Space Between the Stones: Poetry and Practices for Connecting with Nature, Spirit, and Creativity

by Kai Siedenburg, Mária Kersey (Illustrator), Ilan Shamir (Foreword)

2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalistby the Amazon-bestselling author of Poems of Earth and Spirit"I love Space Between the Stones. It is down to Earth and deeply spiritual—living poetry that invites us to taste the mystery, the ordinary, and the beauty and wonder of life."—Bob Stahl, co-author of five books on mindful living, including A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction WorkbookPeace. Joy. Belonging. Our souls long for these things, and find them in this collection of poems and practices that invite us into deep and nourishing connections with nature, Spirit, and creativity.Space Between the Stones offers inspiration in small but satisfying portions. In just a few moments, we can open to any page and be uplifted by a brief poem, a simple practice, or a lovely illustration.The poems surprise and delight, illuminating the extraordinary in the the exuberance of sprouting seeds, the fertility of stillness, even the travels of a pair of swim goggles. At turns peaceful, playful, and provocative, they reveal a passionate love affair with nature and a friendly fluency with everyday spirituality. They speak to the place within us that longs to experience direct communion with Earth and Spirit—or at least senses it is possible.The practices show us how easy and enjoyable it can be to invite nature, Spirit, and creativity to flow into our lives. They reveal that these three primal connections are always available to us, and often more readily than we expect.Each time we choose a moment of deeper connection, we create a small oasis of calm and stillness. The more we do this, the more numerous and expansive these oases become, and the easier they are to access.Together, these poems and practices remind us that we are never truly alone, but always part of something vast and beautiful. They invite us to step out of the frantic swirl of the modern world and into a realm in which all life is intelligent, all beings are our kin, and we are all naturally creative.Like Poems of Earth and Spirit, Space Between the Stones is a book that keeps on giving. Three percent of the proceeds are donated to the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, a Native-led, non-profit organization that promotes Indigenous stewardship, conservation and restoration, and research and education.

Genres: Poetry

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2020

About the author

Kai Siedenburg is a nature connection guide, Ecotherapist, and poet who is passionate about helping people connect with nature as a path to greater peace, joy, and balance in their lives and in the world. Her approach is rooted in deep listening to nature and infused with love for people and the Earth; her voice aptly described by Mary Reynolds Thompson as “Zen poet meets Earth goddess.”

Kai loves to help people find simple ways to connect with nature wherever they are, to cultivate more intimate and nourishing bonds with wild places and more-than-human beings, and to access nature-based healing. A pioneer in integrating nature awareness and mindfulness as a path to mind-body wellness, she offers individual sessions and group programs and also teaches others how to do nature-based work.

She lives where the mountains meet the sea in Santa Cruz, California, on the ancestral lands of the Uypi people. Her neighbors include redwood trees, mountain lions, gray whales, and many other remarkable beings. Kai loves to find herself out on the trails, in her garden, in water, or on the dance floor, and aspires to touch the Earth with her hands or bare feet nearly every day.

She is the author of two books: Poems of Earth and Spirit: 70 Poems and 40 Practices to Deepen Your Connection with Nature, and Space Between the Stones: Poetry and Practices for Connecting with Nature, Spirit, and Creativity. Both were finalists for Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Reviews

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve now read both books and hope more will be coming! Each poem resonates with me deeply. Being alone or with my dog in nature heals me in all ways and gives me a sense of gratitude and presence of God that carries me through each day. These poems remind me that I need to be in my garden and amongst the flowers and trees like I need air to breathe.

[Erin McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature rules!

Reflect on now nature impacts your life. Her poems will be great to read again in nature, but was just as good on a nightly basis in bed..

[Heidi Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book by the author on nature poetry. For anyone wanting to learn to write poetry, this would be a good way to start, to gain inspiration and see how beautifully simple writing poetry can be. I like the way she created topics for the poetry. Very enjoyable read.