David Thornton - "Sense of Place"

After reading Martin Ball’s critique of Keith Basso’s I have since come to a new understanding of place in regards to people communicating with the Sacred. The “Sense of place” that is perceived as a medium for Sacred Communication is of enormous importance in many different cultures. The Apaches who were being referred to in Basso’s article considered different geographical areas to be places of Divine sacredness. They kept religious traditions that had been passed down hundreds and hundreds of years involving Sacred places and that which were being invaded by whites. I think it is very sad to see how people disregard other’s views of the Divine. The idea of a Sacred place for me seems a little weird because I feel as though I have had spiritual experiences with the Sacred in multiple places. Some places such as the floor of my room my or in the mountains certainly have been consistent in providing me with a place for Sacred communication, but I have never kept a “tradition” in going to that place in order for Sacred Communication to occur. I feel as though I have experienced the Sacred in multiple places and that for it doesn’t really matter where I am. What really matters is the motivation I have in seeking Sacred communication and the focus I need in order for that experience to take place. I think is absolutely ridiculous for people to assume that other’s traditions or ways of communing with the Sacred are insignificant. All people are different and the ways in which they go about communicating with the Sacred. Tolerance and respect need to be in order with people's view of other's personal beliefs and values.