Author Archives: C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

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About C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

I am blessed to be a co-steward for over 30 years of the beautiful 22-acre Cortesia Sanctuary outside Eugene, Oregon, with my partner, Tricia Clark-McDowell. My lifelong interests in wellness care, psychology, nature, music composition & performance, writing, and meditation fuel my celebration for life. My form of service is founded upon the elemental practice of kindness and reverence for life. Of course, to understand the value of deep respect for life, we also have to accept irreverence as part of human nature and to know that it can be very disruptive and destructive to peace, safety, beauty, joy and love.

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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The Selfish Gardener – A Short Story for Spring

Posted on May 5, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

There once was a selfish gardener determined to keep the bounty of his garden to himself. So, he did anything to keep the animals and insects away. “Pests, all of them!” he scowled. “Why, the birds come and eat my … Continue reading →

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The Beauty in Words

Posted on April 14, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

“That is not a tree. I asked you to draw a tree.” My life as a writer began on my eighth birthday with these words of admonishment by my art teacher. Mrs. Brubaker hovered over my interpretation of a redwood … Continue reading →

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Kindness: A Way to Peace

Posted on April 11, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Kindness encompasses a range of acts and habits that can be most easily described as thoughtful manners and heartfelt courtesy. Such etiquette not only applies to our relationships with other people but also to things, animals, plants and the Earth. … Continue reading →

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Words of Hope from Sendai, Japan: After the Earthquake

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

When images of destruction replace a thousand words, we become hungry for words. I awoke this morning with this thought and realized I had become starved for words of hope from the earthquake region in Japan. However, an American survivor … Continue reading →

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The Illusive Desire for Simplicity — Does It Take a Disaster to Get It?

Posted on March 16, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

For many survivors of a natural catastrophe, life is involuntarily reduced to simplicity and survival — simple shelter, enough food and water to get by for a day or two, an invaluable piece of clothing, a surviving family member or friend.

It has given me pause to look at my life from the perspective of what really matters. The question I am left with is this — In what ways do my desires fulfill my needs and yet allow me to live simply? This article is a forthright look at the illusive desire for simplicity. Continue reading →

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17 Ways to Create Inner Peace

Posted on March 15, 2011 by C. Forrest McDowell, PhD

Peace is not a commodity sold on the open market, yet it is available every step we take. It is in the free-spirit of our heart and mind. If we desire Peace on Earth and in our life, we need … Continue reading →

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