Years ago, I wrote a blog post: Nobody owns land, we borrow it from nature. In this article, I discussed the idea of shifting perspectives from “landowners” to “land stewards”. This isn’t a new concept. Indigenous people understood that they were care takers of the land and needed to respect and protect the environment that sustained them.

I figured that we take better care of things we borrow from others. Therefore, there should be less disagreements if nations looked at their land and resources as precious assets to steward for the global community and for future generations. And, neighbours wouldn’t fight neighbours if they woke up to the fact that the imaginary line that divides their property is just that – imaginary, which will be of no importance on their final days on this planet?

It seems that the world is moving further away than ever from this ideal. Every week, the news is filled with reports of ISIS attacks, police shootings, racial violence, Brexit poll results and presidential candidate, Donald Trump, promising to build a wall to fortify the separation between the United States and Mexico. While we may not be able to solve global problems, small actions locally can have a significant impact. Last spring my neighbor, Ghislaine (Jesse), surprised me by creating a path in the woods to connect our two properties. She laid down mulch and decorated it with potted flowers, lanterns and a red Adirondack chair to sit and relax in. Instead of building fences to separate our properties, she had created a path to welcome me in. I was thrilled and inspired.

Shortly after, Jesse and I decided to create paths throughout both our wooded properties and connect to our neighbours on either side of us. The idea spread. More neighbors and community members got involved. They began to see how these paths were bringing friends and families together, and helping people connect more deeply with the surrounding forest. It takes a village to better the world. Our little neighbourhood project was creating a wonderful sense of peace and unity.

Once the paths were done, I asked my friends, Joanna McDonald and Glenn Maisonneuve, who are the owners of Soul Spaces, to take the project further and help me create a real sanctuary. Joanna assessed the property to determine which Feng Shui zone needed attention most. She explained, “Since you work from home, it is really important that your ‘abundance zone’ is clear and welcoming. You need to fix the broken path and stairs to allow prosperity to flow more easily. And, your love zone is completely grown over with woods and debris. We should open that up.”

Joanna used her creativity and intuitive gifts to transform each garden and area of the property using all the elements (wood, stone, water, etc.), colours, crystals, wind chimes and even pieces of chipped cement reclaimed from the demolished steps. She used materials found around the property, up-cycling as much as possible. The result was a true soul sanctuary, complete with dozens of beautiful gardens, magical forested sitting areas, zen meditation nooks, fire and ceremony spaces and even a beach area and adult tree house – all designed to encourage rest, relaxation, healing and deep connection to nature and one’s inner landscape.

A surprise to all of us working on the project was the number of large “V” shaped logs and trees that kept popping up everywhere. It was a confirmation to us that we were working on the path toward peace. I began to realize that this is too big not to share.

I am inviting the community to come and experience our new Soul Sanctuary at our open house on Saturday, August 13th. Anyone can drop by for a short visit or stay the day and into the evening. They are welcome to wonder the grounds, take in the sites, sounds and smells, walk the wooded paths, find a quiet spot to meditate and connect with friends and a like-minded community. They can take a dip in the natural swimming pond, share and enjoy wonderful and healthy food and drink or pamper themselves with a reflexology or massage treatment. Finally, they can meet our community leaders, learn how they can help you transform your life. For those who would like to go deeper, they come back the next day on Sunday, August 14th, for a full day workshop to focused on reigniting your passion and finding the true calling of your life. Part of the proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to supporting a local single mother with terminal cancer. We hope will join us.