{"id":47385,"date":"2025-01-07T11:46:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T16:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.presbyterianfoundation.org\/?p=47385"},"modified":"2025-01-06T12:29:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T17:29:37","slug":"reconnecting-with-creation-a-practical-guide-to-finding-wholeness-in-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/presbyterianfoundation.louderstaging.com\/ko\/resources\/news\/reconnecting-with-creation-a-practical-guide-to-finding-wholeness-in-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"\ucc3d\uc870 \uc138\uacc4\uc640 \ub2e4\uc2dc \uc5f0\uacb0\ud558\uae30: \uc790\uc5f0\uc5d0\uc11c \uc628\uc804\ud568\uc744 \ucc3e\uae30 \uc704\ud55c \uc2e4\uc6a9\uc801\uc778 \uac00\uc774\ub4dc"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rev. Dr. Jenny Hale, a pastoral associate in Oregon with a passion for the outdoors, has embarked on a mission to help people rediscover the profound benefits of spending time outdoors.<\/p>\n

Driven by a concern for the well-being of her community and a growing disconnect from nature in the modern world, her exploration led her to the transformative power of connecting with creation. She serves as a pastoral associate at Valley Community Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon.<\/p>\n

It’s not just about enjoying scenic views \u2014 it\u2019s about rediscovering how we were designed to thrive in connection with the natural world.\u00a0 She is studying at Portland Seminary at George Fox University<\/a>, and her doctoral project, \u201cMovement in Nature: An Outdoor Experiential Model,\u201d delves into the science, scripture, and personal experiences that illuminate the profound impact of spending time outdoors. It\u2019s not merely an academic exercise but a practical guide designed for congregations and individuals to weave nature connection into their daily lives.<\/p>\n

A Call to Realign<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hale\u2019s work stems from a fundamental question she began to ask herself: Are we living in accordance with how our bodies and spirits are designed to thrive?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve spent the past decade wondering if we as human beings, especially those of us in the western world, are living according to the design of the creator in ways that are helping us to be healthy,\u201d Hale said.<\/p>\n

She was seeing so many people in her community \u2014 her friends, her colleagues, and herself \u2014 who were sick physically, emotionally, or socially struggling. \u201cI began to wonder if we had taken a left turn from the way we were designed,\u201d she said. This, coupled with the scientific evidence on the benefits of nature exposure, fueled her desire to explore a solution rooted in creation itself.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that nature has a profound impact on our well-being. From the calming effect of birdsong on anxiety to the blood pressure-lowering properties of flowing water, the natural world offers a potent antidote to the stresses of modern life. Additionally, being outdoors strengthens our social connections, fostering a sense of community and belonging. \u201cWe have known this intuitively when we are in nature, but now science is proving it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Weaving Science, Scripture, and Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

But Hale\u2019s project is not simply about listing the health benefits of nature. It also delves into the theological foundation for this reconnection. She explores the history of how the Western church viewed nature, tracing the shift towards prioritizing technology and industry over a harmonious relationship with the natural world. \u201cThere is an inner connectedness that is real and that we are designed for,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen we live into that we can be healthier and we can deepen our relationship with God.\u201d<\/p>\n

By examining scripture alongside scientific research, Hale seeks to help individuals rediscover their identity in God’s creation. Nature, she argues, offers a sanctuary for quiet reflection, a space where we can connect with the divine without the pressures of everyday life.<\/p>\n

Practical Tools for Everyday Transformation<\/strong><\/p>\n

She is quick to note that this approach doesn’t advocate for elaborate retreats or drastic lifestyle changes. She wanted to create something that individuals or congregations could use in their day-to-day life in the world. \u201cI wanted to create something that people can use to have their own conversation with God by connecting to nature,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

So, she created everyday tools that focus on integrating nature connection into our daily rhythms. The core tools include:<\/p>\n