A Spiritual Hike in Manhattan?

“Spirituality” conjures up a lot of other words, but “Manhattan” and “urban” are unlikely to be two of them. Rabbi Jamie Korngold wants to change that by finding spirituality in Manhattan’s largest oasis from the hustle and bustle—Central Park. A beautiful park it may be, but it is also crowded, imposed upon by skyscrapers and the loud sounds of the city can be heard in many parts.

Korngold published a book recently called God in the Wilderness, which points out that many religions have origins in the wilderness. Standing on top of a Colorado mountain may feel more serene than walking through the crowds in Central Park, but the latter challenges you to “create a spiritual place,” and thus, can bolster your spiritual awareness.

She recently led a group on a hike and asked them how to go about creating this place. Shutting off iPods and phones, taking one’s mind off of work, and absorbing all the sights and sounds were suggested. Korngold’s point is that spirituality can be found anywhere, because it comes from within. You just have to look for it and have a hand in fostering it. [New York Daily News]