Courtney has characteristically managed to conduct another absolutely riveting interview! Of course, Laurel Braitman is brilliant, we know that from her amazing book. But there are many new ideas expressed here that stand out even for one familiar with her writings. For instance, the categorical imperative to break out of everyday routine for a trek into the woods, without a cell phone. This evokes the vital concept of what Japanese studies have called "forest bathing." Fortunately, Sharron and I live within a 10 minute walk to a conifer forest, the largest urban forest in the U.S. (Shout out for Portland, OR., as Courtney knows from visiting us here).
Even in bad weather, this enables us to "bathe" in the woods, as we absorb the healing elements from tall pines (see Thoreau's marvelous essay on "Maine Woods") . We can journey silently into ourselves in the way that Laurel Braitman magnificently conveys as a dynamic force in her life.
Sure, this can be achieved in the city, but after living in Manhattan for 30 years, we never felt a similar experience. So, walk--don't run or drive--into the depths of the forests, people of all ages, and leave behind your cells! DD
Maya and I have been tearing through the Wildwood series, DD. Do you and Sharron know it? It's quite dark, and even violent in some places, but takes place in what the author calls "the impassable wilderness" which is supposed to be right next to Portland. Lots of beautiful, epic themes.
Yes! We've relished Colin Meloy's incredible imagination, combined with Ellis's awesome illustrations. This series enabled us, ever since it was first published 5 years ago, to enter into the "Impassable Wilderness" when we hike in Washington Park, its mythological setting. What a compelling spiritual cry for the freedom of wilderness! DD
Courtney has characteristically managed to conduct another absolutely riveting interview! Of course, Laurel Braitman is brilliant, we know that from her amazing book. But there are many new ideas expressed here that stand out even for one familiar with her writings. For instance, the categorical imperative to break out of everyday routine for a trek into the woods, without a cell phone. This evokes the vital concept of what Japanese studies have called "forest bathing." Fortunately, Sharron and I live within a 10 minute walk to a conifer forest, the largest urban forest in the U.S. (Shout out for Portland, OR., as Courtney knows from visiting us here).
Even in bad weather, this enables us to "bathe" in the woods, as we absorb the healing elements from tall pines (see Thoreau's marvelous essay on "Maine Woods") . We can journey silently into ourselves in the way that Laurel Braitman magnificently conveys as a dynamic force in her life.
Sure, this can be achieved in the city, but after living in Manhattan for 30 years, we never felt a similar experience. So, walk--don't run or drive--into the depths of the forests, people of all ages, and leave behind your cells! DD
Maya and I have been tearing through the Wildwood series, DD. Do you and Sharron know it? It's quite dark, and even violent in some places, but takes place in what the author calls "the impassable wilderness" which is supposed to be right next to Portland. Lots of beautiful, epic themes.
Yes! We've relished Colin Meloy's incredible imagination, combined with Ellis's awesome illustrations. This series enabled us, ever since it was first published 5 years ago, to enter into the "Impassable Wilderness" when we hike in Washington Park, its mythological setting. What a compelling spiritual cry for the freedom of wilderness! DD
"our dreams were a compass we could follow towards a life of meaning and purpose."
If I can instill this belief in my sons, I will have won life.
I do hope I'm/we're loving them in such a way that they become some of those radiant beings you describe in the introduction.