Jane Harlow

As long as I can remember I have been searching for, and Creating, Sanctuary. My strongest memories of childhood are the physical Sanctuaries that i found in treetops, bushes, parks, and alleys. I suspect the sense of Sanctuary was a safe place that was separate from others - the place to be me. I was bright and anxious. My need for Sanctuary has never waned. I just don't have to look as hard anymore. My desire for Sanctuary is certainly fed by my strong connection with nature, and simultaneous search for the truth, but has always been fueled by my anxiety.

I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never happened........ Mark Twain

All i have ever wanted was to live a simple life in harmony with nature. Who knows, maybe my Sanctuaries hold the truth because no one is there? I am still looking for a true sense of community in my life. It has become clearer to me that anxiety is not the result of being with others, but instead, my thought process when I am with them. When i feel anxiety it is because I am not feeling free to be me - to be natural. I am giving my power to somebody else. The challenge in my life is to survive in society and keep me - to feel safe to speak my truth and be wild and free.

It is easy to be a monk in a monastery or on a mountain top. The trick is to maintain your serenity and take your lessons learned and awareness amongst the people. I have spent most of my time alone, fine-tuning my instincts and being open to the Tao. I am sure there is a balance to be reached between being alone and with others. I will continue to seek it.

My interests and personal studies include: nature, organic gardening, healthy living, native peoples, history and ancient cultures (especially the Moundbuilders), healthy foods (growing, preserving & cooking), massage, yoga, spirituality and sexuality, music & dance, reinca ation, reflexology, parapsychology, and metaphysics in general.

Truth has always been my focus. I search for those who speak it and those who want to hear it. The desire for wisdom that holds the truth is priority. A life of truth-seeking eventually led me to formal studies in psychology and education. In school my emphasis was on the body~mind connection (reference to spirit was definitely frowned upon). In life my emphasis is on the soul connection. I was quite active in the self-help field during the 80's, then became a psychotherapist and taught college psychology. Disheartened by the lack of soul in the counseling business and educational system, I left in the mid 90's. I did not want any part of drug pushing. I encourage aliveness not numbness. Teaching and counseling remained a 'ministry'.

I have considerable experience in business. I provide bookkeeping and financial consultations - helping people simplify and organize their finances. Getting right with your money is a huge part of Creating Sanctuary. It can feel impossible sometimes to focus on what matters to us when we are overwhelmed with our financial conce s. I have owned, managed, and rehabbed many houses. I have designed and built my own home in the Ozark hills. I have a background in the arts. First and foremost, I am a gardener.

I have not been one who was driven to climb any career or social ladders. Instead, I have chosen to live a simple life connected mostly to nature. I live close to the earth - whether I am living in a forest by myself, or in the city. I cannot live separate from nature.

I currently live in a small cottage in the Kansas City area. I would love to share some of what I have learned, so that I can help you follow your dreams. What are you dreaming of