A Hidden Gem

At the suggestion of our good friends, Majid & Mary Alsayegh, Ron and I drove up to Rochford to Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary.  It is on a beautiful 200 acre ranch owned by the creator of the sanctuary, David Snyder. 

A plaque at the entry has a prayer, written by Dave, that captures his intention for Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary. "I enter this sacred space with gratitude.  I walk these pathways with love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness for myself and all others. I honor those who have walked this land before my time. I ask that they join me in spirit and embrace and guide me while in this spiritual sanctuary."
Then you come to the beautiful bronze sculpture, "The Invocation" by Buck McCain.

The pathway leads you through beautiful aspen groves, a meadow full of wildflowers, past a babbling brook, into areas of towering pines.  There are bronze plaques with quotes from Gandhi, Albert Einstein, St Francis of Assisi and more.  Hand hewn benches are provided to sit and enjoy, or write in the notebooks provided about your thoughts.

After we walked the pathway, we were lucky enough to spend some time with Dave, and hear his plans to try to expand Pathways and make it available for retreats and gatherings.  I could imagine yoga retreats, or groups of writers or artists loving attending workshops here.  For more info about Pathways and for all my horse friends - read about the Seven Sacred Horses on the ranch: Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary