Monthly Archives: May 2011

Love is Weird

Posted on May 30, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Memorial Day is special for Tricia and me. Thirty years ago, we stood atop a nearby mountain and she decided to partner-up with me. The next day she moved in. That is how a hippie and ex-college professor began life … Continue reading →

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Moved by Impermanence — Letting Go in a Changing World

Posted on May 27, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

It has been hard to focus on gardening this Spring. Natural disasters have distracted me, and any losses my garden suffered this past Winter pale in comparison to those victims of earthquakes, tsunami’s, radiation, floods, tornadoes, drought, wildfires and the … Continue reading →

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Sanctuary & Temenos — Sacred Boundary for the Soul

Posted on May 26, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Our soul has a boundless desire to take in life. However, when we need a sense of safety, security, comfort, replenishment, solace, peace, and relief from worldly activities we are naturally drawn to boundaries. Boundaries of time and place are … Continue reading →

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The Value of Sanctuary in Daily Life

Posted on May 19, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

One of the most appealing features of everyday sanctuary is its universality. It is both a place in the world and a feeling of inner safety. It is a home or temple, cozy corner, garden, or deep woods; it is … Continue reading →

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7 Principles of Reverent Gardening

Posted on May 17, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

We have gardened the same 2 acres at our 22-acre Cortesia Sanctuary, outside of Eugene, Oregon, for over 25 years. The zeal of our youthfulness has matured into the content of elder years. From the start, however, we challenged ourselves … Continue reading →

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Beauty: A Way to Peace

Posted on May 12, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Beauty is both a path toward inner peace and a path into the world. The recognition of beauty — within yourself, others, objects, architecture, animals and nature — can create a warm sanctuary for the soul in daily life. How … Continue reading →

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The Grace of Daily Sanctuary

Posted on May 10, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

The care of our sense of spirit — the loving care of our soul — is perhaps the most challenging aspect of living on Earth today. Each day should be about finding balance between our absorption with the world and the need to find relief amidst it. If we do not find this balance, we are apt to feel distraught. One word best describes the need for soulful revitalization of our mind, body and spirit: Sanctuary. Continue reading →

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“Divine Mother of the Universe” — Prayer IX by Miasha

Posted on May 8, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Prayer IX Oh, Divine Mother of the Universe, how can I doubt your Love for me? In the sanctuary of your Love, grant that I may have a Mind of Peace, Pure Heart, Wisdom. Count my faults, Divine Mother, but … Continue reading →

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“Divine Mother Earth” — Prayer XIX by Miasha

Posted on May 7, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Prayer XIX Oh, humble Divine Mother Earth, I am on my knees in your Garden, inhaling your sweet fragrance, pouring out my gratitude — receiving your blessings. Passersby see an old man weeding — they do not know: I pluck … Continue reading →

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“Mother Gardener” by Miasha

Posted on May 6, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

I see you in the garden, Mother One. “Receive this gift,” your heart gently offers the plant to the earth. This garden is your child, tendered and nurtured by your wisdom and kindness. I am no longer surprised that you … Continue reading →

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