We were never a close family.
Mother’s pathological narcissism demanded our full attention. Dad, though an inspiration, was shackled with alcoholism.
My older sister and I survived an unnerving childhood…and we harbored deep wounds.
Yet… I could always make her laugh… sometimes get her to the beach… she loved horses and I would bounce along beside her on a ride….but as the years went by she became more and more “distant”… not returning phone calls and writing the same “formula” thank you notes for Christmas and birthday gifts. I had just about given up on our sibling relationship when Earthfire’s magic gave us another chance.
This past year, in lieu of traditional Christmas gifts, I “gave” eight friends “a share” of a “shade” tree for Earthfire Institute….a beautiful, tall, Amur maple.
I also included the most recent Eart
hfire newsletter in the Christmas card.
Within a few weeks I knew by the envelope that the dutiful thank you note had arrived but the contents amazed me…..
“Hi Judith….Many thanks for the gift to the Earthfire Institute. I am so pleased- especially because you are directly involved in the project. Their mission statement is inspiring…and a yurt…how wonderfully appropriate and with so many uses. I love that Blue bell approves, too…and Cucumber-what can one say-a great story with a good news ending.”
So much excitement! I was stunned, excited, grateful.
Touched by the animals, and the hope that Earthfire embodies, my sister came out of her “shell”. We are communicating again and of course I will send her a membership for her up coming birthday.
Healing comes in many forms…and reminds us that the “connections” are never really broken…… -Judith Austin
I sponsored an old horse named Nomad for several years. When he was about to be retired (and moved an hour away), I took him for a favorite walk and sang him a song that we could be together any> Read more
Have you ever made room in your bed for a bear? Think about this question before you answer or seem startled by the proposition. It is estimated that 42% of American children are soothed by a cuddly bear each night. Every> Read more
Connecting in meditation with Earthfire and its inhabitants is always a great joy. Each time is different, and each experience rich. In our last meditation, I saw Earthfire as a large tapestry. Each of the animals represented a particular color> Read more
Pat Hager used his experience at Earthfire retreat as a stepping stone for volunteering in his area, helping preserve wildlife corridors. Read more
There are parts of me I miss, terribly. At an early age, I understood my relationship with animals. With unapologetic certainty, I knew we were kin, that our lives were entwined, our destinies connected. I spent hours in a tree> Read more
Caitlin and retreat leader Polly Klein, returning to the yurt. (c) Hershel Klein In August, I was honored to be invited with 10 other students to a retreat at the Earthfire. We were brought there by our Reiki teacher and animal> Read more
The following story is a good reminder that you can have an Earthfire experience anytime anywhere. If you just go out into nature, be it in a city park, a favorite trail by your house, or a trip into the> Read more
This year will be my second visit to Earthfire Institute, and while there are many good friends there, I am especially looking forward to spending more time with Windwalker the cougar. Windwalker has a powerful presence and a great heart that> Read more
By the time I was able to make the trip to Minneapolis to work with the Bun, his movement had been impaired for just over a year. His human companions, Mia and Paul, were not sure what had happened, but> Read more
Earthfire Institute is a place to experience the profound connection between all life. 
Small is BigAn Attempt at Translation and Interpretation Between Species with Some Kernels of Truth To It
Small…
Nomad Lives by Jennifer Sauer
I sponsored an old horse named Nomad for several years. When he was about to…
The Bear Who Wouldn’t Budge
We took Huckleberry Bear Bear for a walk.
He sniffed, explored, rustled in the grass. He had…
Thanks Judith for sharing your story. I’m deeply touched by it. It also gives me hope with my siblings. My father is diagnosed with both narcissism & he was an abusive cronic alcoholic & now on a dry drunk. My mother had MS. My relationship’s with my 3 sisters are estranged, but I am close to my older brother. I would love to do this with 1 sister in particular. I can see this as a beautiful way to connect both with each other & be touched by Animal Magic.
May your life be filled with love,
PegasusAnn
Comment by PegasusAnn — October 21, 2010 @ 9:37 am