The Shadow on the Tree.

[ahnaknits]

Cool story. I've had many spiritually charged experiences over the years, but it comes with a sense of wonder every time. The world is full of magic...you just have to align yourself with it, and recognize that you're a part of it. That sense of connection with the world is a natural thing...what's unnatural is that modern life prevents us from feeling that connection all the time.

[AdamHintz]

What an adventure it would be to have enough space to focus on the magic all the time. Unfortunatly, I can only walk in the woods once a week at most.

[ahnaknits]

Magic doesn't reside only in the woods, you know. ;)

[AdamHintz]

Good point. :)

[djmisplacedmarblesTV]

@ahnaknits possibly but people tend to notice 'it' more there...

[ahnaknits]

@djmisplacedmarblesTV True. There's a certain mysterious energy about forests, especially old ones. Also, civilized humans tend to feel threatened by the woods, so the spirits and the animals know its really the safest place to be.

[Beardedyoungman]

ya I see that jediness, so much in the flow of change there's no need for mystical experience you just have a good presence for the earth. I think mystical experiences are unexplainable like a reminder of why we're doing things when we're confused. you grow sturdy like that tree and have strong knowing;)

be careful with that beard though... people are going to start calling you ecojesus and you'll notice seasonal patterns to kids need to yell out car windows at people!

[AdamHintz]

I used to be called Jesus years ago when had a beard once before. I had long hair at the time too. :)

[justinc18]

That's pretty intense. Thanks for sharing it. I've yet to have anything like that.

I've only had a dream about my father just after he died. And for some reason, it really struck a chord. It was just a black silhouette of a person playing a black gretsch guitar in a chair. I can't say it was my dad, but for some reason I know it was. I think it was probably his spirit saying he's still playing music; he's alright.

Not really relevant, but thought I'd share.

[AdamHintz]

Wow, thanks for the story. My grandmother had dreams of her late husband. It would really effect how she lived her life.

[DeflocculatedDentist]

Oh my god, I know that feeling so well. Every time I feel like that, I feel like I just want to jump out of my body and shoot across the universe, but I can't. One of the reasons I even entertain the ideas certain Buddhist sects promote about your "soul" (though I still can't say I believe them).

Another pointless beard comment (I hope these aren't rude):

Looking at your winter coat while you're talking about Star Wars reminded me of Obi Wan.

[AdamHintz]

That feeling is pretty intense isn't it? BTW The Obi Wan look is exactly what I'm going for. :D Thanks.

[DeflocculatedDentist]

@AdamHintz Yeah, it's literally inexplicable and I'm so glad I'm not the only one who experiences that. Haha, I've said this many times but I'll say it again: you are a great person, and the internet would be way worse without you. :)

[themajikat]

Have you read Jensen's interview with Vine Deloria? you can get it searching their two names on google.

I've had the interconnection, verbiage, sense of spirituality many times. Today actually as a cloud of pigeons erupted around me.

I tried Jensen's talk to a tree. I just let myself be open to him, and he spoke. We're friends.

[themajikat]

I also had a very intense grace moment (i was however, high on marijuana) once when i was out on a lake, midday, and i swung otu on a tarzan rope and hit the sunlight, felt the warmth and saw it spread out against the lake and i hung in the air for a moment......and then plummeted. Gorgeous.

[AdamHintz]

I'll check that interview out. I think Tom Brown Jr. calls what you experienced "rapture". Thanks for the story.

[E1GHTY8]

I have had visions of the natives of this land as well. I think the land is reminding us who we are. Let us Re-member Family.

Thanks for sharing the story Adam sounds intense.

[AdamHintz]

It's cool to know this is not a unique experience. It means this is not just a random trick of light and shadow. Maybe the gods are speaking to us.

[bbbleaver]

hey, looks like we both have been insulating our homes! lol, i didn't go so "extreme" though.

we've been below freezing temp for a week now... very unusual for this part of the world.

[ozjthomas]

i finally had to break out the gloves and chapstick. our heat has been dying in the night, so it's been fun waking up feeling like you are camping. =D

[AdamHintz]

That reminds me of cold showers. It's such a luxury to have heated water.

[AdamHintz]

Ha! Yeah, this room had been closed for the whole winter last year. Hopfully, this will keep the house a little cozier. Global Weirding.

[ozjthomas]

Interesting. A lot of tribes used mushrooms or similar medicines, although many did not, so I do not believe they are necessary. I know for me, fasting, meditation, life events, these can all affect the mind just as profoundly as drugs. I know when I first graduated high school I was really fragile and especially starting college and experimenting with religion and meditation I was seeing/hearing things everywhere. Basically any big radical shift that can release emotions...

[ozjthomas]

Your story really resonates with me, by the way

[AdamHintz]

I'd like to fast some time and see what happens. Just need to find some time.

[donHooligan]

haha

whether you like the idea or not...you are one of the warriors who will make Earth green, again.

that's why "Ishmael" touched you.

you care.

regardless of how much easier it is not to.

[bbbleaver]

dave that's a chilling statement... in a very prophetic sense.

and because i don't 'believe' in coincidence or accidents i am nodding (not in agreement but) in affirmation.

awesome story adam. i think many of us have shared experience... i definitely resonate with it.

[donHooligan]

for some odd reason,

i just thought of "down in the flood"

by bob dylan.

i don't think it pertains to anything relevant, but i suddenly can't get it outta my head.

[bbbleaver]

recently just started listening to bob... he's really great. i'll look it up!

[themajikat]

Visions of Johanna, It's alright Ma.

/i had a councillor at camp who, everyday, ran a program called rockology. We all we're into classic rock and thought it was a badge of coolness and deepness. The councillor had a really intense emotional connection (though he was pretty emotionally on one leg) to bob's music. He showed us his poem 'last thoughts on woody guthrie' and told us this is what poetry is. It's off of the bootleg series. That moment, listening to it with them, always stuck with me.

[themajikat]

this was for charlie lol

[AdamHintz]

I'm comfortable with being a warrior, a peacful warrior. Together we stand.

[donHooligan]

indeed