Just feel.

Recently I had the chance to participate in some interesting conversations regarding the Camp Assiniboia forest. Many of you know of the feelings I had expressed regarding the forest—feelings of fear (of the forest being destroyed years from now), feelings of respect (for the forest and for the people who spoke up about the issue), and feelings of frustration (for those who just would not listen).

Recently I have also had the opportunity to listen to an Aboriginal elder as he teaches one of my university classes. He emphasizes that there are four parts to each person: the physical aspect, the mental or intellectual aspect, the emotional aspect, and the spiritual aspect. So often when approached with an issue we focus on the mental part. Again going back to the forest issue, I found that people would only listen to me if I had something intelligent to say, some reasoning behind my feelings.

This has brought me to wonder, do we as people of God emphasize the mental aspects of ourselves over the emotional and spiritual aspects? Yes I agree that we need to think things through and come up with logical solutions but perhaps it is equally important to also pay attention to our feelings and our intuition.

I feel beauty and truth often through song and especially when this is set in a natural setting like camp. I hold on to those firesides outside at riverside (for Camp Assiniboia). I am filled with a deep connection to a community all singing the same thing while also feeling connected to God as an individual.

I encourage everyone to remember that while yes study and learning is important, it is equally important to express and engage in activities that strengthen you emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It’s okay to just feel.

-Stephanie Ens -Integration Coordinator 2009 (Day Camp Director 2010)