As long as I can remember I have been searching for, and creating, Sanctuary.  My strongest memories of childhood are the physical Sanctuaries that i found in the treetops, bushes, forts I created, parks, and alleys.  I suspect the sense of Sanctuary was a safe place that was separate from others - the place to be me.  I was bright and anxious.  My need for Sanctuary has never waned.  I just don't have to look very hard anymore.  My desire for Sanctuary is certainly fed by my strong connection with nature, and simultaneous search for the truth, but has always been fueled by my anxiety. 

I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never happened........ Mark Twain

All i have ever wanted was to live a simple life in harmony with nature.  Who knows, maybe my Sanctuaries hold the truth because no one is there?  I am still looking for a true sense of community in my life.  It has become clearer to me that anxiety is not the result of being with others, but instead, my thought process when I am with them.  When i feel anxiety it is because I am not feeling free to be me - to be natural.  I am giving my power to somebody else.  The challenge in my life is to survive in society and keep me - to feel safe to just speak my truth and be free. 

It is easy to be a monk in a monastery or on a mountain top.  The trick is to maintain your serenity and take your lessons learned and awareness amongst the people.  I have spent most of my time  alone, fine-tuning my instincts and being open to the Tao.  I am sure there is a balance to be reached between being alone and with others.  I will continue to seek it.

Besides nature, organic gardening and healthy living, my interests and personal studies have included:  native peoples and ancient cultures (especially the Moundbuilders), healthy foods (growing, preserving & cooking), massage, yoga, spirituality and sexuality, music & dance, reincarnation, reflexology, parapsychology, and metaphysics in general.

Truth has always been my focus.  I search for those who speak it and those who want to hear it.  The search for wisdom that holds the truth is priority.  A life of truth-seeking eventually led me to formal studies in psychology and education.  In school my emphasis was on the body~mind connection (reference to spirit was definitely frowned upon).  In life my emphasis is on the soul connection.  I was quite active in the self-help field during the 80's, then became a psychotherapist and taught college psychology.  Disheartened by the lack of soul in the counseling business and educational system, I left in the mid 90's. Teaching and counseling would no longer be a source of income - they remained a 'ministry'.
 
I have not been one who was driven to climb any career or social ladders.  Instead, I have chosen to live a simple life connected mostly to nature.  I live close to the earth - whether I am living in a forest by myself, or in the city.  I cannot live separate from nature.

I currently live in a small cottage in the Kansas City area, while maintaining my Ozark Sanctuary.  I would love to share some of what I have learned, so that I can help you follow your dreams.  What are you dreaming of?

 

                              I have never let my schooling
                                      interfere with my education

                                                .... Mark Twain