Reflecting upon Wilderness as Axis Mundi article

Having class outside was a great way to discuss one's connection to the landscape. Sitting in the grass, blocking out the sun's rays as it got cooler and cooler, I listened in to a conversation about a topic we've elaborated upon for the past few weeks - wilderness as axis mundi. First, the writing style you (Dr. Redick) use can sometimes cause me to stumble, but I feel that might be a good thing because it forces me to have to reread the section thereby, I learn more. This is true for most philosophical writing, however.

Spiritual journey is something I've always contemplated in some manner. I've grown up in a non-denominational Christian background and one of the key ideas is that we are all on a journey - spiritually. I know that my own has been like that of a roller-coaster - up and down, up and down. I presume, having listened to the struggles of my close Christian friend, that this is true for most. An allegory can be made between spiritual journeys and physically wandering the wilderness of the outdoors, and though I have never been on the Appalachian Trail (AT), I have been hiking and horseback riding through the mountains of Montana and walked through the valleys, skirted the cliffs, listened to the roar of waterfalls and geysers in Yellowstone.

I'm thinking, and this comes from someone who is not as up on the topic as others in the class, that axis mundi can be a location anywhere - somewhere a connection to God (in my case) is made. There was this moment in Montana that I was standing on a small plateau called "Lone Tree" that I can say I felt this connection. I must say, that ride up to the spot was hell on the horses - mine stumbled several times; she was an old girl. But once on the top, the view was breathtaking and one wonders if anyone else in the world knew about it. I could look out upon miles and miles and miles of prairie and smaller mountain chains - and BIG SKY. So, I sat down and took in the cool breeze and the only feeling was peace. I assume, and again, I'm an amateur, that this was axis mundi.