Guiding Spirit Journeys

09/23/2026

Did you know the Forest Service has 37 million acres of designated wilderness, including the 1 million of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

These protected areas help preserve natural ecosystems, offer opportunities for solitude and adventure and safeguard some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes.

Let’s celebrate the wild places that make our country so special this wilderness month.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wilderness

📸: BWCAW Forest Service photo by J. Gilkeson

09/22/2026

Morning Blessing

May the first light remind you
that every day offers a slightly different
version of the same world.
May you notice what has changed,
even if the change is small.
May your imagination have a seat
beside your practical mind today.
May you follow one spark of interest
simply because it makes you curious.
May you discover that
paying attention can turn
an ordinary hour into a keepsake.
And may the day leave
one little mystery in your pocket.

✍️ Rivers in the Ocean

09/22/2026

09/21/2026

🕊️ International Day of Peace

Each year on September 21, the world observes the International Day of Peace; a moment to recommit ourselves to nonviolence, understanding, and the belief that peace is possible.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” reminds us that peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is something we must actively choose, nurture, and protect.

In "A Brave and Startling Truth, Dr." Maya Angelou imagined humanity confronting both what we have done to one another and what we still have the power to become.

“We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world.”

At a time when so many across the globe are experiencing war, displacement, division, and uncertainty, her words remind us that another way forward remains possible.

Today, may we not only hope for peace, but consider what each of us can do to help create it.

09/20/2026

Our final Boundary Waters Journey 🛶🏕️🌲 of the season was amazing 🤩 We were in good company with four of us. The weather was like a Katy Perry song 🥵 🥶 lol! There were calm moments for creative conversation and one day of wind to help us appreciate the warm sunshine and a day to swim. The mushrooms 🍄 were colorful, photogenic and abundant during our Forest Walk. Rita Fortunato guided us in seeing natural sculptures in the forest and creating nature art 🖼️ which we scattered before departing, practicing leave-no-trace and non-attachment principles. The sunrises and sunsets were on-point and we got a good dose of mystic fog that covered the lake the final morning. What a great trip! Plan to join us next year! 📆
🫶🏽 Melissa Melisæ Olson

09/15/2026

Our Mind Body Spirit Journey was amazing 🤩 In the company of GREAT WOMEN 🫂 among the trees 🌲 near the water 🌊 around a campfire 🔥 there is no better place to be. Join us next year! 🏕️🛶🌲
🫶🏽Melissa Melisæ Olson

09/09/2026

Morning Blessing

May this morning remind you
of the person you are
beneath the noise of a busy life.
May the pieces of yourself
you once set aside
find their way gently back to you.
May your heart feel honest,
even when it is not entirely steady.
May the day welcome your presence,
presence of a sacred soul
on its challenging journey
May you remember that
even the smallest efforts matter,
even when you cannot yet see
the ripples they are creating in your life.
May you rise with peace,
and with the sweet freedom
to be who you truly are.
And may you remember:
you do not have
to become yourself again.
Somewhere beneath it all,
you already are.

✍️ Rivers in the Ocean