n o s. 23 & 24

No. 23 “I want to be better than I am.” DG:  When a child says these words, it is often a matter-of-fact statement explaining why they’re working so hard at whatever they’re getting better at.  Oftentimes when grown-ups say this, it seems to me that the words are attached to an old injury, to an old belief that we are damaged in some fundamental way…

n o s. 21 & 22

no. 21 “I want to heal from a bad relationship and be open to loving someone new.  It’s so hard to let in goodness.” DG: Grief sure takes its own sweet time, huh?  I offer you this:  How about meditating on shifting the idea that your previous relationship was “bad” into simply that your previous relationship “was.”  It sounds like it was a difficult…

q u a l i f i e d

I created a performance based installation in a small Cedar Grove at Smoke Farm in early September.  The piece was born from the desire to be in and honor the intimate natural sanctuary created by the cedars and to connect significantly with anyone who entered it. I asked festival goers to participate in the performance by spending quiet time in the space and leaving any…

n o s. 19 & 20

No. 19 “I have a broken, waiting heart.” DG:  Longing can be so painful.  In longing we tell ourselves stories like “If only ______________, my life would be better, complete.”  This is not only painful but could be untrue. Would you be willing to try this on:  “Today I am whole.  I have enough food, shelter and love.  I will find a way to…

n o s. 17 & 18

No. 17 “My heart is a bit sad that I have so much anxiety about introducing the person that I love to this place and he is so insecure.” DG:  It sounds like you are well aware of and have, perhaps, contributed to the magic of Smoke Farm.  Perhaps this is where your anxiety comes from – that Smoke Farm is a physical manifestation…

n o s. 15 & 16

No. 15 “I’m scared that my temper will one day hurt someone I love.” DG:  You have been courageous in carrying this injury for so long – the broken heart that I sense is so often behind rage.  Now, right here and now, there is healing available to you.  Just in acknowledgment you have shined a bright light on the thing that lurks in…

n o s. 10 & 12

No. 10 “It is so so hard to remember to stop and listen to my heart.” DG:  Indeed!  Self-care generally is difficult for a lot of us.  To create a new dialog (habit), I recommend you commit to a 15 minute brisk walk every single day, no matter the weather, for 90 days.  Alone.  On these walks, pick up something that makes you smile….

n o s. 2 & 9

No. 2 “I have lost all of my self esteem.  I used to believe in myself, but not anymore.” DG:  In my experience, self esteem is gained by doing esteemable actions.  That could look like living in your integrity and with great compassion for yourself – especially and particularly when you feel most unlovable.  Please commit to a 15 minute brisk walk every single…

n o s. 1 & 1

Dear Participants (and Anyone Else Who Cares to Read Them), Following are “prescriptions” to ailments/burdens that were left with me in my ad hoc apothecary at Smoke Farm on September 6 – 7, 2014.  My ambition in offering these prescriptions was (and remains) to connect with people who were willing to become vulnerable with a complete stranger – to be witnessed and figuratively held…

b u r d e n s

  Last weekend I built an apothecary in a cedar grove.  I dressed myself in silk and wool, covered my eyes with a mask of branches that limited my vision downward and played the role of a shaman named Dr. Good.  “Patients” participated in the process by writing downaches and pains of the heart or mind – spiritual burdens.  Once they finished writing, they…