Secret Spot Challenge: Introduction and Assignment #1

Join the Secret Spot Challenge!

The purpose of this Secret Spot Challenge is to connect people to nature for a salve and salvation through a sequence of forays outside, to one place, over and over again. Getting to know this place, becoming intimate with it, watching it change. 

I am posting this now because it IS safe to be outside–when you keep your physical distancing protocols strictly in place, and know you will need to make adjustments. I am also posting this now because people are a little in the over-extreme about their isolation. Nature, even your backyard, on your balcony, front porch, whatever, will help your neurology tremendously.

Through the processes to come, we recommit to

–remembering that Earth is trustworthy

–attuning to the fascinating heart-warming language of birds

–Amping up our awareness, through observation with all the senses, of the magic of earth

The Origins and Underlying Principle of of Secret Spots

“Secret spots” is a commitment, a series of delightful experiences, an adventure into (soul and) nature (through the heart of our soul)… I learned from Jon Young at Wilderness Awareness School (WAS) in 2001 (wow!). I had the great joy of immersing into the philosophy of the Art of mentoring at WAS, which was a potent weave of naturalist skills and spirituality. My life changed completely from this practice. Especially the listening, which led to my Sound Healing work.

Secret spots provide an anchor and experiential template for teaching nature awareness and naturalist skills to people of all ages.

Finding a potent spot

The art (and science) of our secret spot practice begins when we endeavor to find a place that we feel solid about revisiting on a repeated basis. The secret spot holds its magic and powerful teachings through our increasingly attuned attention to the details and broad stroke tapestry of our place. We watch how our secret spot changes over time, as we change, as the seasons and weather changes, as plants and animals and life proceeds along their native trajectories over time and space.

Qualities to notice when selecting a potent secret spot:

–Convenient for us to get to on regular basis

–Feels interesting, safe, comfortable to be at

–Has some elements in it that allow us to “hide”, tuck in or blend in. Sometimes this can be simply the shelter offered by a tree branch or a shrub or stone.

–Offers some periods of quiet, or at least reduced noise that we can “hear around”. Bird sounds and other vocal animals provide for expanding our skills in nature and our inward journey, so being able to hear them at least somewhat, even if obscured by city noise, is necessary. I know people whose secret spot is on a park bench in a busy city, so there is lots of room. Perhaps you might be more interested in studying humans…

–Edges and Interfaces: Really interesting, dynamic species-rich secret spots are often located where two or more different habitats meet. Numerous ecological studies have shown that species diversity in significantly greater at “ecotones”—where two vegetation types meet. In fact there are many species of plants and birds that survive best at the edges or interfaces of habitats.

Hidden Lake, where I live, has at least 5 different habitats (examples of what I mean by habitat) that intersect: wetland forest, dense upland forest, pasture, cultivated landscape, riverside & lakeside (riparian) vegetation.

Secret Spot Assignment Number 1: Find a secret spot.

Set aside an hour or more for your excursion. When you go out to find this spot, be prepared, bringing water with you. Make sure you have the clothes and shoes on that you want to move and be outside in. Just take you. Do leave your dog at home. Also strongly suggested: leave your phone at home (unless doing so would make you feel unsafe).

So once you find your spot, sit down. Notice what you notice—about you, about what is around you. Notice what catches your eye. What do you hear? Smell? See? Feel? On this excursion, refrain from taking notes, so you aren’t distracted by messing with pen and paper. This will also help train you to make mental notes. Just. Sit. Notice.

Know that you may shift around somewhat (I know I have), but do the Goldie Locks thing, and find the one that’s just right. Then you can launch more deeply into the exercises, ceremonies and processes to come.

Do be safe.

When you get home or back to work, get your journal out. Write about what you noticed, how it felt, what you remember, what left an impression, caught your eye. Where did your thoughts go?

Then Check this space shortly for your next assignment. You can also email me and let me know what you observed. Lauri at shamanicsoundhealing dot com.

Have fun!!!!