A Simple Guide to Eco-Spirituality coming soon!

Last night my sons and I went to dinner to celebrate the completion of A Simple Guide to Eco-Spirituality, available March 1 (!) from Luminis Press. I absolutely loved writing this book. I used a similar approach to the topic that I offer in the graduate-level course I teach in Eco-Spirituality at Earlham School of Religion. Here's an idea of the types of topics we cover:

• Finding your own Earth story
• Exploring your family geography
• Looking at Earth care through the lenses of different faith traditions
• Connecting with reverence in the here-and-now
• Exploring eco-justice and spiritual balance
• Moving toward sustainability
• Advocacy and blessing

The book includes ideas, exercises, and resources and I hope it will inspire you to continue learning more about this important, dynamic, and ultimately loving connection of spirit, self, and planet! I've also started a new blog, called Simply Eco-Spiritual, which offers posts, tools, and resources (like free downloadable presentations) so you can continue to spread the world and help educate your family, friends, and community. Thanks for loving the planet! I'll post a PDF sample when one is available (if the publisher says it's okay).

Smiles and blessings, Katherine

Blessing the space

I've been thinking a lot lately about what the power of our blessing can do when we bring it into spaces that need healing. Perhaps an area has been overrun with flooding, or something tragic occurred on the land. Or perhaps there is a controversy about what will be done with a landscape, as is the case in this Tennessee town where an ecumenical gathering of townsfolk have begun praying for the protection of a local mountain ridge.

I believe our connection with the land and our prayers, meditations, and actions on its--and our--behalf can really do something. Blessing the land before changes begin, asking that animals with homes in that area find just the right new places, asking that the growth in that area be prepared for change, asking that the land be understood as an appreciated and welcome partner in the coming changes are good, positive efforts that bring a sense of awake love and awareness to all participants in the change. When these changes come, it's not simply humankind acting on an object--nature. It's a partnership that is unfolding and it could be a co-creative, respectful relationship, if we approach it with open eyes and hearts, and our blessings.