I recently took my first walk in a pine forest. I have walked through lots of pine forests, but never intentionally in one. I have considered an evergreen forest to be just something that blocks my view. I took my intentional pine forest walk because I’ve been learning a few things lately about evergreen forests…
Category: Soul Sculpting Projects
5 Minutes of Relaxed Attention in Nature: Soul Sculpting Project
The view of the Cimarron and San Juan Mountain ranges was postcard beautiful as we drove by. I grabbed a moment of attention for them, but then returned to my focus to our conversation. My friend and I were deep in the plot of sharing our stories from the past weeks. Personal joys, family events,…
Unplug A Little: Soul Sculpting Project
On the first trip we were camping in Cunningham Gulch, a narrow valley tucked between towering mountains. The clouds were gathering and I’m always vigilant for thunderstorms, so before I set out on my hike I pulled out my phone to update my weather. No bars, no internet available. I set out on my hike…
One Skill for Improving Tough Conversations:Soul Sculpting
The conversation yesterday was pathetic. The other person communicated honestly, offering good questions. I was the problem. In the past I might have said to myself “Okay, talking doesn’t work for me. Just be quiet.” But I’ve tried that just be quiet technique often enough to know that it doesn’t work either. I’ve tended to…
Self-talk: Inviting God into the Conversation–Soul Sculpting Project
Ever been alone in a room, talking out loud to yourself and then turning around and you realize that you are not alone? For me, this is usually awkward. Self-talk: We do it throughout the day. It’s normal. We began to self-talk when we were children. Self-talk is a useful tool for motivation, to gain…
A little Intentional Quiet: Soul Sculpting Project
Sometimes I walk on winter days when the snow absorbs so much sound that the silence is palatable. When I stand still all I can hear is a bird pushing its wings against the air above me. In the late fall I walk in the aspens. All summer long the birds and leaves spend their…