Erica Gamester: Spiritual Rambling "Outside Reading" #2

Spiritual Rambling: Long Distance Wilderness Sojourning as Meaning-Making

In class lecture, we discussed “askesis” being defined as strict self-discipline and self-control for religious or meditative purposes. One of these reasons could be to simply break away from the influence of the “market place”. The market place overpowered with everyone’s ego versus another; they all seek to gain advantage of the market place for personal gain. Whether we realize it or not, we are all apart of the market place by inevitably conforming according to the rules of society.

“Askesis is distanciation from the marketplace reality” (Page 17)

However, St. Paul believes that anxiety caused by the market place deteriorates the quality of life for humans. This is because humans become caught up in attempting to manipulate what is out of one’s immediate control, ultimately losing sight of his/her own “project”.

“The marketplace is the epitome of humans vying against one another to gain an advantage at securing a position where self-interest is paramount.” (Page 17)

Askesis in pilgrimage involves a similar ritual of abandoning comfort and common luxuries. Pilgrims develop discipline as they tread the land over long periods without the promise of a next meal or even a private area to go to the bathroom. These onerous stretches of self-control open the mind and soul of the hiker, allowing spiritual renovation to occur.

“Such discipline is truly a distanciation of the real from itself, distancing the hiker from the dominant culture’s attested to reality so that new possibilities manifest and the hiker’s consciousness is opened to transformation” (Page 18)

Through class lecture and outside reading, I have developed the understanding that askesis commonly practiced by many in order to develop a deeper sense of their religious/spiritual self. In order to fully participate in askesis, one must abandon influence of the market place and other external influences. If one doesn't seek separation from the market place, he/she can lose sight of their own project by trying to manipulate irrepressible factors.