A little about me...
Originally from Canada, I have spent the last decade living and working in beautiful Southernmost Illinois, Shawnee Forest country. My life's work has been enriched through my experiences in nature, travel, the arts, relationships, motherhood, holistic health & healing, meditation & mindfulness. If my spiritual life were a tree, I would say that my roots are Christian, my branches are Buddhist, my trunk flows with the sap of indigenous teachings, various faith traditions & philosophies. New leaves of spiritual ecology and Oneness are always budding. I am deeply connected to the earth and draw inspiration and life from the natural world around me.
I have encountered many wonderful teachers along the way, often in the most unexpected places. I am deeply indebted to my first spiritual director and good friend, David Giuliano, for his guidance, encouragement, shared humour & great wisdom. David introduced me to the Jubilee Program in Spiritual Deepening & Spiritual Direction where I studied, graduated and served as facilitator for several years.
Around the age of 30, I was gifted Thich Nhat Hahn's book, "The Miracle of Mindfulness," and began my journey into mindful living and coming home to myself. Many other spiritual, philosophical & ecological teachers have been a great influence on my life and work, both from afar and in person.
I returned to university in my early 40's and completed a degree in psychology and spirituality. For the past seven years I have studied under Sean Murphy, a Zen teacher and founder of Sage Institute for Creativity & Consciousness. I am a graduate of Sage and continue as a mentor. My specific area of study and practice has been The Five Conditions, based on the Buddhist Five Aggregates/Five Skandas.
I have dedicated my life to providing a safe space in which people can retreat from their lives - whether for an hour, a day or an extended stay. The way in which I offer this has changed over the years, but the spirit in which I do so remains the same. I have been committed to having my own guide along the way - both for accountability and personal growth. I am deeply grateful for those who have accompanied me and have been honoured to have the opportunity to accompany others.
At this time in my life, I have begun more writing both in story and of poetry. The pandemic, an ensuing back injury and surgery have given me pause. I know that this time in human history has forced many of us to go inward, perhaps in ways we never wanted or thought possible. My life has been one of intense learning and deepest appreciation. May our paths cross soon in meaningful, intentional and creative ways.
Bonnie Burton
Soul in the World
Originally from Canada, I have spent the last decade living and working in beautiful Southernmost Illinois, Shawnee Forest country. My life's work has been enriched through my experiences in nature, travel, the arts, relationships, motherhood, holistic health & healing, meditation & mindfulness. If my spiritual life were a tree, I would say that my roots are Christian, my branches are Buddhist, my trunk flows with the sap of indigenous teachings, various faith traditions & philosophies. New leaves of spiritual ecology and Oneness are always budding. I am deeply connected to the earth and draw inspiration and life from the natural world around me.
I have encountered many wonderful teachers along the way, often in the most unexpected places. I am deeply indebted to my first spiritual director and good friend, David Giuliano, for his guidance, encouragement, shared humour & great wisdom. David introduced me to the Jubilee Program in Spiritual Deepening & Spiritual Direction where I studied, graduated and served as facilitator for several years.
Around the age of 30, I was gifted Thich Nhat Hahn's book, "The Miracle of Mindfulness," and began my journey into mindful living and coming home to myself. Many other spiritual, philosophical & ecological teachers have been a great influence on my life and work, both from afar and in person.
I returned to university in my early 40's and completed a degree in psychology and spirituality. For the past seven years I have studied under Sean Murphy, a Zen teacher and founder of Sage Institute for Creativity & Consciousness. I am a graduate of Sage and continue as a mentor. My specific area of study and practice has been The Five Conditions, based on the Buddhist Five Aggregates/Five Skandas.
I have dedicated my life to providing a safe space in which people can retreat from their lives - whether for an hour, a day or an extended stay. The way in which I offer this has changed over the years, but the spirit in which I do so remains the same. I have been committed to having my own guide along the way - both for accountability and personal growth. I am deeply grateful for those who have accompanied me and have been honoured to have the opportunity to accompany others.
At this time in my life, I have begun more writing both in story and of poetry. The pandemic, an ensuing back injury and surgery have given me pause. I know that this time in human history has forced many of us to go inward, perhaps in ways we never wanted or thought possible. My life has been one of intense learning and deepest appreciation. May our paths cross soon in meaningful, intentional and creative ways.
Bonnie Burton
Soul in the World
