I must admit, I’m struggling. In this time of social distancing, I—like many of you—am feeling fearful. My anxiety is often taking precedence over my sense of hope and optimism. But I’m reminded of a story Mary Pipher wrote in her book Women Rowing North: My brother told a story about a tailor who wanted…
In 2013 I completed the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, facilitated by Chris Klug and based on the model developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Today I continue to use many of the techniques I learned in that program and often refer to it as a life-enhancing experience.…
One day a young Buddhist on his journey home came to the banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier. Just as he was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey, he…
“I hear the drizzle of the rain Like a memory, it falls Soft and warm, continuing Tapping on my roof and walls …” (Kathy’s Song by Paul Simon, 1965) When in the ’60s Paul Simon penned these lyrics for his British soulmate, Kathy Chitty, life was in turmoil. Upheaval was everywhere and themes of…
Dearest Prairiewoods Family, I am delighted to share about new research that I recently learned about at a Forest Bathing class that was held in January by Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller at Prairiewoods. She shared that just 5 minutes a day in Nature has health and wellness benefits! I was beyond excited to hear this and…
People across the world approach this profound change in daily living and long for expression. Some experience this time as a sacred invitation to discover a new sense of home—locally and globally—deeper and more expansive. This beautiful poem below by Jane Hooper, cited in Cynthia Bourgeault’s The Wisdom Way of Knowing, and Sara Thomsen’s beautiful…
As we at Prairiewoods focus on shifting our attention from the pandemic to #PanDeepening, we are looking at meditations, readings and activities that help us go deeper and get more centered within ourselves and in our God. In today’s PanDeepening, let’s slow down, quiet our minds and listen to the words of a gifted Celtic…
Like many of you, I have been struggling with my own fear and anxiety as this pandemic continues to unfold. As the director of Prairiewoods, I hope to make the best decisions to care for the people we serve and for the people who work here—aware that lives and livelihoods may hang in the balance.…
As we arise on the morning of Saint Patrick’s Day, we are blessed with a beautiful Celtic Christian protection prayer known as The Deer’s Cry or Saint Patrick’s Breastplate prayer. This prayer is often sung and is a tune we can hum to ourselves throughout the day and always, reminding us that Christ is with…
As our lives and commitments shift over time, we find ourselves with time or interest to give to new and varied pursuits. If you find yourself with time to give back, we invite you to consider volunteering at Prairiewoods. We are always looking for dedicated people interested in giving back to their community! Here are…