A Return to self

1. A Return to self Cultivating a deeper level of intimacy through eco-spirituality Kali Ashura Washington Mtp8205, eco-spirituality Nancy rowe

2. intention • connect more with nature and learn/understand the wisdom that it holds • create sacred time where I am able to connect with myself through nature • expand my appreciation of life/nature by taking time to simply be in the presence of nature, tap more into my senses

3. The following pages reflect my experience in this course. The samples displayed illustrate an awakening power that has been emerging for quite some time. I would compare it to the growth of an oak tree. What started out a small seed in the form of an acorn has, over time, developed into a tall and powerful oak tree that is transforming into many purposes (coaching, consultant, pastor). Sometimes it felt like I wasn’t growing, especially when taking into consideration time. Yet nature showed me that growth can’t be measured by time. There is a unique rhythm to life, of the soul that unfolds as it is designed to and not what I expect it to. Plotkin states, “Diminished human soul means diminished nature.” I’ve learned to hold the space that I walk among in in a sacred way. She has become my teacher, my companion, my comforter. Through her, I have learned to expand and likewise, she has expanded through me. There is so much wisdom contained within nature that I desire to share by way of photography. I desire to support women in tapping into their wisdom wisdom by leading meditative walks and eventually doing boudoir photography in nature. I am co-facilitating a woman’s retreat at my church and one of the planned activities is to do a meditative walk in nature.

4. Like the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, it took courage for me to pause and go within and be willing to explore parts of myself that I’ve chosen to remain hidden until now. Honestly, it was comfortable to stay in my shell. I would also venture to say it took more courage to allow something as powerful as nature to be the demonstration of the power that I hold. I am thankful for the journey. Nature taught me how to be and for this I am lighter and free. As I dance across your fruitful land I taste the core of your spirit Soothing my soul Igniting my power I breathe in your melodies Infusing them into my blood Our cries, our laughter, our joy and our pain Fill the expansion between the earth and the heavens I am within you and you are within me Separated oneness Together we heal Together we love

5. I journey down into the spirals of my soul Each step uncovering a layer of beauty and peace My breath taken away by the expansiveness of all that appears to be contained I hear the voice of the elders speaking to me The wisdom being passed down through the gentle whispering of the trees My soul dances high among the clouds For a brief moment in time I am encapsulated in your wilderness

6. My spiritual practice for this course was to meditate upon the moon for approximately 10-15 minutes. During this time of practice, I became the practice. I was appreciative of the lesson learned of accepting that my life goes through phases and these phases are the natural occurrence of my life. I use to fear the unknown and worked hard to control my environment. I learned that there is nothing for me to fear. The cycle is an opportunity to show me the different perspective of myself over time. There are various aspects to who I am and they vary depending on the life phase I am in and also depending on what other starts, planets, etc. are within my vibration. Come and take a walk with thee Allow me to whisper the sweetness of joy and pain to your heart Let me fill your soul with the spirit of unconditional love I am your foundation, I am your covering All that you are is all that I am All that I am is all that you are We are separately one Breathe, love, dance