I’ve helped many people start gardens over the years, and my first question is, “What do you want to accomplish with your garden?” The answers vary widely, from “saving money” to “growing exotic ingredients” to my favorite: “The garden is now solely for the delight of the kids.” These are all valid approaches! To help you think about different approaches to gardening, here are some ideas for a simple 4’x8’ raised bed garden.
Becoming Athena: An Experiment in Divine Possession
As my curiosity about philosophy grew, I discovered in the writings of philosopher Baruch Spinoza the same ideas about God, nature, free will, and joy which I had embraced independently: God is nature, there is no free will, and the meaning of life is to enjoy it. Nietzsche once joked that Spinoza wrote as if Athena herself imparted her wisdom to him. I agreed, but to me, it was no joke; I felt her calling to me through these ideas.
Advertisers Highlight, March 2026, Week #4
We are so appreciative for our advertisers in each issue, and you should be too! They help keep The Crazy Wisdom Community Journal FREE in print and online. Please support them by clicking on their ad below to find out more about their services.
Being Ken Kozora
Ann Arbor musician, composer, and educator, Ken Kozora, is a one-of-a-kind gem. I asked him on a quiet afternoon at the Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, a favorite music venue and hang out, what was the pathway that led to receiving the Love Award from the Artist Advocacy Foundation in Detroit this past September. Our conversation was delightful as he spoke with energy, expression, and conviction.
Book Review: Vow of Aliveness by Ravi Baikei Mishra
Ravi Baikei Mishra weaves a deeply personal memoir with a spiritual framework for reimagining how we engage with our inner and outer worlds. At its heart, Vow of Aliveness is a reckoning with the “default world”—a term Mishra uses to describe the consumer-driven, noise-saturated, status-obsessed culture that shapes our values and identities. From this critique emerges a guide for reclaiming something quieter and more true: a life led from within.
Spirit Seeds, Winter 2026 on Abundance, shadow work, and infusing your cooking with intentional energy
Triana tackles answers to your burning questions, like how can I release a past-life vow that is blocking abundance in this lifetime? What’s the most effective technique to integrate my shadow after an intense ritual? How can I infuse my cooking with intentional energy, so every meal becomes a spell?
Sustainable Health: Perimenopause Hormones Explained: Symptoms, Natural Relief & Self-Care Strategies
Perimenopause brings fluctuating hormones, irregular periods, hot flashes, brain fog, and fatigue—often called the "second puberty." Discover what's happening in your body and explore natural, non-medical ways to find relief through nervous system support, nourishment, blood sugar balance, rest, and radical self-care. No one-size-fits-all—personalized steps to reclaim energy and peace.
Spilled Rooibos to Ecological Art: Natural Pigments, Herbal Prints & Earth-Centered Creativity
Discover how a spilled rooibos tea stain sparked a journey into ecological art using natural plant pigments and herbal prints. Rooted in indigenous wisdom, reciprocity with the Earth, ancestral connections, and Organic Intelligence® practices (informed by polyvagal theory), this personal story explores sensory creativity, multispecies kinship, and art as a path to planetary gratitude and healing.
Namaste, Katie~ Our Yoga Column, Issue #91, Winter 2026
Reinvigorate your yoga flow with Revolved Triangle Pose – a favorite standing twist for soothing yet energizing effects. Step-by-step guide to this intermediate posture for better awareness, grounding, and overall wellbeing.
Core Transformation: The Treasure Map to the Wellspring Within
After decades of battling returning anxiety, I found Core Transformation: a step-by-step method to transform limiting parts, unconscious beliefs, and old coping strategies into profound inner resources. Learn how it works for deep, organic healing.
Crazy Wisdom Salons Series: Sage Women of Ann Arbor, Starts this Month!
Live interviews with Ann Arbor women including Mary Anne Perrone, Wasentha Young, and Haju Sunim begins in March 2026.
Cooking with Lisa: Moon Milk and Harvest Lentil and Wild Rice Soup
Recipes for Moon Milk and Harvest Lentil and Wild Rice soup. Winter Issue #91
Sparkle Goddess An interview with Mari Ziolkowski, PhD
Mari Ziolkowski, PhD, embodies a remarkable breadth of multicultural experience. Her background spans academic and experiential/altered state study of the Hindu goddess tradition to living and working with traditional African spiritual practices in New Orleans and even risking her own safety while researching human rights abuses in Guatemala. Culturally, she is truly well-rounded. Despite her extensive experience, she remains grounded—warm, approachable, and full of bubbly enthusiasm, her presence brightened by a childlike, sparkling smile.
Vulnerable: Why I Stopped Fighting Back
After decades of building emotional walls with fists and sharp words, I learned to let go. Discover how embracing vulnerability brought real power and peace in this raw personal essay on healing and softness. Read my story of transformation.
Neptune Enters Aries 2026: End of Dreams, Dawn of Bold Action
Now you see me, now you don't": Neptune's elusive nature ties astronomy, invention, and astrology. As it enters fiery Aries in 2026, dreams turn actionable—think courage, sovereignty, and waking up from collective fog. Your guide to Neptune's symbolism, effects, and the historic transit ahead.
Nicole Leffler: From Retail to Holistic Healing at ALCHEMY Collective in Chelsea
Discover Ann Arbor native Nicole Leffler's inspiring journey from retail and cannabis to founding ALCHEMY Holistic Collective in Chelsea, MI. Explore IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback for anxiety, PTSD, and nervous system reset, plus Scar Release Therapy for postpartum and surgical scars, intuitive business consulting via Dharma Hive, and holistic wellness offerings.
Look Around: Hamilton's Gratitude in Tough Times – A Personal Essay
A decade after falling in love with Hamilton's "Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now," this personal reflection explores shifting from optimism to unease in turbulent times. Drawing on Eliza's line—"Look at where you are, look at where you started. The fact that you’re alive is a miracle"—and Niall Williams' This Is Happiness, it affirms our role in carrying the past into the future with gratitude and perseverance.
Off the Pill: Zainab Alradhi’s Quest to Restore the Sacred Knowledge of Body Literacy
Discover how Zainab Alradhi founded Niswa to teach body literacy and the Sympto-Thermal Fertility Awareness Method. Learn about hormone-free fertility control, cycle tracking for health, spiritual empowerment, and why understanding your body transforms women's lives across generations.
Weekend Getaways: Heading Down South: Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House
Discover Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis: a peaceful urban oasis on 13 wooded acres with trails, labyrinth, and sacred spaces for spiritual renewal. Read my personal retreat experience—perfect for private reflection, all faiths welcome. Location, contact & tips inside.
Winter Food Preserving: Turn Frozen Produce into Jams and Sauces
Beat the winter blues by turning your frozen summer harvest into delicious preserves! Learn tips on canning tomatoes, making zucchini bread, berry jams, and pumpkin soup with our expert guide and recipes.
