Following our post “What is a Wild Goal?” we had a good question from ‘The Barefoot Sensei’ who asked – “define what you mean by wild?”. Tara’s reponse is below and we thought it worth sharing with everyone to start the debate – what is your definition of wild?
FROM TARA:
“I think everyone has there own personal definition of what ‘wild’ means depending on their view of nature and their part in it. The dictionary gives three main meanings:
1. ‘in original natural state’. For me this means being fully engaged in nature. Feeling at home in the elements and in wilderness; having the physicality and mindset to survive in nature is part of this. But I would go further and say that it also means to take an active role in nature – like every animal we have our niche. Whether that is being a guardian of a natural area or actively managing or growing things, in a way that works with natural cycles (like permaculture) where you also allow the animals and plants to be wild.
2. ‘unchecked or undisciplined’. I love this aspect of wildness, and I think even the most square and righteous person has a part of them that wants to be adventurous and spontaneous. There is something uniquely human about the sparkle in the eye of someone who breaks the mould and discovers unchartered territory – something our ancestors have done repeatedly over our evolution and we must continue to do to remain truly alive.
3. ‘not domesticated, civilised or cultivated’. With civilisation comes rules and a distance from nature and the natural laws. But I think its important not to think that ‘wildness’ means a lack of sophistication – the famous examples of wild cultures like the aborigines show an understanding and skill of living with nature that is more sophisticated than our civilisation today.
Finally I think that this essence of ‘wildness’ isn’t just something to hark back to, but an attitude and philosophy that we can bring into the context of life now.
What is your definition of Wild?”
Yoish! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. But i live out side the city walls and spend more time training in the last of the wild.
To answer your question is hard in word, easier in movement with the land.
For many years i have trained with animals. Elk are a good example. I track down a heard and then spend about three days working my way into moving with them, and then just observe. Learn to move as they move. There is a feeling that comes pulls me out of my domestication and i begin to feel a slower relationship with the land. As i said hard to explain.
When i look at our kind and look for an example of wild. I find it in the child.
I think there is a reason that wild and child have a close sounding.
Once again, i apologize for not answering your question sooner.
Barefoot SenSay,
mick