Prairiewoods is pleased to announce the release of a new book of poetry, Outstretched Boughs, that celebrates the spirituality of trees, especially those found on the 70 acres of land known as Prairiewoods. It was created in loving memory of Kathy Decker and Betty Daugherty, FSPA, and features original poetry and photography from more than…
This week I’ve been feasting on these beauties! Cherry tomatoes and peaches—each morning, a prayer. Once a small seed nourished over time by loving heart, sun, moon, wind, rain, stars, tender hands … they ripen seemingly simply sitting on the kitchen counter. Each morning’s prayer, I count myself so blessed to have somehow through anticipation…
Let’s be real here. When we’re truly struggling, it can be hard to put words to the unrest in our soul. Connecting with our Creator can feel insurmountable. In trying times, I find that I fall back on the simple repetition of a mantra, a hymn from childhood or a memorized line of scripture. When…
Less driving, more walking and biking More waving and smiling as we pass one another Less traffic, more birdsong, more pausing to listen to the birdsong Less shopping, more mending More paring down to what is essential for us to thrive More meals prepared with less rush, eaten with more pleasure Listening to our bodies…
I recently read Glennon Doyle’s new book, Untamed. It took me a while to read because each chapter brought up spiritual and emotional crescendos that resonated deeply and widely, inward and outward—and then I felt invited to pause. I actually had to pause because by the end of most chapters I found myself crying a…
“The heart that breaks open can contain the whole universe.” —Joanna Macy When the heart is breaking for someone else, the brain warns, “Don’t go too far or there will be nothing left.” Our bodies are well designed to protect us from external threats, emotional and physical. Experiences of trauma and stress can trigger our…
On Christmas Eve in 1968, while the astronauts of Apollo 8 circumnavigated the moon, a momentous shift in perspective emerged unexpectedly for human-kind. In the midst of the space module’s scheduled “roll” to capture photos of the moon’s surface, Astronaut Bill Anders noticed a fantastic image arising over his shoulder. “Oh my God!” Anders exclaimed.…
The following is written by a perpetually novice wisdom seeker with early onset overly active mind syndrome, ever and always a student with several wonderful teachers and countless others. The importance of community seems to be especially relevant today. How is it defined and what has it meant, means and will it mean in our…
Just a three-minute step outside the door of the Prairiewoods Guest House offered many “blessings in the chaos.” Drawn to the vibrant, beautiful stillness of these flowers and slow saunter of doe and fawn … “let there be an opening into the quiet that lies beneath the chaos,” echoed throughout all of creation on this…
“My grandmother once gave me a tip: In difficult times, you move forward in small steps. Do what you have to do, but little by little. Don’t think about the future, or what may happen tomorrow. Wash the dishes. Remove the dust. Write a letter. Make a soup. You see? You are advancing step by…