Nature and Sacred Space – Bring the Outside In
I’m on retreat at Ring Lake Ranch, an ecumenical retreat center in the mountains of Wyoming (just southeast of DuBois). This is my second time coming here, and I have spent the last week unwinding into the rhythm of tending horses, mealtimes, horseback rides, hikes, and naps. The awesome beauty of nature meets the eye in every direction. It is so quiet here – I can hear my own heart beating.
I have also been spending a great deal of time pondering the ingenious ways that this place creates sacred space by improvising upon the natural themes of the rugged Wyoming backcountry. It is my firm belief that the most profound expressions of the sacred begin with the elements of nature, wedded to human creativity.
One thing that makes this place so special is its harmonious connection to the sacred beauty of the landscape. Founded in 1967 by Maggie Kahin, an Episcopal priest, she intended it to be a place where people of all ages could experience the Divine in the dramatic scenery and uncomplicated community of those who gather here. Furthermore, the mission statement of the ranch, “Renewal in sacred wilderness”, hints at her desire to keep things simple. Consequently, staff and guests eat meals together, family style, at long tables. Cabins are sparse, yet comfortable. Guests take part in activities such as hiking or horseback riding. Likewise, they also take long naps or read a book. The only requirement for guests is to help with dishes and to clean their own cabins.
Nature Inspired Ancient Peoples
Petroglyphs – Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
Ring Lake Ranch is a perfect example of balance between Divine beauty and human creativity. The site of the ranch was considered sacred for thousands of years. The Sheep Eater People, ancestors of the modern Shoshone Indians, graced this land with petroglyphs – stone carvings of fantastic beasts, birds or deities. Carved into the face of the cliffs facing the lake, the carvings date from 800CE and are remarkably well preserved.
Petroglyphs, Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
As I walk among these ancient relics, I hear voices drifting down from above. The breakfast dish crew is laughing over their tasks. Close by, wranglers saddle horses for the morning’s ride. An osprey calls to its chicks – breakfast is on the way. The petroglyphs fit in perfectly in these surroundings. I can easily imagine that the people who created them heard and saw most of the same sights I am this morning.
Nature’s Rhythm of Walking
Labyrinth – Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
This same rhythm of nature meeting modern spiritual needs is expressed with resourcefulness and creativity. A few steps away from the petroglyphs in a meadow next to the lake, a walking labyrinth has been constructed. It is easy to walk past it without even seeing that it is there. Nevertheless, it is clearly visible from the dining room up above. Constructed out of native stones, it fits into the landscape without interrupting its flow.
Walking a labyrinth is a simple, yet profound way to connect with the Divine. If you have never tried this ancient meditation tool, you can read about it here. Search your local area for a labyrinth near you – churches are a good place to start, but they are also found in parks and community centers.
Meditation with the Medicine Wheel
Medicine Wheel at Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
Similarly, on a hilltop above the cabins, a medicine wheel was constructed out of stones. Created as a tool for meditation and contemplation, it too would be easy to overlook. In fact, I had a little trouble finding it both times I went looking for it. Its vantage point, however, gives a sweeping view of the entire ranch property, including the lakes that border it. I love how the stones that were chosen for this project were carefully selected for their size and shape and placed according to tradition.
The Chapels at Ring Lake Ranch
Ring Lake Ranch is home to two designated worship spaces: the Indoor Chapel and the Outdoor Chapel.
Indoor Chapel at Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
The Indoor Chapel is a freestanding building located next to the Living Room and on the ridge above the Tack Shed and Horse Corral. It is a simple structure with plain seating against the walls. The most remarkable feature of the space is the window that frames a portion of the mountainous landscape. The relative simplicity of the chapel directs the eye powerfully to this scene of Divine beauty. The message of this structure is simple: there is nothing that human hands could create that could outdo this amazing beauty.
Archway of juniper and cedar trees leads to the Outdoor Chapel at Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
The Outdoor Chapel perches on a cliff, above the guest cabins. An archway of gnarled juniper and cedar trees forms the “doorway” to this space. This dramatic entrance opens to a small clearing overlooking the lake. Rough benches create a semicircle around a simple cross, an altar carefully constructed of local stones and a 500-year-old cedar tree. Again, the backdrop for this sacred space is a breathtaking view of the mountains and the lake. Consequently, nothing in this space competes for attention. Clearly, this space highlights the natural beauty inherent in the scenery.
The Divine is in the Details
Outdoor Chapel – Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming
Sunday night, we gathered with Brian McLaren (one of our presenters for our retreat) for an Evening Prayer service. He asked us to seek out one small thing that caught our attention and to allow the Divine to inspire us through that connection. Some of the people were drawn to the setting sun breaking through the clouds. Others found a connection through juniper berries or stones covered with multi-colored lichen. An item that serves as inspiration for your Sacred Space needs not be large. There is great beauty in the small details of Nature – the symmetry of a pine cone, the color of a leaf. Don’t judge what draws your attention. Let it lead you where it will.
These sacred spaces inspire me to create spaces for myself and for my clients that harmonize perfectly with the Divine beauty of Nature. Working with elements as simple as a rock, a piece of wood, a seashell – allow time to discern the Divine patterns in these objects. Let the shape and the rhythm of Nature set the tone for your enhancements to your own Sacred Spaces.
Clear your Space – Recharge your Self – Direct your Life
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