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
-
A Wisdom of Eve
“The health of the family, society, and culture that revolves around a woman depends to a large degree on her health, and her health rests in turn on her ability to keep her creative energies flowing (Shakti). Our concern in Ayurveda is to help women find those channels, both inside and outside themselves, within which…
-
Plastic Fruits
“Your proper concern is alone the action of duty, not the fruits of the action. Cast then away all desire and fear for the fruits, and perform your duty.” ~ The Bhagavad Gita I have a tendency to grumble, to get cynical, to be in anxiety and fear and tell myself the story that I’ve…
-
Food Shaming
“Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them.” ~ Romans – 14:3- NSRV Ok. Let’s talk about food. I struggle with this. Maybe you do too. Eat this, don’t eat that. Butter is bad. Butter is good. Sugar…
-
You are Nature
The saddest part about fall is the disappearance of blueberries. Thankfully, this loss is tempered by the return of hot soup and warm bread. Nature gives and nature takes. And we are a part of that give and take. We are Nature. Which I sometimes forget. Setting aside theologies of incarnation for a moment –…
-
On Flow, Labor, and Crucifixion
Several years ago my family and I went tubing down a clear mountain river in Saluda, NC. I remember noticing, perhaps for the first time, the number of currents in the water. Some hugged the trees growing on the banks. Some meandered in the middle, and some brought a little spin to my inner-tube. Staying…
-
Familiar Grace
Three days into my family’s yearly vacation at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville I noticed I was in the mountains. At the same place we go every summer. The same cabin, the same embracing forest, the same dear friends, the same food cooked with too much oil. Why did it take me so long to…
Melinda Emily Thomas 