HE’S LIKE A PLANET that returns into your slice of the sky from time to time in a good way: direct, forceful, and something you can’t overlook, a happy nudge to go ahead and do something already. For me, here Jonathan Ellerby comes again. When “More” magazine decided to excerpt my new book in its March issue, from more than 80,000 words that contain relatively few other human characters (but lots of frogs, snakes, birds, other forces of nature, and a certain semi-wild cat), “More” selected a section that included Jonathan, a PhD in comparative religion and former hospital chaplain. Meet him, and get a glimpse into his writings (and a chance to win his last two books, which I’ve bought to share).
I met Jonathan years ago when I was in the Arizona desert, on a retreat from my job burnout. The photo above is how he looked to me: luminous! That tale of our first encounter is part of the “More” excerpt, which you can read over at this link. But before you rush off to do that…
When Jonathan and I first met, he hadn’t written either of his books yet. The wisdom of what would eventually become “Return to the Sacred” and the newer “Inspiration Deficit Disorder” were what he taught in the workshops I attended, though, and colored the thread of the correspondence and friendship we’ve maintained for six years.
I certainly needed to return to the sacred in my own mad, mad world corporate former life, and I was also sorely lacking in inspiration—trying to think my way through everything, rather than work from the heart.
In Jonathan’s words (from “Inspiration Deficit Disorder”):
“As a spiritual counselor I see many people that are successful and have accomplished a lot, but few who are inspired. Typically, it is the lack of inspiration that is at the heart of why they are still seeking happiness, peace, and meaning.
“A lack of inspiration is one of the most crippling ways to live. When we lack inspiration, we lack a sense of meaning, intuition, and purpose in life. We live from the outside in, and not from the inside out. We live in reaction and not in response.”
Sound vaguely familiar?
IN OUR FIRST TIME TOGETHER, Jonathan challenged me to make lists of what I was afraid of—a tricky exercise that proved the start of positive change as I began to name the things rather than let them just have their way with me.
But more than anything else, I am thankful to Jonathan, who for the last few years was director of spirituality for Canyon Ranch (his full bio), for this:
Because of his own intimate relationship with nature, starting in childhood then fostered in 15-plus years of mentoring with a Lakota Sioux healer, Jonathan was the first person to tell me to stop merely thinking about nature—and just let it in, the more the better.
From the book excerpt, a slice of a conversation we had a few years back, when I had just left my job and found myself in the country with a lot of frogs, birds and snakes almost literally knocking on my door pretty much nonstop, then explaining it all away scientifically:
“You have a shamanic way of seeing the world, Margaret,” [Jonathan] says, “but why do you have such a resistance to stepping into the metaphysics of nature—to accepting that you are a gatekeeper of it? In the shamanic world, it’s not a choice to be a gatekeeper; you just are.” Say what?
Just as quietly and matter-of-factly, as if we are talking about matter-of-fact things any child would understand, he continues:
“You are willing to connect to the science of nature, of your garden plants and the creatures in your environment, but not the psychological dimension. Frogs, birds, snakes—they are all aligned, don’t you see? The frogs and birds—they are liminal creatures, Margaret, like you: They live, and move, between worlds. And snakes are all about the transformational.” Twice-borns, every one.
And then the clincher:
“If we honor our gifts, Margaret, awareness will arrive, and we can live with more congruency, closer to our true self. Pay attention to the signs, as they say.”
Those of you who have read “And I Shall Have Some Peace There” know that I did, and do. There are much scarier things a girl can be than in love with nature.
How to Win the Books
IAM SO THRILLED that “More” chose the bit of my book that they did, and for every chance to talk with (or about!) Jonathan Ellerby again. I’m also happy to offer you the chance to win one of two sets of “Inspiration Deficit Disorder” and “Return to the Sacred” that I bought for this giveaway. Entries close at midnight Sunday, March 13.
Simply answer this question in the comments below to enter (or just say “count me in” or “I want to win” if you’re feeling shy):
What is/are your source(s) of inspiration? Is there enough of it in your life today? You know my answer: I only need to look out the window, or heavens permitting, step outside.
well I would love one so count me in.
I get my inspiration from my garden. Nature is a wonderful thing
the sound of the birds watching them find things to build there nests
the cheeps of the hungry babies.
The budding of the trees bulbs pushing through the ground.
Today I saw 4 Robins Yesterday I saw at least 30 Swans flying over its a wonderful sight & sound.
Ann/alba
What inspires me? babies, dogs, laughing, watercoloring, friends, family, looking up the mountain across the street from where I live and looking at all the trees – every color and shade of green and once in awhile some flowering trees got planted there. The ocean, dolphins and little children in their bikinis – some chubby, some super thin and all adorable and able to just be themselves.
Sometimes, I need to be reminded to look for these things, but they are plentiful and when the sun is warm on me, I do remember.
Please, please, please count me in!!!!
sprouting seeds in spring! count me in as well…
The wind while sitting on a garden bench, the lizards, birds taking in the sun, and flying from stone to stone and tree to water. Keep it simple is my feeling, it leaves room for peace. Count me in!! Thanks
Keep it simple, and there is room for peace, nature, all of the blessings along the way.
Nature..always a wow moment. Count me in Please!
Please count me in……..
I look to nature for inspiration and peace!
Tanks for this grat informaiotn and I look forward to reading your book soon.
My two yorkies, my husband, all my children, 14 grandchildren and greatgrandchild. Anything else outside including my yard, all the birds that I feed, spring time coming!!
“hope”inspires me
Nature is my church. Please, count me in.
It has to be nature for me. It seems to always find a way. Whenever I feel troubled, I turn to nature.
Seeds do it for me. They are amazing to watch germinate especially up close in the house!
I have a pot of soil with seeds in my Frig now stratifying I believe it is called.
I have he best group of friends that inspire me every day.
I never really thought about that question but now that I am asking myself that question, I suppose i get inspiration from the books I read. I am always reading self-help books, trying to be a better person not only to myself but to those people who are in my life.
Sky, water, trees and mountains are my go to space even if I have to imagine them.
Count me in! What inspires me? Just about anything I lay my eyes on, but especially the natural world and things that people do that exhibit their excellence.
After retiring from teaching 8 years ago and making a list of what I hoped to do, I often feel that I have not made that leap. Some things I’ve done, but I often feel that there is a space that has not been fulfilled, so count me in!
I get my inspiration from my family especially my oldest daughter Allison.
Just being in nature. How can anyone doubt the sacred when you look at all of nature
My 11 wonderful classmates who are traveling together on a path of self discovery. We are students but we are also friends and I am inspired each week by their generosity, honesty, and authenticity.
Nature inspires me by connecting me to my on-going discovery of the meaning and possibilities of life.
Blue morning glories, pumpkins getting bigger overnight, picking cherry tomatoes from the garden and eating them 10 minutes later over fresh pasta, the view of the Appenine Mountains from my kitchen table, the fog settling into the hilltops, seeds sprouting on my windowsill, puppies playing, kittens too, a baby lamb taking its first steps after being born just minutes before, I could go on :). Thanks for turning me on to a new author!
my source of inspiration is you….
I’ve almost finished the book , given to me last Wednesday for my 59th birthday. My initial thought was that I can’t imagine anyone I have less in common with than Margaret. (For starters, I, a Floridian, might as well be gardening on the moon compared with how it’s done in upstate NY.) And yet the book speaks to me on almost every page. In the end I’ve decided we have much in common, just different perspectives. Thank you for the inspiration.
My inspiration comes from the Spirit within me each and every day. Be still and listening to birds singing, dogs barking, children playing , and a seed sprouting.
Count me in.
Anyone who lives would be in this category – “Inspiration Deficit Disorder”. If we think and breathe we have that particular disease.
animals speak to me, I treasure everyone, a new frog pops up in my pond and it makes my day, a story about kindness to animals, helping animals, becoming vegetarian, Esther and Jerry Hicks (Abraham)
I get inspired by the people around me, and being in my garden, happily talking to my plants about…well, anything really. They are great listeners.
I, too, receive inspiration from nature. Rainbows, raindrops, snow, seedlings, and particularly the awakening of the garden in early spring.
That is ann not Ann. Without a doubt, words inspire me more than anything. Must be English language, cause speak nothing else but love to read words from other places.
What inspires me to today is being around or reading about a person that has the zest for life. It gets my creative juices flowing and I tell myself I want ,I need some of that special attitude. I know it’s of to me to make it happen.
Yes, the outside. But also what I hear, especially anything heard or read in several places, teaming up on me.
My inspiration comes from nature…from things God has created! The best therapy is going out and digging…being with the plants, trees and flowers. I love long walks or sitting by the ocean…things things heal from with in and make feel alive and connected. It is why i am working to help people connect with their outdoor spaces…get closer to nature and let go of all the need for fast paced worldly stimulation. Thank for this article it lead me on a journey this morning back to the center.
Count me in!!!
Some of my inspiration comes from the pond out my back door. Lots of bird, geese, duck activity!!!
I’m inspired by many things. But just knowing that there are positive, happy people in my life inspires me……..as does nature. And, your book, Margaret, of course. In the very near future we will be inhabiting the woods of the Black Hills of South Dakota and I can not wait for that move. I dream of quiet mornings and birds and the creek near by……the snow and the pine trees…….the way the seasons will change in a different manner than they do on the prairie. We too will have some of the many animals you talk about, and we will to learn to live together with them……after all it is us who will be moving into their lives. Thank you for your wonderful book. I had some doubts about moving prior to reading it, but you opened my eyes to how it can be there……peacefull.
Please, count me in. As a landscape designer, I look to natural patterns for design inspiration. To see the broad swathes of plants and notice what plants grown together…and then to see how people, animals and insects move into inhabit design; all of this is inspiring.
My garden and my children. Count me in.
Count me in. I am just now reading your new book Margaret and I find so much commonality. It is very comforting to know I am not alone in this thing called who am I now. The garden, when it wakes up, will be my salvation. Until then……I’ll finish your book and look forward to winning these!
My inspirations are Garrison Keillor, good poetry, and large bowls of delicious pasta.
Seeds! Seeds! Seeds! I get to hold eternity in my hands, plant it, and watch it march on into the future. What holds more possibility than seeds?
My husband inspires me. He is a loving, generous man and he enriches my life! Count me in!
Please count me in.
My garden. Or, perhaps, tending my garden. Watching the tiniest seed grow and flower — how could a huge Nicotiana sylvestris possibly be hidden inside a seed the size of the period at the end of a sentence? …
My inspirations come from friends, good gardening books and blogs (ahd yours is the best!), and staring out the window at the garden. Outside in the garden I’m usually consumed by the chores and plans of the moment. I do my best thinking a step away from it.
Windows! Sparkling clear windows, so I can see my bird feeders, the birdbath and hopefully soon, the fish pond. (hello frogs!) Before my partner passed away unexpectedly, he created me a Memory Garden for some beloved family and friends I had lost. Mostly my sister. After he died, it became “George’s Garden” and it’s a place of great calm and a place where I meditate (if the birds will let me) and where I read.
Of course it is more special because he made it. I honor him and those I can no longer see, but know are around me. It helped me a lot.
Lastly, My two precious dogs, Sophie and Abbie and my black cat Sammy.
Anything Nature or Naturalist related!
Nature, animals, the birds building nests in my bird houses, my family and friends. I am so glad to have found you – I just loved reading your words when you worked for MSL Please count me in
not to sound saccharine, but in my retirement I volunteer at a nursing home and have found my spiritual guides to be many of the residents. On the skilled nursing unit where I work I have been challenged, nurtured, encouraged to grow and face the unknown. The grace and bravery of these (mainly) women has been awe inspiring and a guide for my future.