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To walk the earth with barefeet
but to be aware of the dirt beneath
Free the mind of responsibility
This mind is free of the daily burdens that humans have been known to carry
One with the ants, the birds the bees
One with the trees
A recognition of the genuine simplicity of life
An appreciation of the sun
The sun that does not shine for humans
but whose rays seep into our skin
The wind that cools us off
The wind that does not blow for us
One with the wind and the sun
What a wonderful feeling to feel so small
Back to our roots
one with the dirt, the bees, the trees
one with the earth we came from
and the earth where we will return

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1. Take a hike, bike ride or run until you feel you have reached your own sacred place in nature
2. Take your shoes off!
3. Find a place where you feel comfortable in nature whether it be in a tree, in the dirt to amongst the blades of grass
4. Close your eyes and practice awareness in regard to your breathing
5. Tune into your senses, feel the sun on your skin, the birds chirping in your ears, your hands in the dirt.
6.Practice gratitude
7. Make an effort to place yourself amongst the creatures you dwell with, recognize that we are just another species on earth and reflect on this idea.

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The central doctrine of this religion is essential the same as the golden rule. The religious leaders expect that followers treat not only their peers as they want to be treated but the animals and plants around them as well. This mean respecting the earth in every sense possible. There is a recognization that humans are just another species on the earth and they should be treated as such.

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This religion invokes pure joy/bliss. There is powerful sensation that results from being freed from the burdens of human life. One is able to let loose, relax and enjoy their surroundings. It is not uncommon to experience revelations after deep meditation and connection with the earth. Many times this religion can provoke laughter and sincere smiles, as the sensation felt from an experience such as our meditation can leave people with a sense of excitement and also gratitude.

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Profound revelations do not come from having ones head in their phone. The most powerful ritual of this religion is to disconnect, to free the mind of the pressures that come with social media, the image that society has drawn of how we are supposed to look, and how we conduct ourselves. Once the mind has been fully disconnected from the world of technology, it can enter meditation, a very essential practice of this religion. Meditation here may look different than other meditations. It involves grounding, taking off the shoes , closing the eyes and becoming aware of our connection to the earth and the creatures around us. Aside from meditation, it is also common to share and listen to music, whatever music makes us feel good.

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A journal entry from one of my best friends who was on the hike with me

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While there are not necessarily myths, there are narratives because the experiences that arise from practicing this religion are memorable and they often invoke introspection. This is an example of the realization of what it means to be human and what it means to surround yourself with people that make you feel whole. In practicing this religion, someone who has lived in the desolate midwest , is able to recognize the beauty that comes with expansive fields , hay bails and pastel colored sunsets.

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Watching the sunset from the top of our favorite bluff

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This religion is less materialistic than others as there is no place of worship (aside from nature) there are not buildings where people go to praise. However, there is and there will certainly continue to be production of art. The art created may come in the form of journal entries, drawings or even works of pottery that are inspired by the rituals and experiences of this religion. There are also the natural features of the world which are probably the most relevant materials of the religion, the earth is worshiped, the trees, the animals, the plants. In fact, this bluff has become so formative to the religion as a whole that there will be pilgrimages here, in the hopes that the followers of this religion can have an experience as profound as the four founders.

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Perhaps social is a better word, as there is less of an official organization and more of an independent practice that can be shared with others. There is no hierarchy nor leaders as that is essentially contradictory to the purpose of this religion. The focus is unity, unity with others and with nature. It is more of a democratic religion as every person has an equal opportunity to contribute to the religion. Relatively, there are shared attitudes and beliefs. There is a shared belief that humans should do everything in their power to conserve the environment. The attitude towards one another is acceptance, the group as a whole promotes the growth and power of each individual

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Pulling in to a small town ice-cream shop after hiking all day

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There is nothing wrong with living simply. What it means to be human is to practice gratitude, to recognize that sometimes it is not about what is to come or what could have been but about living in the now. Being human means to not be afraid of dirt, to recognize it's where we came from and where we will return to. It means to not take things so seriously, to use curse words if you feel like it, to be goofy and dance when you want to dance. It means having important conversations with people you care about, enjoying food, music, and looking at the stars.

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On our walk, I climbed up into a tree and passerby asked to take a photo

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While this religion is not organized, nor is it controlled, some virtues that are expected to arise from the practices involve humility, a great sense of gratitude for nature (reflecting in ones actions), generosity, compassion and respect for not only other humans but nature as a whole

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Bodys, one of the songs we listened to as we drove around after the hike. 

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Sharing and listening to certain music with people you care about is a form of intimacy in this religion. Singing together and dancing together creates a lasting sentiment. This religion recognizes the sacredness of music.