Charlotte Fowler- American Camino, Chapter 4

In American Camino chapter four, Dr. Redick explores the idea of Nature and its body, whether it has one or not. I enjoyed reading about his research and insights of nature as a spiritual essence and C.S Lewis’s idea of personified nature. Nature as a spiritual essence and C.S. Lewis's idea of personified Nature both seek to capture something profound about the world beyond its physical form. They offer different lenses through which to understand nature’s “body”—whether it is a tangible, spiritual, or symbolic entity.

From a spiritual perspective, nature transcends the physical. It is not confined to forests, mountains, or rivers but exists as an underlying force that animates the universe. This aligns with the ancient concept of phusis, where nature is seen as the essence of growth, change, and becoming. Nature’s “body” in this sense is not corporeal but metaphysical—an all-encompassing presence that is both within and beyond individual beings.Here, nature is not an object to be studied or controlled but a sacred essence to be revered.

C.S. Lewis personifies Nature in a way that gives it a body, a voice, and a will. In his writings, Nature often appears as a character, embodying humanlike traits and intentions. For Lewis, personifying Nature serves as a metaphor to bridge the gap between human experience and the natural world. It allows Nature to communicate with us on familiar terms, making its power and mystery more relatable. 

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