While on the Spiritual Renewal Day, I was walking at Prairiewoods on the afternoon of Nov. 9, 2020, and as always when I’m there, the beauty of God’s Creation struck me. I had every intention of going to the labyrinth and walking the labyrinth, one of my favorite things to do. However, God had something…
What hearkens to us in these disillusioned days following a bitterly divided election, when the aches and hollow places left by familial relationships and friendships torn asunder leave us desolate and perplexed? Is there a balm in Gilead for what ails us? A voyage into the imaginal realm, where mythic storytelling, music, art, dance and…
Inspirited with gratitude during this beautiful month of November, poised in the season of harvest, deeply breathing the crisp air that animates our anticipation of the holiday season, we long for grounding. Grounding energy invites us to hold our center amid these tumultuous times and difficult decisions swirling about how and with whom we will…
There are still many people who haven’t yet recovered from Aug. 10th’s derecho. It was the first storm of its kind for many in Iowa and has been designated as the nation’s most destructive natural disaster in 2020. We’ve endured many storms, and not all of them physical. The poem “Onto a Vast Plain” by…
In March, Prairiewoods staff wrote a response plan that envisioned the need to respond to varying stages of how the coronavirus pandemic might manifest locally. We have done our best to be responsive and responsible in decision-making about how available Prairiewoods is to guests and visitors—and to safeguard the health of all our staff. While…
As I sit in my basement listening (or trying not to listen) to the sounds of hammering as the roof of my home is being replaced post-derecho, I think to myself, I’m so glad I talked to Sister Nancy today. How many times have I had that thought over the years? How many times have…
Have you ever been awed by the balletic panorama of starlings flying in vast, undulating, geometric patterns across the sky (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnndQgIUraQ)? These astounding acrobatic formations are called “murmurations,” when hundreds or even thousands of starlings create dynamic, swooping, intricately coordinated patterns, formed over the flocks’ communal roosting site. Among other purposes, their unchoreographed ballet serves as mutual…
“Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.” —Zen Proverb In any kind of spiritual practice, whether that be prayer, routine meditation or silent retreat, we might glean sudden wisdom or understanding for something that previously had us feeling stuck. No matter how profound the discovery, life will give…
I know we’re weary. I know we’re worried. I know we’re impatiently waiting for an answer we’d hoped would come quickly and decisively. This whole year has been about waiting and worrying and being oh-so-weary in the face of an unprecedented global pandemic. For those of us in the Cedar Rapids area, the last three…
“Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life on whose behalf we can act. We belong to this world. The web of life is calling us forth at this time. We’ve come a long way and are here to play our part. With Active Hope we realize that there are adventures in store,…