The Journal of Elements and Seasons
A nature inspired newsletter for those longing to slow down and listen.
If you yearn to connect your spirituality with the land, need a dose of wonder and beauty in this hurting world, and long for ways to honor the full tapestry of being, this space is for you.
For regular poetry, reflections, prayers, and seasonal wisdom rooted in embodied spirituality and everyday life, join The Journal of Elements and Seasons. Each offering is crafted to meet you gently where you are and support in connecting your spirituality with the sacred rhythms of nature.
No spam. Just thoughtful words, sent with care – delivered directly to your inbox.
From the Blog Archive:
Writing from 2010-2021
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The Race
I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations. ~ Christine Valters Paintner, Monk Manifesto Rex Stout, author of the Nero Wolf mystery series, was a genius. Once a word was down on paper he never changed it. For one who…
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Here We Go Again
The light just changed. Did you see it? I noticed the shift at 5:10pm on Thursday, August 23rd. The evening sun, no longer a red flush of summer, now sets in colors more akin to rose and gold. This oh-so-subtle alteration that comes in mid-August is accompanied by the potential for my mood to tank—which…
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Reentry
After a relaxing week in the mountains with my family I am home and readjusting to the rhythms of ordinary life. I’ve been back for two weeks but the difficult process of reentry continues. I find myself doing the same thing I do every year—looking at google maps and dreaming of faraway destinations. The late…
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Summer Sabbath
“Sabbath is one of the profound gifts of a generous and abundant divine presence who says that work is good and rest is necessary.” ~ Christine Valters Paintner Every summer, Christine Valters Paintner of Abbey of the Arts (you know the woman, I work for her and quote her often) takes time off from newsletters…
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Presence and Preparation
I have the itch. The longing to be in the mountains at Kanuga, embraced by Rhododendron and hugged by my family. What a gift to have such love in my life. The eight or so weeks before Kanuga are a season of preparation. I change the wallpaper on my phone to pictures from that holy…
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Seven Days of Grace Part II
Seven years ago I wrote a little piece called Seven Days of Grace. It’s just a little meditation; a little bit of paying attention to seek out moments of Grace. This is Part II. Where do you find Grace in your day? Monday My inbox is full of people wanting last minute exceptions for summer…
Melinda Emily Thomas 