When I began my marketing internship at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, I expected that I would grow professionally. I didn’t realize how deeply I would be impacted in a personal way. Prairiewoods isn’t just a job; it’s a space where you feel welcomed and at peace. As an intern, I’ve worn several hats: photographer, videographer,…
Each year, as winter melts into spring, an ancient rhythm begins to stir. The light returns, the birdsong grows louder, and the world seems to lean forward, pressing us toward movement, change, renewal. And yet, for many of us—myself included—this time of re-entry is the hardest part of the cycle. Spring insists we wake up.…
Interconnectedness is one of the underpinnings of ecological spirituality. For many of us, it is something we innately know or feel. For others, the concept remains abstract. Dr. Lisa Miller—author and researcher from Columbia University—will join us May 5 and 6 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and virtually. In our time together, she will share her research findings…
For the last year, Prairiewoods has been exploring six important principles that are central to an ecological spirituality. Principles that are supported by science as well as our own experience. We have talked about the Universe Story, transcending dualism, revisiting a sense of oneness, multi-disciplinary wisdom and moving from dominion to kinship. The sixth principles…
Strengthening our spirituality is more than something that feels good or is “nice to do.” According to research by Dr. Lisa Miller from Columbia University, cultivating our spirituality is imperative for our thriving, wellbeing and wholeness. As we care for our physical bodies through the food we eat, the movement we participate in and the rest…
The methods of self-cultivation found in Chinese meditation, Qigong and Tai Chi were developed over thousands of years as a way to remain strong and balanced when confronted by times of cultural and political unrest similar to today. In this retreat we will learn some of these methods to enhance our wellness, improve our ability…
Many of us have had to say goodbye to someone far too soon as the weight of mental illness has become too heavy. Or we’ve sat on the side of a hospital bed, gutted and in shock that a loved one has attempted to take their life. The epidemic of depression, anxiety, addiction and other…
Dear friends, At a dark time in my life when I desperately needed a spiritual community and divine feminine energy, the people and the sacred space of Prairiewoods helped bring me healing and illuminated my path. Since first experiencing the magic of Prairiewoods five years ago, I have experienced an intense time of breaking down,…
Prairiewoods is preparing for our annual Spirituality in the 21st Century event May 5 and 6. This year, Dr. Lisa Miller will talk about the connections between spirituality and mental health. We asked Prairiewoods friend Kimberly Abram questions about her experiences as a school counselor and how she thinks Dr. Miller’s work could impact each…
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold or other precious metals. The object is more beautiful and valuable after being put back together. The Franciscan Spirituality Center (Prairiewoods’ sister center in La Crosse, Wisconsin) has hosted multiple retreats focused on this practice, and we are able to bring this retreat to…