When new members seek to join our community, we invite them to affirm that they:
“Embrace nature as our temple and house of worship, gathering in reverence for creation through contemplative practice, service, and community care.”
This affirmation reminds us that the sacred is not confined to buildings or walls—it is alive in the world around us. The forests, rivers, mountains, and skies are places where Spirit reveals itself, inviting us into connection and awe. To see nature as our temple is to approach life with reverence, recognizing creation itself as holy ground.
Worship Beyond Walls
Throughout history, people have sought sacred spaces—shrines, churches, temples, and sanctuaries. Yet long before these were built, humanity turned to the natural world for encounters with the Divine. Sunrises, starry skies, plants, fungi, and flowing waters were the first altars and sacraments.
When we embrace nature as our temple, we return to this ancient wisdom. A quiet grove can become a sanctuary for meditation. A mountain trail can feel like a pilgrimage. A circle gathered outdoors for song or prayer becomes a living chapel. In this way, worship is not restricted to set places or times—it can unfold wherever we pause to recognize the sacredness of creation.
Contemplative Practice in Creation
One way we honor nature as our temple is through contemplative practice. This doesn’t always mean formal meditation; it can be as simple as slowing down to notice the patterns of light through the trees, the rhythm of waves, or the sound of birdsong.
These practices help us cultivate presence. When we quiet the mind and attune ourselves to the life around us, we begin to sense how deeply we are connected. The Earth becomes a teacher, reminding us of cycles of rest and renewal, of resilience and change. Each moment of attentive presence becomes a prayer, drawing us into deeper communion with the Divine.
Service as Worship
Worship also takes shape through service. To treat nature as our temple means not only to admire it but to care for it. Acts of service—like tending gardens, restoring habitats, cleaning public spaces, or planting trees—become forms of devotion.
When we serve together outdoors, we strengthen both our connection to the Earth and to one another. These acts remind us that caring for creation is inseparable from caring for community. The health of the land and the health of people are bound together, and service becomes a way of honoring both.
Community Care in Sacred Spaces
Gathering in nature also fosters community care. Outdoor sound healings, shared rituals, or simple times of fellowship create opportunities to support one another while rooted in creation. These gatherings remind us that worship is not only vertical—between ourselves and the Divine—but also horizontal, expressed through connection with those who walk beside us.
When we come together in reverence, we create spaces where people can be uplifted, encouraged, and reminded of their belonging. Nature itself holds us, providing the backdrop for these experiences of care and connection.
Closing Reflection
To embrace nature as our temple is to live with open eyes and open hearts, recognizing that creation itself is holy. Through contemplative practice, we learn to listen. Through service, we act in reverence. Through community care, we weave bonds that reflect the unity of life.
This affirmation calls us to step outside, breathe deeply, and remember: every tree, every stream, every stretch of sky is a sanctuary. Wherever we gather in reverence for creation, we are home in the house of worship.
