Tending the Soul's Garden: Permaculture as a Way Forward in Difficult Times: Denise Rushing: 0880306884739: Amazon.com: Books
Tending the Soul's Garden: Permaculture as a Way Forward in Difficult Times Paperback – February 7, 2012
by Denise Rushing (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 11 customer reviews
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Denise Rushing has been empowering organizational and cultural transformation for over thirty years. She is an environmental engineer, organic grower and permaculture designer. An engineering graduate of Stanford University, she studied environmental science and later earned her Master's Degree in Culture and Spirituality from Holy Names College. Her business career as an energy-efficiency and environmental technology executive spans two decades. More recently, she was elected to public office on a platform of stewardship of the land, water and resources. Today, she "gardens" on her farm, in her community and within organizations. Her personal mission is to empower the positive transformation of people and places through insight, inspiration and permaculture. Visit her on the web at: DeniseRushing.com.
Product details
Paperback: 184 pages
Publisher: Dancing TreePeople Publications (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
› Visit Amazon's Denise Rushing Page
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Biography
A three-time #1 bestselling author, engaging speaker and avid treehugger, Denise Rushing is passionate about human-scale solutions to global challenges. She is the founder of New Story Center, dedicated to re-enchanting Planet Earth with a New Story.
An engineering graduate of Stanford University, Ms. Rushing's career in energy technology includes senior executive roles in some of the energy industry's most innovative companies and the launch of award-winning energy efficiency programs modeled by utilities around the world.
Business success notwithstanding, she recognized that humanity’s relationship with Earth’s living systems required a deeper response. After earning her Masters in Culture and Spirituality, she co-founded Rockhaven eco-spiritual center and was later elected to serve two terms in local office. She is best known for her environmental advocacy and community revitalization efforts, including championing two of the largest public solar energy installations in the Western United States.
Denise Rushing advises entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders, and she writes and speaks, on a variety of topics including:
-Making a Difference,
-Social and Spiritual Permaculture
-Ecological Design
-The New Story,
-New Economy
-Sustainable Living
-Passion and Purpose
-Social Entrepreneurship
-Renewable Energy
You can contact Denise Rushing via her website www.deniserushing.com or at www.newstorycenter.com.
11 customer reviews
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Lisa Oliver
5.0 out of 5 starsA system for lifeMay 15, 2012
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
To be honest I thought this book would be about a lot of spiritual dogma and rhetoric. I was so pleasantly surprised to see that wasn't the case. This author has spent a lot of time researching the ideals behind permaculture and has applied them beautifully into a system that anyone can adapt in their own lives. First the author takes you through an honest account of the world we live in and how the neglect and depletion the human species are wrecking on the world impacts our own soul. In particular I loved the story of the candle and how just one small candle can light a room.
The author explains permaculture as having three distinct aspects - ethics, principles and practices. They explain how these three things interact with each other and how these can be used to effect change both in your own life and on a global perspective. Indeed the authors' own personal dream bought tears to my eyes - so simple yet so accessible by anyone.
But as I mentioned earlier this is not just about the theories behind this mode of living, the authors have outlined a complete step by step process on how anyone can use these principles to create their own garden. It includes both practical and spiritual steps that all work together to achieve a positive footprint on this earth. If you follow this book and start small, believe me good things can grow.
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10 people found this helpful
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Summer Olsen
5.0 out of 5 starsThe wisdom of mother natureMay 14, 2012
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
This book is a well-written introduction to Permaculture, a set of spiritual principles based on the observation of how the Mother Earth works. These principles are very profound and show you the way to a more harmonious and hassle-free life. By hassle-free, I don't necessarily mean that the stressful outer circumstances would change; rather, the way you react and respond to those circumstances change. As the author points out, we are in a crisis as a species collectively, and this book is a gentle invitation to a more functional way of living and being. Just reading the principles, you can see how your life can be more peaceful and you might even feel youself becoming more peaceful.
Final thought: as far as I understand, Permaculture is a way of living, not necessarily an exclusive and dogmatic spiritual tradition. I think this is compatible with any spiritual tradition you might identify yourself with. If you are at all interested in getting peace of mind, I highly recommend this book. This is a very short and easy read, but the effect of the words on you will be profound.
6 people found this helpful
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Peggy
5.0 out of 5 starslove her beautiful and practical approachJune 16, 2013
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I have read a number of permaculture books and taken classes. Denise brings such insight to the process while encouraging the reader to join her in a personal relationship with nature. She writes, "Returning to the principles of permaculture time and again, we can engage in a way that is life giving, renewing and satisfyng." She also clearly understands and practices the ethics and principles of permaculture.
2 people found this helpful
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Ernest Reader
5.0 out of 5 starsTransformativeNovember 5, 2012
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Excellent book--offers hopeful action for the future. Poetic and practical. Many will be able to relate to the author's issues and will find inspiration in her solution.
4 people found this helpful
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Stuart & Laura Nottingham
4.0 out of 5 starsLoved the systemic approach!April 29, 2013
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a quick read--kept me company on a sick day. The authority draws the connections between our various levels of existence in a simple, yet profound, style!
One person found this helpful
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Heather Jay
5.0 out of 5 starsLife ContinuityFebruary 13, 2014
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Praising the peaceful way forward!! Read this, get real and move the world and your life forward through peaceful goodness!!
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katb
5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful Read!February 25, 2014
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Great read in these troubled times. Offers real solutions and peace for your soul. I would encourage anyone who loves to grow to read this book.
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Carol M. Bettencourt
5.0 out of 5 starsMade me thinkMarch 6, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A thoughtful read. I have to study it more and digest the content. It definitely made me think about life and its complications.
One person found this helpful
