Nancy Barrett Chickerneo is director of SPA Sisters: Spirit, Place and Authentic Self Program, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, educate, and awaken women to their true selves through interaction with nature, creative expression, and connection with other women. She is a Licensed Clinical Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. In the beginning of this inspiring work, Chickerneo writes:
"Nature is there for you, waiting to reflect your deepest self back to you and to teach you the Creator's wisdom. A step into nature's embrace is always a step into a richer, fuller life. The door is wide open; come on out!"
Woman Spirit: Awakening in Nature is structured around eight chapters describing a path to wholeness:
• Awakening: Coming to Your Senses
• Grounding : Restoring Your Roots
• Energizing: Experiencing Your Clear, Flowing Wellspring
• Transforming: Opening to Possibilities
• Clearing: Letting Go of the Old to Make Way for the New
• Nurturing: Accessing What You Need For Restoration
• Belonging: Creating Inner Harmony
• Balancing: Reaching Out and Replenishing
Chickerneo has found many thought-provoking quotations about the bounties of the natural world and their salutary effects on women. She has also included illustrative material from participants in her Awakening Retreat and six-part Wellspring Group. They share ways to come alive to your senses and to use journaling and other creative tools to express what you have experienced. As Rachel Carson says in one of the quotes: "It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility." This book provides a fine tutorial in these two spiritual practices.
