Her rule of life was severe:
In the 4th century, was a key figure in Christian history. A wealthy widow and close friend of St. Jerome , she abandoned her aristocratic life in Rome to pursue an ascetic existence in the Holy Land.
Jerome notes that Paula’s grief, rather than curdling into despair, became a ladder to heaven. She realized that her “holy nature” was not an innate temperament but a willed response to grace. She began sleeping on the bare ground, wore sackcloth, and dedicated her prodigious intellect to the study of Scripture.
The on Paula of Rome as a "woman of influence" in the 4th century. The naturist philosophy found in Rusinov's "Holy Nature." holy nature paula
It is crucial to distinguish the "Holy Nature Paula" movement from standard environmentalism. Secular environmentalism often relies on data, guilt, and political action. While these are valuable, they often fail because they lack doxology (praise).
: Recognizing that harming the planet inherently harms human health.
Paula’s journey is remarkable for its intensity and dedication. While initially aiming for a shorter retreat, she ended up spending over 25 years in solitary meditation, engaging in intensive Buddhist practices, including Highest Yoga Tantra. Her rule of life was severe: In the
Based on the writings of Saint Paula and the contemporary "Green Monastic" movement, here are the seven core principles of this spiritual path:
For those drawn to the mystique of Paula, her spiritual significance lies in her embodiment of the principles of Holy Nature. She represents a pathway to spiritual growth, one that is rooted in a deep love and respect for the land, the cycles of life, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through her example, Paula encourages us to reexamine our relationship with the natural world, to adopt a more mindful and sustainable approach to living, and to cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and complexity of the universe.
Once a week, for two hours, disconnect from all technology. Do not "hike" for exercise. Instead, sit within a 100-yard radius. Note three things: something that is building (a nest), something that is dying (a leaf), and something that is hiding (a bug). This is the "Paulan Trinity." Jerome notes that Paula’s grief, rather than curdling
In a world addicted to productivity, Holy Nature Paula advocates for the "Paula Pause." This is a practice of stopping every hour to touch something alive—bark, moss, water, soil. The goal is to recalibrate the nervous system from "human time" to "deep time."
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