Priscilla Stuckey

Reconnecting people with nature through writing and spirituality

Nature :: Spirit

the blog of Priscilla Stuckey

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It’s all mercy

I adjusted the binoculars for a clearer look. She was holding between her paws the striped carcass of a Yellow Jacket. It seemed a prize too precious to eat. Read more . . .

Small brown mouse with bright black eye in brown leaf litter, depending on the mercy of life.

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About Priscilla

I am a writer and spiritual counselor with a passion for reconnecting people with nature. I received a PhD in religious studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and have taught graduate-level environmental humanities, feminist studies, critical thinking, and thesis writing at Prescott College in Prescott, AZ, and Naropa University in Boulder, CO.

Nature advocacy started for me years ago in Oakland, where I founded a small nonprofit land trust to preserve a nearby creek. Living in various places around the American West, I have cleaned and restored urban creeks, fed baby birds in wildlife rehab, and cofounded a local rights-of-nature group.

My first book, Kissed by a Fox: And Other Stories of Friendship in Nature (Counterpoint, 2012), won the WILLA Award for Creative Nonfiction. Tamed by a Bear: Coming Home to Nature-Spirit-Self (Counterpoint Press, 2017) is a spiritual memoir of the first year of listening to Spirit’s voice through shamanic-style journeys.

My partner, Tim, and I live on Maui, where we are learning to know the life in the sea.

Reader Interactions

Responses to It’s all mercy

  1. Michael DeLongchamp says:
    October 14, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Absolutely lovely, Priscilla. Although in trying times it is hard to remember, Bear is right, it is all (and I mean all of it, good or bad) a gift.
    Thanks for reminding me to remain present to this gift of life, as I get too caught up in the daily doings of my life (i.e. the tyranny of the inconsequential.)

    • Priscilla Stuckey says:
      October 14, 2017 at 5:26 pm

      Michael, I like that phrase, “the tyranny of the inconsequential.” Yet in that too we’re all radically equal—all facing our own individual challenges. Another reason that showing mercy is always a good way to go, isn’t it!

  2. Craig Kelsi says:
    January 2, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    Thank you for the “mouse”.
    I found your book, “Kissed by a Fox”.
    It reached out to me at a used book store.
    It elicited many miles traveled, trying to keep my feet on the road ahead of me, while looking over my shoulder.
    Like yourself I took classes at GTU, while working on a goal.
    I too have had the most profound spiritual experiences in nature, most often with animals.
    I am sending this message to say, “Thank you!”
    I will be purchasing, “Tamed by a Bear.”

    • Priscilla Stuckey says:
      January 4, 2018 at 9:27 am

      Hi, Craig, thanks for letting me know the book found you! I hope you enjoy it, and you can always reach me directly through the contact form in the sidebar. Keep connecting with animals and all nature!