Now, More Than Ever: A Personal Letter from Mattie Decker and Transfiguration Preserve
Dear Friends,
You have all been very closely in my thoughts all during this time of “true” Transfiguration here! It’s amazing how tangible, and real are our living connections to all those who have come to know the peace of this place.
Yes, the view that the Sisters first saw in 1897, is still here, even as the Rocky Broad River, once the width of a two lane road, is now widened to contain an island in the middle, below the site where we have met so many times, for Forest Bathing, Art in Nature, Writing in Nature and “The Way of Water”: Fly fishing as Contemplative Practice and Yoga in Nature.
It is beautiful. And heart breaking—to drive along the roads to be here. Yet, still, the river sings, and so do I. The trees seem to speak, “all is well.”
I am writing to let you know this, and also to share some plans we are midst now: Kelly Bruce, Tanner Pickett, and all the others who have offered or planned to offer events here in October, are coming together to create ONLINE events that will be here in the “Sweet Little Forest” and also along the river, where we will be able to record and soon share “live” when we have a satellite link and internet connection.
Now, more than ever, we all need the medicine of the forest and experiences in Nature.
We are also midst planning “ONLAND” events to be held at other Conserving Carolina lands in the area, until we are given word that the roads here are safe for participants to travel. It may be a while.
Third, it is exciting to share that our long awaited outdoor shelter, a “forest sanctuary” is near completion (the roof is coming along!) This held up beautifully as have our other buildings during the storm.
Kelly Bruce came here soon after the storm and I walked to meet her at the Bat Cave Fire Station; as we walked down to the river and sat, and then came on to the Retreat House, passing the shelter, she said: “Mattie, this is a Sanctuary.” So, then and there that has become its name. It is our outdoor “Sanctuary”.
Lastly, and sadly, our beautiful, old stone Spring House fell on its side during the storm. Just as the river is now, this site is equally transformed in beauty. When I was recently in Ireland, I came upon “Shrines” everywhere I went. I thought, I’d like us to have something like this at the Preserve. Well, the morning I walked out after the storm and discovered the crumbled stones, there stood a flat, beautiful stone,—a shrine. I must add, when Kelly walked silently to see our “shrine”, she came away with another take on the scene. She said, “Mattie, it’s the open tomb”! It’s a Portal, and opening here for new beginnings.
I will close with deep bows to all of you in hopes that you are doing well, and to the many volunteers from all over the country who have come to help, many with equipment and resolve to help our community. It is heartening and in a time we need to come together, “Now more than ever.”Indeed, we MUST bring the medicine of the forest, the resilience of Nature, now, more than ever.
Blessings to all from the forest and the river and me. I hope you feel “the forest is with you”.
“It is in the shelter of each other, the people live.” – Irish proverb
Mattie