nature
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Interdependence Day
The other week, one of my preschoolers proudly showed me how she could tie her shoes on her own. I love working with this age group because they delight in learning and take joy in doing things for themselves. Whether they’re tying shoes or learning another new skill, I’m filled with pride as I watch Continue reading
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Thinking About Ecocentrism
When I was in New Zealand two years ago, my friend Hayden and I went for a hike through one of the rainforests. What was only supposed to take 30 minutes took us over an hour because I kept stopping to admire all the trees and lush moss. At one point the thick beds of Continue reading
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Names Offer Connection
I recently returned from my second trip to New Zealand to visit a close and long-term friend of mine, Hayden. When we planned our first trip, I told him I wanted to be outside as much as possible, soaking up New Zealand’s natural beauty. We planned for several hikes, and one of my favorite stops Continue reading
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We Need Storms and Seeds
Last Monday, I attended the “Not My President’s Day Protest.” There’s something powerful about standing with people gathered for a common cause as our voices rise together and our feet move in unison. Protesting is an ancient tradition. It’s a way to declare that we are here, we see injustice, and we will not be Continue reading
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The Gift of Presence
I often enjoy watching the geese graze along the river near my home. I especially love when they start having their babies in the spring. When I pay close attention I can sometimes recognize the different families by the number of chicks trailing behind their parents. Being present makes me feel connected to them and Continue reading
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Year of the Snake
I celebrated Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, on Wednesday with loved ones. When a snake properly sheds its skin, it does not cause the snake any pain. This is because a natural lubricant forms between the old and new layers, which allows the old to slide off with ease. We, too, are Continue reading
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The Silent Nature of Blooming
The following is a reflection I gave for a Spring Equinox ceremony in 2024. It was inspired by Joyce Rupp’s poem, Arise and Come, which is at the end of the reflection. When spring unfolds in Portland, it’s hard to ignore the incredible sense of renewal that fills the air. When I go outside, I’m Continue reading
nichole marie 