Happy Earth Day

Love the Earth.
She is Eden's birthright.
The eternal innocent,
the living breath of God.

Lawn Mower Nirvana

I have found lawn mower Nirvana!! Lowe's carrys it for $99.00. It's a non motorized light weight mower that makes it fun to mow without the noise and cost of using gas, while giving you a good work out and best of all, its something positive we can do for the environment!!

My old gas lawn mower, took all bumps and rock scalping it could handle. The starter still worked, but you couldn't get it to quit running unless you took a screw driver to the spark plug and grounded it out. It was loud, even with ear plugs! Yesterday, all of a sudden I was pushing, but she wasn't going. Her engine still churning pumping out smokey fumes. Her right front wheel laid beside her in the grass. Her frame had a gaping hole on that side. I ran to get the screw driver in the barn to cut it off. I was only half done,with a half acre left. A friend had told me about buying a light weight mower that mowed like a dream. I bought the 16"
blade and mowed the half acre around the yurt in about an hour. I love this mower and I want to share a way to reduce our gas consumption, get exercise have fun and do a weekly chore all at the same time. Cheers!!

Mayapples blooming now

Today I did something I've never done before. I bent my body in two and lifted up the large umbrella like leaves of a may apple and smelled the bloom. The scent of cinnamon with a hint of honeysuckle greeted my nose. The soft white petals surrounded yellow stamens full of pollen. I'll be on the lookout for may apples in the next couple of months. They are edible to eat when ripe. The roots are toxic though but who wants to eat them.

Butterfly Behavior

Has anyone seen black and yellow swallowtails dive bombing and chasing each other. Is this some kind of mating ritual?

Third Sunday April 17th 11:00am- 1:30pm

Please join us at the Yurt for a time of quiet reflection and inner journey as well as having fun! Please bring a reading to share about nature. We'll be outdoors as well, catching and releasing butterflies and learning about the local wildflowers and walking and nibbling in the garden. I would also like to share some Tal Chi breathing and beginning movements inside the Tai Chi garden.
Please bring a dish to share as well as a friend. Donations are greatly appreciated!! best regards, Lynn- cellphone, 256-424-2221

Third Sunday Jan.16th, an ongoing spiritual gathering

*Third Sunday in January, A Time of Release and Renewal
Please join us for Third Sunday lead by Rev. Carol Landry and hosted by Lynn Leach at the Yurt Garden at 11:00 AM until 1:30PM. A potluck will follow so please bring a dish to share. Feel free to invite a friend. Donations are greatly appreciated!! www.yurtgarden.com
*



The Burning Bowl Ceremony is an opportunity to release the thoughts, emotions and ideas that no longer serve you. The process of release and letting go creates space for growth and creative development.



The White Stone Ceremony represents an ancient practice of renewal and commitment.

In earlier times, a name was a very sacred thing. Every name represented a quality. Every name in the Bible, other Sacred texts, and in many early cultures actually means a quality that was in the person who carries the name. You didn't choose a name for your child because you liked the name. You chose it for whatever essence you saw in the child and as the child grew the name usually changed to represent his or her current attributes.


During this process of you will have the opportunity to choose a new name to represent the spiritual qualities you are now manifesting or look forward to manifesting in the future. It will be written on stone that will be an enduring reminder of your new commitment to your spiritual journey.

Autumn's Dance

Mother sing your earth song.
Father embrace me in your wisdom
melding heart to mind.
It is the season for falling away and dispersal.
Each life force awakened by autumn's breath
blowing away all remnants of summer's torpor.
Sun glazed maples in saffron foliage.
Scarlet oaks in hot magenta,
undulate, shed leaves like hair pins,
caught in the passion of the dance. Lynn

Third Sunday

Sunday Oct. 17th, was the first of our Third Sunday gatherings at the Yurt Garden. The focus was on the labyrinth and its healing properties as a walking meditation. Poetry was read, as we connected with our breath. A short mediation followed before we went outside to walk the labyrinth. The weather was warm, so everyone took off their shoes and walked the sandy paths barefoot. We were surrounded by the beauty of Keel Mountain and the changing fall colors. One lone hawk circling overhead brought great peace to the ten of us. Afterward, we broke bread and shared a potluck lunch.

The next Third Sunday is Nov. 21st. We'll learn about the healing vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowls as well as experiencing them being played over us. We start at 11:00AM and go until 1:OOPM Donations are appreciated.

The Garden is in full bloom

The garden is in full bloom!Zinnias in every color, black eye susans, garden phlox, sunflowers, day lilies, verbena, marigolds and a assortment of tomatoes, peppers, beans, melons and squash and wild blackberries and native plum. Butterflies and dragon flies are everywhere! If you would like to come out and walk through the garden or the labyrinth you can schedule an appointment by calling 256-776-0553. There is no charge.

Summer Solstice Potluck and Labyrinth Walk

You are invited to the Summer Solstice Potluck and Labyrinth Walk on Sunday June 20th from 6:00pm to 10:00Pm. Enjoy good fellowship and food, and learn about the labyrinth's unique history. Walk it in daylight, at sundown or in the glow of candlelight. it's mystery and healing are always present. Bring a dish to share, and the beverage of your choice. A Vegetarian lasagna ,salad and bread will be provided.
A $5.00 dollar offering would be appreciated

The Japanese Zen Garden at the Yurtgarden

The Japanese Zen garden sits in the shade of a hedge of wild hydrangeas,directly in front of the Yurt. You can stand on the deck and view it, or go down the steps and rake the white sand into ripples, letting your mind go!

The first Zen Gardens appeared between 1392 and 1568AD. These gardens are still found on the grounds of monasteries across Japan today. The gardens represent a living work of art changing during each season. The composition always relies on some framework. At the Yurt, a small concrete pagoda fills that niche. Stones and large rocks become mountains and hills. The most important element missing is water!
Yet the representation and feeling of water is experienced in the raking of the sand. Zen priests practice the art of raking to help their concentration. They try to get their lines of sand as perfect as they can, using this act as a form of meditation. These mini landscapes become mindscapes to focus on the inner calm. Pruned treees and shrubs add to the sense of inner order inside the changing vegetation of each season.
A workshop will soon be offered at the Yurtgarden to learn how to create your own Zen garden. Stay tuned... Peace, Lynn

Peace on Earth Project

I spend a good amount of time inside the Yurt meditating about the blessings I've received in my life. This time of year, the warmest place to be is in front of the propane heater in my favorite chair.
Hanging across the wall behind the heater is a peace flag with Peace on Earth written in seven languages. It came to me, why not begin a project, to collect these powerful words in every language that is spoken around the world. The sendees could write Peace on Earth in the language and include an alliteration as well.

This is an attempt to connect people with one another in a way that honors the highest good we all possess. Please consider taking part in this project. I'm not sure how many languages are spoken in the world these days. Maybe you know. Thank you, Lynn

Lotions, Potions and Aphrodisiascs

Join us at the Yurt Garden on Sat. Feb. 13th with master herbalist and ethno-botanist, Anna Hanlin from 2-4 to learn about herbs that have aphrodisiac qualities. We'll also learn to make lotions and potions and teas with them. Refreshments are provided. Cost $25.00 contact me at lynnaleach@gmail.com or the web page. regards, Lynn

Lotions, Potions and

Healthy Tools for Healthy Living Workshop 9/13

The Yurt Garden is pleased to offer the first of 12 monthly workshops called Healthy Tools for Healthy Living. The first session will be on Sat. September 13th from 10:00AM to 3:30. Enjoy the day learning breathing exercises to experience your inner calm. Learn to de-construct the part of you causing stress. Take home techniques which can serve you in your daily life.
We'll get an overview of the uses of the labyrinth and walk its healing paths. We'll become aware of our human energy field and play Tibetan Singing Bowls, learn an easy dance and create a card to ourselves.A vegetarian lunch will be served.
The workshop will be limited to 10 people. A shuttle is available to pick people up at the Publix shopping center at Hampton Cove and bring them to the Yurt Garden and shuttle them back. The cost with the shuttle is $75.00, if you drive, the cost is $70.00 Please reserve your place early. Call Lynn at 776-0553 or go to the website at www.yurtgarden.com.

The Potter's Wheel- new poetry collection available

I know reading poetry is something most people don't do. I offer these poems as balm to the wounded heart. They come through me, I am merely a vessel.
These poems are collected in a small book called the Potter's Wheel. If you are interested in getting a copy email me at Lynn@yurtgarden.com

Witness Your Breath

Witness your breath,

it is your link to all living things.

Breathe the invisible molecules,

and know this is life’s true elixir.

Exhale the primordial gas,

the food of all green things.

Allow your eyes to alight on Beauty.

Savor it as the mind receives it,

tasting its sweet juices,

as it feeds you within.

As essential as air,

the food of the Spirit.

Latest Events and Workshops

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Yurtgarden is offering an on going Tai Chi class, beginning Friday July 11^th, and Saturday July 12th at 10:00AM till 11:00AM.

The class will be geared toward new beginners and those who may have tried it and thought it was too hard to learn. The focus will be meditative and gentle, tapping into Chi (life force) within us all. Weather permitting, practice will be outside in the garden. The cost is $10.00 a class.

FluffyLand 101 Overnight on Sat. July 26^th Sat. 4:00PM to Sunday 12:00 PM.

Learn how to change your own view of normal so you can envision a better life for yourself and the world. We will learn basic yoga breath, personal energy work, and the philosophy and tools to reduce stress and come into a new balance in your life. We will also have plenty of fun. Bring an evening dish to share, a bottle of wine, sleeping bag and an open heart. Breakfast and snacks are included. Bring your musical instruments as well. Cost $60.00 a person. Limit to ten people so reserve your spot early. Call Lynn 776-0553 www.yurtgarden.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

ENERGY KIDS WORKSHOP

The next Energy Kids workshop will be held May 24th between 10 and 12 AM
Download the flyer (On the Home Page)for details. Please email RSVP to reserve your space for yourself and your kids.

LABYRINTH WORKSHOP FRIDAY JUNE 20 6-9PM
Please download the flyer , or call the Yurtgarden at 256-776-0553


YURTGARDEN OPEN HOUSE April 19th 3-5PM
Please come to explore the yurt, labyrinth and the gardens. light refreshments.


CREATING SACRED OUTDOOR SPACE Workshop May 10th 10AM-12PM Learn how to create a sacred space in your own backyard. Japanese sand garden, medicine wheel garden and outdoor altars. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Take home a plant to get started with your sacred space. $20 each.

YURTGARDEN OPEN HOUSE May 18th 3-5PM
Please come to explore the yurt, labyrinth and the gardens. light refreshments.

ASK LYNN LIFE COACHING ADVICE COLUMN

Dear Lynn,
I wake up each morning and wish I could just go back to sleep. I have a decent job but it is not my life's passion. It is just a way to make money. I feel like I am spinning my wheels. What can I do to get myself inspired to really love what I am doing with my life?
Signed,
Uninspired


Dear Uninspired,
There is no way to force loving something in your life that you have no passion for. Take this as an opportunity for self exploration. Look at the things that really bring joy into your life. Is it some hobby you have put on hold, some project you have been meaning to do but have not found the time for.
When we look at the root cause for much of our unhappiness, we find frustration lurking there. If you can recognize it and take hold of it, you will ready for your transformation.

Into the Garden

Go into the garden of your heart’s yearning,

dig to the roots of your suffering,

beneath the blanket of dead leaves,

past the topsoil,

to the hardpan

where the tap root lay.

Grab it with both hands,

feet anchored on the ground

tugging gently,

lifting it to the surface

so it may dry in the sunlight.

Poetry by Lynn Leach

ASK LYNN Life Coaching Advice Column

Dear Lynn,
I am faced with an important life choice. My government contract is ending and I will be looking for a new position. I have been struggling with my reliance upon defense and war related income. I would like to work in a field where I will be helping people, rather than killing them.
Signed,
Conflicted

Dear Conflicted,
If you look at this time as an opportunity to explore new job options and career choices, you don't have to be conflicted. This might be the time to to further your education either on line or at a local university.
Our area is dependent on defense and the war related income. It is one of the few places in the country that has not felt the brunt of a sagging economy. One choice would be to find another contract job in your related field so you can maintain your lifestyle and pay your bills while exploring other career path or starting your own business. Anytime we are pushed out of our comfort zone we have the choice to grow. regards, Lynn
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