Transcendence through Nature: Mysticism and Spiritual Connection in Mary Oliver’s Poetry

Abstract

This research discusses the mystical elements and themes in Mary Oliver’s selected poems, Wild Geese, the Summer Day, Morning Poem, When Death Comes, In Blackwater Woods, and the Journey. These poems reflect various mystical themes such as the deep spiritual connection with nature, human states of consciousness, transcendence of the self, unity with nature, and the pursuit of enlightenment through her poetic symbols, language, imagery, and themes. Mysticism offers an experiential connection between the human soul and the divine. Mysticism holds that the soul may see and understand using a spiritual sense that cuts across the physical world. Those with this inner sense of intuition can get insights into eternal wisdom, know God, experience a conscious connection with the unseen, and reach unity with God. Oliver’s poems are the perfect embodiment of her mystical ideas that lead a man to God. Her mystical vision symbolizes a profound unification with the natural world. Her poems are the guide that teach spiritual experiences, the right way of observation while meditating, the practice of being sacred in natural presence, and the path to connect with the world to be unified.