The idea for Green Meditations grew from my life experiences as a writer, artist, meditator and devotee of nature. My focus in this blog is to seek exceptional experiences in the natural world and share them with you through observations and images—which are my green meditations.

This is my full-time “job”—to cherish the earth—and I hope to inspire others to a deeper level of respect, concern and action on behalf of our wounded planet. Sharing and selling my creative expressions on this blog supports my efforts, and in turn, I donate 10% of the profits to organizations that are working on environmental causes.

Recent recipients have been:

• National Audubon Society

• Friends of the Earth

• National Wildlife Federation

What you will find here (an immodest list):

• Guidance for people new to meditation

• New ideas and techniques for experienced meditators

• My multi-media green meditations: nature writing, videos, photos and other artwork inspired by my life in the Pacific Northwest

• An emphasis in my meditations on the metaphorical and symbolic meanings that I see in nature, that lead to suggested contemplations for you

• Tools to help you unwind and de-stress from 21st century life

• Information on celebrating earth and moon holidays

• Ideas about how to turn green in the inside—and how it could help save the planet

About Oriana Green

new moon ritual

I am blessed to live in the spectacular far northwest corner of the U.S., on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. This remote area abounds with old-growth forests lining clear rivers that rush to the sea out of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. There are saltwater views around every bend and hundreds of islands with beaches to explore. Perfect for a recluse like myself. As an only child I became self-sufficient early on, and I’ve thrived alone most of my life. Living in this place of unspoiled beauty inspires me to write and create images which I hope will then inspire you. It is my spiritual path to love the earth with all my being, and I hope that my meditations help deepen your own connection to nature.

I’ve lived all over the country, and in my younger decades I worked as an artist and writer in some very big cities—before I realized my personal bliss could only be found as far from such places as possible. I have achieved that here—it’s a 40-mile round trip to the nearest store. There are more seagulls than people where I live, and that’s how I like it.

My life and training in meditation

While it seems a bit odd to talk about such a very personal subject, I understand that visitors are curious about my spiritual background and training. I’ve been a student of various forms of meditation for over 30 years. At New Thought churches in California I took formal classes in metaphysics called Science of Mind, which included meditation techniques. I was fortunate to attend workshops with Jean Houston, Terry Cole-Whittaker, Wayne Dyer and many other enlightened teachers.

I learned guided meditation practices when I immersed myself in the women’s spirituality movement, beginning in the early 1980s in northern California. I did workshops with Starhawk, Z. Budapest and others, and I came to cherish the special energy of group meditations and rituals. I have always instinctively attuned to earth holidays rather than man-made ones, and I’ll continue to mark them here. As is done in indigenous cultures around the world, I celebrate solstices, equinoxes and cross-quarter days—the turning of the Wheel of the Year. In addition, I follow the path of the moon across my life and especially honor Her during Her new and full phases.

Later, I apprenticed to a Native American medicine woman of the Twisted Hairs tradition, who was herself a student of Jamie Sams (creator of the Animal Medicine Cards and author of many books, including the Thirteen Original Clan Mothers). From her I learned how to communicate and meditate with the three allies: animals, plants and minerals. These abilities have added such richness to my life.

Still later, I experienced Siddha Yoga meditation techniques and chanting with Gurumayi Chidvilasananda during many long weekend intensives. These experiences showed me how to access a deep inner core of peace and ecstasy, which greatly enhanced my spiritual journey. Being able to enter the stillness inside is such a gift.

Over the years I have taught many workshops that meld creativity with spirituality, with a special fondness for helping others to create their own sacred objects.

You will find traces of all these influences in my writing. I hope you enjoy my eclectic outlook on life.

I’d love to hear from you!

Please visit my contact page to write to me directly, or feel welcome to share your reactions and own experiences via comments on this blog.

Even more about Oriana

Okay, if you’re really curious about me–here goes. With a few exceptions, I’ve always lived near the sea, which is my greatest passion. Here are most of the places I’ve lived:
Oregon: Portland, Zig Zag, Cannon Beach, Nelscott, Gleneden Beach

California: Mendocino, San Francisco, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Laguna Beach

New York: Manhattan, Syracuse

St. Croix, Virgin Islands: Christiansted

From birth to age 6 I lived in tiny towns in the midwest, and I spent most of my 30th year having a roots experience back there with my grandfather and my extended family.

I have made many personal and financial sacrifices to attain this lifestyle of earth-centered creative expression. Though Catholicism was not an influence in my life, I do think of myself as a Nun of Nature. Being deeply connected to the natural world provides me with all the passion and ecstasy I need. As you will see, I have an intimate relationship with the moon, with geese, with bees, with shells and much more.

I know many of my readers live urban lives, and it is especially for you that I share my green meditations. You above all others need nourishment from the natural world. I hope you can use my short videos as a tool to unwind from city stresses and to center yourself in nature—if only virtually. Think of me as your surrogate, living a life that you cannot—though perhaps as a placeholder for the day when you, too, will live more attuned to natural rhythms, more closely rooted to the earth Herself.

I open up my life to you to live vicariously—please carry the recycling to the road while you’re at it!

I’m thrilled to be able to say that I’m walking my talk–this blog is 130% wind-powered! Click here to learn how to get your own green hosting.

Full disclosure

As a way of helping to support this site, I am sometimes compensated by a commission when products or services I recommend are purchased through the links on this blog. (A book through Amazon.com, for example.) Just so you know, I only suggest products that I personally believe in and do not promote things just to be promoting them. If for any reason something you find through this site does not live up to your expectations, please do let me know. It’s impossible to keep up with all the issues of quality control involved in other vendor’s products, but at the time of my recommendation, their offerings met my standards for quality and usefulness.

If this policy stirs any questions, by all means write to me from my contact page.