Two pyramids of logs stood at the end of the driveway; the bodies of loved ones cast coldly upon each other in climbing layers like concentration camp victims. Our beloved trees had been extracted from their roots, counted and transformed from entity to commodity. Their disembodied limbs and splattered viscera littered every corner of our farm. I wondered what I was supposed to learn from this. We had done it to ourselves. Rising taxes and anemic income had made logging seem like a good idea at … [Read more...]

Change is happening quickly - and with the economical shifts, it is causing spiritual, mental and physical stresses on much of the population.Many can not find employment that adequately fits their skill level. Downsizing and outsourcing is happening in corporations around the country, and with the effects of rising inflation, many people are at the breaking point.I was in a discussion recently with a group of people asking me questions of what lies ahead for the this nation, and society in … [Read more...]

The Celestine Prophecy Movie, April 2 and April 9, Student Center Theater, University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, 2017 Buford Ave., in St. Paul. Shows run at 5 and 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $10 available by calling (763) 433-9291, and at the door.Based on James Redfield's worldwide best-selling novel, The Celestine Prophecy is a spiritual adventure film chronicling the discovery of ancient scrolls in the rainforests of Peru. The prophecy and its nine key insights predict a worldwide … [Read more...]

I'm sitting alone in front of a campfire in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Northern California. I am three days into a nine-day healing retreat. I am thrilled to have this time to myself. When you have the opportunity to put your "householder" duties aside, and be a "sadhu" for a week or two, it can be very enlightening. My campfire is small and is burning at a steady pace. I have never built my own fire before. Since I didn't have the honor of being a girl scout, I … [Read more...]

New live disc: There's nothing quite like a band that exudes natural vibes and makes you want to move. Railroad Earth's new double-live recording Elko will introduce you to tunes that have kept audiences of more than 400 shows spellbound and asking for more. Featuring acoustic guitars, violin, mandolin, banjo, dobro, flute, pennywhistle, saxophone, drums, hand percussion and upright bass on its recordings, Railroad Earth can chug all night. Its fans, known as "hobos," tell you this groove is … [Read more...]

My 21st summer on the planet, I spent my time hitchhiking back and forth across the North American continent. I had just graduated from college. There was nothing I had to do and nowhere I had to be. Fall would be soon enough to ponder existential questions of life's purpose and gainful employment. June was in my soul and the open road - or more precisely, the interstate - beckoned.Of course, my parents were beside themselves. I get it now. I probably got it then, too, but back then it didn't … [Read more...]

OAKLAND, Calif. - If you treasure America's precious wildlife, or are inspired by America's symbol, the magnificent bald eagle, visit www.eaglesforever.org to submit a story or art that answers the question, "The Bald Eagle is Back! Why is that Important to America?" Two winning contestants - one in the 500-word story category and one in the artwork category - each will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., for themselves and three of their family members or friends. Winners also will be … [Read more...]

The purpose of each person's soul is at the core of our health. Well-being springs from our doing what we're uniquely here to do, which satisfies our soul in a way nothing else can. All things begin in spirit, so when our soul is well, we are well, we are passionate, and we share our gifts with others. When we fall out of balance, dis-ease begins first in our spirit. Illness then becomes physical, psychological and emotional. Shamanism offers us tools for healing the soul. When we're strong of … [Read more...]

Humbling. That's the short answer regarding my trip to Mississippi. Twelve of us with willing hands and willing hearts journeyed to Gulfport to help with reconstruction. In the end, we all gained more than we gave.The devastation was beyond what I had imagined. We began seeing downed trees and demolished signs around Hattiesburg, which is about 70 miles inland. On the coast, the destruction went on for miles and miles. It looked as though it had happened yesterday. Empty foundations, piles of … [Read more...]

"The fabled phoenix is a crimson, gold, and purple bird with sweeping tail and jeweled eyes. It lives in a distant garden of flowers and crystal springs. When its wings become heavy with age, the bird builds a nest of spices, herbs and resin in the top of a date palm. The heat of the sun ignites the twigs, and the phoenix stands in the flames with outspread wings. The bird burns to ashes. In cool starlight, a young phoenix forms in the remains of its parent."I spent the week of Thanksgiving 2005 … [Read more...]