I refer to when I describe my loss of faith. I felt excessively insignificant and small among the darkness and stars, gazing out into the vastness of space. In that moment I could not believe for a second that any deity or being solely cared for us, given the vastness of the stars. I was simply awestruck.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment