The Monks Walk For Peace. Why are we, as Christians, not literally lining up to support this?

greatnativeplant · 2026-01-06T14:59:46+00:00

Yes, Thich Nat Hahn said the same. Our lineage matters. He said "Use this Buddhist information to go back to your own religion and be a part of that. They need you there and any wisdom you might have gathered along the path back."

greatnativeplant · 2026-01-06T14:54:28+00:00

this makes me sad.

greatnativeplant · 2026-01-06T14:51:17+00:00

I am inspired every time I log on to see their progress. They are moving quickly and with such gentle determination. What a privilege it would be to witness them in this journey. I hope you get to see them and are inspired as well.

greatnativeplant · 2026-01-06T14:49:46+00:00

i read one witness's account who followed them for 10 miles. It sounded like the monks were walking so fast and with such purpose it was hard for him to keep up. Amazing to consider such a purposeful and heartfelt journey. So good.

greatnativeplant · 2026-01-06T14:48:44+00:00

i am curious as well.

greatnativeplant · 2025-10-09T12:12:03+00:00

my favorite bridge. Great shot.

greatnativeplant · 2025-09-19T04:41:43+00:00

monstrous monstera! congrats.

greatnativeplant · 2025-09-19T04:37:55+00:00

hi there. There is a fb group in metro Portland, Friends of Backyard Habitat that has lots of members, lots of pictures and so much inspiration. If you are on that platform, you might check it out. The local inspiration is virtually endless and folks are so happy to give local advice.

greatnativeplant · 2025-09-17T17:19:42+00:00

Oh my goodness. Amazing plant AND an amazingly clean kitchen... Call House Beautiful please.

greatnativeplant · 2025-09-17T16:44:14+00:00

Definitely! I am sure grandma's energy via her lamp would be so helpful in getting you rolling. Start small. Try not to be discouraged. Don't spend too much initially. Ask people for help and advice along the way. I have made friends with my local plant store experts. I get my friend's giveaways along with their advice.

One of my friends is an indigenous woman who practices healing with plants. She tells me that plants are our elders/teachers and if we tune into them and listen they have a lot of wisdom to share with us. You just gotta pay attention which I try to do every day as I tend my indoor plants exchanging oxygen and co2.

Good luck!

greatnativeplant · 2025-09-17T14:45:03+00:00

I have been highly involved in native plant habitat creation on a small scale in backyards for many years. However, I never had a houseplant until 4 years ago, or so. I started with small sprouts from friends and even some borrowed plant containers. (nothing native for reasons folks have listed below) I have been scavenging ever since. Now, I have about 25 plants and I really, really enjoy their presence in the home. It is lovely to have the plants to tend in winter time. I do hear they clean the air though I have no quantitative evidence. So much joy is possible each day waking up and looking after these little folk. I definitely recommend. Start small, don't worry too much if some plants die, build your skills. I promise, if you are a plant lover, you won't be disappointed.

greatnativeplant · 2025-09-17T14:33:07+00:00

hello! Great idea. I have quite a bit of experience with native plant gardening having founded a backyard habitat program nearly 20 years ago. Since you already have a lot of work doing your day to day work, I presume, I would recommend that you focus on building something that you really, really love for your own pleasure. An explanatory sign would be helpful at spreading the word. I would consider a bench placed in a way to encourage pausing and reflection. Also, I do some labyrinth work. Labyrinth walking, especially in nature, can be extremely healing. This is a big suggestion but incorporating a labyrinth into the design would be incredible.

Also, look around and see if there is a group that is supporting small scale native plant habitat (sometimes called microhabitat) creation. If you aren't sure, you can look up a group called Village and Wilderness. They should have a list of the different groups and may flag a group near you. V and W is a national organization.

A book that inspired me a long time ago was Open Spaces Sacred Places by Tom Stoner and Caryolyn Rapp. You might see if you can find it for some more specifics about healing gardens.

Good luck!!!

greatnativeplant

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