It been said that the spirit does not relate to time or location, as it knows no boundaries and transcends time. But in this dimension, spirit is relative to things, especially living things. The nature of life-essence may best be described as the innate ability of all living things to grow, reproduce, and heal. This miraculous cycle is observable everyday. Another phenomenon of all living things is communication - even the most humble microscopic organism employs some form of communication. As students learn in biology class, the environment plays a big part in the development and health of all living entities.
Unfortunately, most people who live in environments that are constructed of concrete, steel and glass, breathe polluted air, and live under stressful conditions do not enjoy an optimum environment. Many refugees from these man-made ecosystems seek to rejuvenate themselves in natural environments. The act of recreating oneself is the core reason for taking a vacation. But in many instances, the vacation may prove to be more stressful than the daily grind one seeks to escape from.
In such instances, a vacation to recover from the vacation may become necessary! Perhaps you know of those, who after spending a small fortune on several bad vacations, now choose to spend their time off just working around the house or reading. There are also many who spend their free time working on very personal projects: their own spirituality.
The pursuit of higher consciousness, healing, and personal expansion is now a growing worldwide movement. More and more people are attending seminars and reading books and magazines that aid them in their spiritual growth. In the past few years, another such resource has emerged into existence. It began with the advent of Eco-tourism, a branch of tourism that is helping to conserve and protect endangered animals and ecosystems. If one may consider adding humans to the endangered species list, you then have the next branch of this tree - Spiritual Eco-tourism.
Spiritual Eco-tourism is in its infancy. It is based in the infrastructure provided by its parent, Eco-tourism. The difference is that instead of just appreciating and photographing the pristine natural environment, you become part of it. The intent is to blend with the energy of a nurturing environment that supports the healing process and assists in expanding one�s consciousness.
This melding with the powerful forces found in nature acts as an unparalleled tonic for the stressed out, depleted human life-essences of city-dwellers. The approach of synergistically working with the energies found in natural environments is not really new at all, but an ancient technique for spiritual development. It also facilitates a very different experience from that of the usual vacation. There is no bustling to keep on a hectic tour schedule, or trying to find your way around in a strange country or city.
Instead, you are whisked away from the airport and metropolitan areas to green carpets of temperate flora. You may then ascend into the cool air of the mountains or descend into emerald rainforests, to arrive at your retreat situated by a river or a cool, clear ocean. Once immersed in the arms of nature, the schedule is flexible. Rest and nutrition are paramount, activities are available, but are not required. Organized activities focus on healing and learning, and require minimal travel away from your retreat.
The sounds of the forest, river, or ocean replace the noise of the city. There are no telephones to answer and no TV to hypnotize you. The Earth herself is your primary caregiver. Your part is to simply give yourself permission to heal, expand your consciousness, and allow yourself adequate time for the process. As the experience unfolds, the aspect of spiritual communication becomes prevalent.
The more you allow your thoughts, feelings, and emotions to blend into the nurturing ambience, the more aware you become of the exchange of spiritual energies. These exchanges may occur between other humans, plants, animals, the flowing waters, the rocks, the forest breezes, or the Earth herself. The subtle ebb and flow of energies in this environment supports a fantastic array of life forms. Once you become conscious of this gentle energy you notice that it is very familiar. For this is the cradle of creation of human-beings.