According to Thoreau, what is the relationship between self-reliance and spirituality?

In "The Ponds," Thoreau's perception of nature is overwhelming. Throughout Walden, Thoreau is attempting to encourage the readers to perceive it in a particular way: as a divine force and the key to human spirituality and satisfaction. In the context in which he explores this, he demonstrates his rejection of the material and commercial world and insists that no human truly appreciates Nature; an ironic statement given that Thoreau has emulated such an awareness and appreciation for nature.

The purpose of the detail with which Thoreau mentions the natural elements in this chapter is clearly that Thoreau wants the reader to be aware of his attention to detail, which has a general significance in his philosophy. By demonstrating that he is so aware of the natural world, Thoreau is also proving that his experimental life of simplicity is extremely beneficial for his spiritual well being. The remainder of the chapter shows this.