Solar power is the fastest growing source of energy in the world because it avoids pollution from burning fossil fuels and can be installed in a cost-effective manner. In the United States, more than 2,500 churches and other houses of worship have now added solar power. On April 23, congregational leaders and members gathered with…
In early spring, when the snow reveals the sleepy black earth, my mother and I would take a short walk around my childhood home in northern Michigan. Behind the house, the yard dips lower to reveal a birch-filled marsh where deer have had a path since before I was born. My mother would take my…
As the earth cycle turns toward spring here in the middle lands, the claxon of Canada geese returning north fills my soul with a profound sense of belonging to the wildness of existence. Perhaps Mary Oliver says it best in one of her most well-known poems, “Wild Geese”: Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,…
Sixth in a series of reflections on the questions posed in The Web of Meaning by Jeremy Lent, Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century facilitator, April 28–29, 2023 The last chapter in Jeremy’s book, The Web of Meaning, is called “Weaving A New Story of Meaning,” and it is chock full of avenues to explore…
Fifth in a series of reflections on the questions posed in The Web of Meaning by Jeremy Lent, Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century facilitator, April 28–29, 2023 “I am here to weave my unique strand into the web of meaning.” —Jeremy Lent, The Web of Meaning Last week I attended the presentation of The…
Fourth in a series of reflections on the questions posed in The Web of Meaning by Jeremy Lent, Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century facilitator, April 28–29, 2023 “As a living being in the midst of life, I should pursue symbiotic, fractal flourishing for myself, for humankind and for all life.” —Jeremy Lent, The Web…
Third in a series of reflections on the questions posed in The Web of Meaning by Jeremy Lent, Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century facilitator, April 28–29, 2023 Yesterday the beautiful day took us on a drive along the Old River Road in search of eagles who winter by the roller dam. There were not…
Second in a series of reflections on the questions posed in The Web of Meaning by Jeremy Lent, Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century facilitator, April 28–29, 2023 Where am I? Literally—I am sitting in my family room, a comfortable place surrounded by the familiar. Double glass doors open to the back yard; a view…
“I am the integrated product of my animate and conceptual consciousness—an ongoing process of ‘I’ and ‘self’ continually interacting.” Prairiewoods has always held a vision for me, a vision that includes understanding how I belong to this time and place. I have regularly attended Spirituality in the 21st Century, and this year is no exception.…
Why does the willow weep? Why do pears grow in pairs? Do bees pray on their knees? How do Susans get black eyes? Who packs the parachutes the seeds of milkweed need? A face in the bark was looking back at me. Shards of ancient energy. When does old become ancient? —Diane Wheeler Dunn, friend…