We are about to encounter that moment when the sun appears to stand still in the sky – the solstice. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the days will continue to incrementally lengthen until June 21st when the sun will appear to stand still for a moment before reversing direction (from the point […]
The Conflict Between Winter and Modern Life
We’ve just exited what is, for many of us in the northern hemisphere, the busiest, most hectic, and stressful time of the year – the holiday season. Even before the holidays were over, however, I noticed article after article and blog post after blog post heralding the new year through asking ‘what is your plan […]
The Thanksgiving Address – Greeting the Natural World
Today, as I sit here typing, my heart is elsewhere. It is walking (silently) with a group of 100+ people along the banks of the Sandy River in Oxbow Park. I hear the leaves rustling underfoot, the sound of the waters of the river swirling over and around rocks just off to my left, the […]
Celebrating the Return of the Rain and Last Spring’s Tree Ritual
It is gray and misty and almost raining outside. After what was, for me, an unbearably hot summer here in the Pacific Northwest, the return of the mist and rain is unbelievably relieving. With a final (fingers crossed!) 90+ degree weekend behind us, the Autumn Equinox of yesterday has ushered in fall in a big […]
The Aftermath of Ritual: A Reflection
Five days have now passed since the Ritual of Letting Go was held on the banks of a shockingly cold river in the Columbia River Gorge. My memories of the ritual are ones of laughter, of beauty, of song, and of deep connection to myself, to nature, to the other participants, and to Water. Most […]