Here are just a few ways healing happens at Prairiewoods.
On a recent Monday evening, a small group listened to a short reading about the practice of meditation and then sat in silence for 30 minutes. All of us in the group had found our way there by our own unique path. Some had studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at Prairiewoods. Some had studied in other places using other models for meditation. Some were practicing centering prayer. Some were new to meditation and were taking to it quite comfortably. Some had a decades-long practice. One person was sitting in silence for their first time ever!
As the time of silence came to an end, the Spirit began to move around the room, calling on each to share what was in our heart, what was on our mind. A young woman shared how she appreciated being a part of the group as she continued to grieve the loss of her mother. The two bereavement counselors who participate offered their words of wisdom—opening the door for others to share about our own experiences of grief. We brought up the loneliness, the need to find someone to talk to, the ache for something as simple as a hug. The sharing lasted as long as the sitting—by the time of departure there was laughter, there were hugs, there was joy found in shared sorrow.
Healing happens at Prairiewoods.
Sister Suzanne Rubenbauer, FSPA, visited on a Saturday morning to offer the ancient guided practice of LovingKindness. A circle of mostly strangers followed her guidance. As we passed through each stage of the practice (from ourselves, to someone for whom we felt grateful, to someone with whom we have a “neutral” relationship, to someone we experience as difficult or threatening, and finally, to all beings on the planet) we offered:
- May (this being) be free from danger.
- May (this being) be happy.
- May (this being) be healthy.
- May (this being) live with ease.
We looked at each other around the circle and recognized that something significant had happened for each of us there. We felt calm and peaceful, we felt closer to the people for whom we prayed. We felt closer to one another. We felt empowered that even when the world around us feels outside our control, there is something we can do.
Healing happens at Prairiewoods.
A pastor in the first week of sabbatical. A recently divorced mother of two. A pair of sisters. A person recently diagnosed with the beginnings of dementia. A caregiver here for time away from their 24/7 schedule. These are the people who come to a Day of Self Renewal. We gather first thing in the morning, sometimes rushing, often exhausted at 8:30 a.m. Some have been here before and know generally what to expect, others just know that the description sounded really good and they found a way to fit it into their busy schedule. A meditative reading, a tour and we are off, following a loose schedule of opportunities. Many head right outdoors to the land, to the trails, to a favorite spot at Grandmother Oak or for a walk around the labyrinth. Others curl up with a journal and a cup of tea on the couch in front of the fireplace, or head to a guest room for a nap. The care provided by the practitioners helps lift us up a bit—yoga, massage, reflexology, healing touch for our bodies—singing bowls sound bath for relaxation, spiritual direction for sorting out just where we are and where we want to go on our spiritual journey. We return at 4 p.m. to reflect on the day; some are very calm and relaxed, others are excited following some epiphany experienced during the day. We are all grateful for the re-set and ready to return home with our resilience renewed.
Healing happens at Prairiewoods.
Come out to Prairiewoods, we said. How long can you stay? And they came: staff from a local human service agency. Bright and early they arrived, with some of the largest coffees you can imagine. They sat together and chatted, taste-testing our blueberry muffins fresh out of the oven. We started with education, reviewing the impact of stress on our bodies, our minds and our spirits. They shared with one another, comparing their experiences. From there they scattered, some to our gardens with a tour by Sandy Rosenberger, some to our Art Room for a class by Andi Lewis on the meditative practice of drawing mandalas. A few stayed back at the Center and received chair massages from Julio Vera. And a few hearty souls made the trek out to Grandmother Oak, passing through prairie and woods along the way. Several added a walk around the labyrinth to their trip. They returned for some time to contribute to a large coloring project celebrating the anniversary of Saint Francis’ Canticle to Brother Sun and Sister Moon. All of this before noon! They departed smiling and laughing, ready to move on with their day.
Healing happens at Prairiewoods.
—Rev. Jean Sullivan, Outreach, Engagement & Hospitality Coordinator