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Wendell Berry, an environmentalist, farmer, and prolific writer, published The Peace of Wild Things in 1968. It’s a beautiful poem that evokes the healing power of being in the natural world, especially during challenging times. Almost 60 years later, his words remain relevant. Many of his writings reflect on our collective responsibility to care for each other and the world, including his reminder that “...the care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.” In honor of Mr. Berry’s recent death, we are taking a moment to reflect on care for our environment and each other. Care is one of Reflection Park’s three core operating principles, along with harmony and equity. One of the ways we endeavor to care for each other is by creating quiet, meditative spaces, particularly for those who have recently experienced a loss. On August 30, we hosted our first Afternoon of Remembrance for families who have memorialized a loved one at Reflection Park through burials and memorial tree planting. The event was an opportunity to remember those we have lost as well as share our gratitude for families entrusting us with the care of their loved ones. On that warm day, we gathered in the Sacred Circle, a clearing in the woods just off the main internal road at Reflection Park. We received the gift of song from the Montgomery Hospice Threshold Choir, harpist Jody Grossman’s lyrical interludes, and Jabari Exum’s soulful djembe drumming. To make the afternoon even more magical, the Threshold Choir loaned several gravity chairs, which allowed attendees to recline and gaze up into the circle of sky beyond the curving trees as enchanting sounds filled the space. We are grateful to everyone who attended that day and for the generosity of such talented local musicians.
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