This year, I’m using the Present Over Perfect Guided Journal. I read Shauna Neiquist’s Present Over Perfect book when it came out a few years ago and so much of it just connected with me. When I saw she had created a journal, I knew it was right for this season of my life. The journal has small excerpts from the book and prompts to help you think, reflect, and write. I’ll be sharing some of the prompts and my responses.
Prompt (pg. 92): Which places are you drawn to? Which places or season are the most sacred for you?
Woods and water. Mostly the woods.
There is something so peaceful and grounding about sitting alone in the middle fo the woods amongst trees older than you that will be there long after you. With life all around you that doesn’t care who you are and needs you to just let it be. The woods that are billantly alive and resilient. The woods that will fight to stay beautifully rooted in place and can so quickly replenish if cut back.
And water. So peaceful and life giving and powerful. Water that can clean and destroy. Water that gives and take away. Water that is at its best when always moving and feeding other sources of water and allowing itself to be fed.
Woods and water. Both places of mystery and wonder, of beauty and peace, of life and strength.
Friends, what places are you drawn to?
Rev. Kris Mares 