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Spring
2001.............
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Fall 2000 | Spring 2000 | Fall 1999 | Spring 1999 | Fall 1998 |
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| Ring
Lake Ranch ¥ - Dubois, Wyoming an ecumenical retreat and conference center |
Spring 2001 |
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The
face of God that looks out from the natural world is left unnoticed.
Wallace Stevens once wrote that "the most beautiful thing in the world
is, of course, the world itself." Thoreau suggested that, for our
own well-being, we should see to it that we spend at least four hours
each day outdoors. When we do spend time in a natural setting, most
of us know the subtle healing, release of stress, and sense of nourishment
that comes. So Ring Lake offers me and those of you who also know and love the place, the chance to live close to the earth and the natural world, even when, like last summer, it becomes intense and painful at times. Not only does the circle of life hold harshness and loss, it |
| Every
so often someone asks me what I like so much about being at Ring Lake
Ranch. As I struggle to put into words the "pressed down and running
over" gifts of this experience, one thing always shows up somewhere
on the list as I hear myself say, "Being able to spend so much time
outdoors." It struck me a long time ago that houses began for our ancestors as simple shelters from the elements. Most of life was spent on real ground, exposed to the sun and winds and creatures of the earth, lived in a |
| rhythm
with natural life. Kinship with the rest of creation wasn't just for
weekends or vacations. While life was often harsh and even sometimes
dangerous, our ancestors experienced life in all its aspects, and
were themselves immersed in it. They weren't just walking across the
earth-they were part of it. Gradually our "shelters" have grown to be big, strong places of great comfort where, if we choose, we can avoid all the disagreeable and even agreeable natural elements. We surround ourselves with a host of things that amuse and distract us, and walls that keep the natural world out. We take little notice there of the changing face of the moon and the tiny leaf buds on the trees, and even sunrises and sunsets. |
is
also intensely beautiful and full of blessing. Zen master Ling Chi
said that "the miracle is not to walk on burning coals or in thin
air or on water; the real miracle is to walk on the earth. You are
alive and walking on this beautiful planet and are mindful of it.
That is a true miracle." Like the "lucky girl" in the old song, "I've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night," as well as Arrow Mountain, coyote songs, horses, shining lakes, the Twilight Trail, wonderful people to live it with, and so very much more! Please come and share all this wealth. ~ Joan Guntzelman |
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