 We gather around a campfire in a quiet, rural field nestled beside a gently flowing river. Each of us has been invited by our host, Alli, to experience her farm in the company of kindred spirits—people open and curious about otherworldly ways of being and sensing life.
There are about eight of us. Conversation begins easily: a couple shares stories of their annual pilgrimage to Stone Mountain, Georgia—a place steeped in Indigenous history and natural beauty that invites spiritual connection. One woman is a psychic medium, while another is a mother who practices holistic healing. As we exchange experiences, rituals, and questions, it becomes clear that this space is holding something sacred—a presence that invites us to connect more deeply. “Would you like to introduce us to Hu?” Alli asks an older gentleman as we sip tea around the fire. “Sure, if everyone’s interested,” he replies, gentle and unassuming. We nod, intrigued. And so he begins. Hu, he explains, is a sacred chant used to attune oneself to the presence of God. Bill starts us off: “Hu-u-u-u… Hu-u-u-u…” (you can experience the sound here: youtu.be/mKAfbNRvmhA?si=A8s7t-iKD3HsSAfr. ) Slowly, we join in. As our voices begin to harmonize, I notice the birds around us singing louder, as if drawn into the moment. When we reach a shared rhythm—entrainment—the tall grasses in the meadow begin to sway in time with our chant. It’s astonishing, as if the land itself is responding. Across the world, more people are gathering in nature to share community, deepen consciousness, and explore spiritual practice. The Center for Spirituality in Nature, a nonprofit, offers pathways for nurturing soul-deep relationships with the Earth. Their programs invite reflection, reverence, and leadership—including a Spirituality in Nature Group Leadership Training Course for those called to guide others. Looking for a more hands-on way to gather? Consider the Farm Church in Durham, North Carolina, where parishioners worship by growing food together—serving their community with love, nourishment, and shared purpose. As we close our #SoulFULLSummer series, let’s remember: this is only the beginning. We don’t have to walk alone in our quest to fill our souls with nature’s abundant gifts. Whether through song, soil, or shared silence, building or finding a community that honors our connection to the Earth is healing—for us and for the planet. Do you have a nature-based spiritual community that you would like to share?
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 Imagine yourself swaying gently in a hammock on a remote Caribbean island with a population of just fifty. The soundtrack of your day is the hush of waves rolling toward the shore and the soft hum of music drifting through the salt-kissed air. There are no distractions here—only two offerings: diving into the deep blue and watching whales breach the surface in slow, sacred arcs. No television. No internet. Just you, a handful of kindred spirits, and a couple of feral donkeys roaming freely. As the sun begins its descent into the horizon, something shifts. You’re still in the hammock, still hearing the quiet murmur of conversation nearby—but suddenly, you’re somewhere else. Not physically, but spiritually. You’ve entered a new reality, one that defies language. The closest you can come is to call it complete peace. Perhaps this is what they mean by nirvana. You long for nothing. You want nothing to change. You simply are. This moment happened to me in the year 2000, on the island of Salt Cay. I’ll be sharing more about this experience in the book I’m writing, but for now, I can tell you: it was life-changing. And I’ve come to learn—I’m not alone. Even Oprah has spoken of her own transcendent moment while walking in Hawaii. In this podcast, she and physicist-philosopher Dr. Alan Lightman explore the profound ways nature can dissolve the boundaries of self and awaken something eternal: Meanwhile, scientists are beginning to map the contours of these ineffable experiences. Bethelmy and Corraliza (PMID: 30918493) developed a tool to measure what they call “sublime emotion toward nature.” Their findings describe a state of inspiring energy—feelings of vitality, joy, oneness, freedom, eternity, and harmony with the universe.
This #SoulFULLSummer, as we deepen our relationship with the natural world, we invite you to share your own otherworldly encounters. As we like to say: it’s no longer Woo-Woo—it’s WOW-WOW. And now, even the science agrees.  In 2025, couples are stepping beyond traditional venues and embracing the natural beauty of the outdoors to say “I do.” From sun-drenched meadows to ocean-kissed shores, outdoor weddings are more than a trend—they’re a soulful return to reverence, reciprocity, and celebration. The Numbers Speak: Outdoor Weddings on the Rise Recent data reveals a powerful shift in how couples are choosing to celebrate:
Why Nature Beckons According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, couples are increasingly drawn to venues that reflect their values. Backyard gatherings, botanical gardens, and forest clearings are among the most sought-after spaces. Many cite the emotional resonance of being surrounded by nature as a key reason for their choice. Outdoor weddings offer more than scenic backdrops. They invite couples to:
This shift toward outdoor weddings mirrors a broader cultural movement—one that values sustainability, soulful living, and intentional celebration. It’s not just about where we marry, but how we honor the celebration. This week our as part of our SoulFULL Summer Series, our theme is Celebrate in Nature. What better way to explore how we are incorporating the natural world into our most precious moments than to look deeper at the trend toward nature nuptials. Enjoy our interview with floral artist Joseph Richard Pugni, owner of Joseph Richard Florals in Armonk, New York: Did you choose to get married outdoors, or have you attended a wedding in nature? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below.
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