Ripples of Impact
The Power of Ripples Like a stone dropped into a still pond, the work done at Charlson Meadows radiates outward, touching lives in ways both seen and unseen. As this year comes to a close, we are reminded of the beauty in a simple ripple. Our role is to open the space, providing serenity, and…
The Heart of Giving
The Essence of True GivingTrue giving is an act of love that strengthens connections, uplifts spirits, and encourages a sense of community. Mother Teresa said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” True generosity comes not from the size or value of the gift but from the love…
The Beauty of Change
A Season of Transformation At Charlson Meadows, fall is a time of radiant transformation, a season that invites us to reflect on change as a powerful and often beautiful force. Angie Weiland-Crosby captures this spirit perfectly when she writes, “Fall rouses the spirit of change to color your soul brave again.” As the leaves turn to fiery…
Joyful Endurance
Lessons from the Zinnia At Charlson Meadows, the Giving Garden is a special place of beauty, and this season, it has been filled with the vibrant blooms of zinnias. Known as the flower of joyful endurance, zinnias thrive in conditions that might cause other flowers to wither. They bloom through drought, under the heat of…
Renewal and Flight: Lessons from the Osprey
At Charlson Meadows, we are fortunate to observe a family of ospreys nesting on a tower near the Life Journey Trail. This year, a young female fledgling fell from the tower before she could fly. She was found dehydrated with an abscess in her mouth caused by an embedded fish bone. Thanks to the quick…
Knowing When You Are Ready:
Lessons from Nature From my office window at Charlson Meadows, I have watched many families of young geese. Over a speedy 10-12 weeks, they transform from fluffy goslings into birds I can barely tell apart from the parents. Just now, as I write, I see their bath time splashing in lake. One day, while working…
Embracing the Cycles of Nature:
Natural cycles govern our world, from the waxing and waning of the moon to the changing seasons. Just as we cannot control the moon’s phases or the arrival of a thunderstorm, we must accept that some aspects of our lives are beyond our control. Processing Disappointment through Nature’s Lens: Just as a sunny day can…
The Gifts of Green
At Charlson Meadows, we believe in the transformative power of nature to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Among the many gifts of our natural surroundings, the color green stands out as a potent source of healing and tranquility. When our guests enter the gates this time of year, they are welcomed by the green…
Honoring Lynn Charlson
April marks the twentieth year since Mr. Charlson’s passing. Lynn Charlson, inventor, business owner, and philanthropist, provided the resources that make Charlson Meadows possible. His story is one of ingenuity, intuition, and hard work. Born in North Dakota, his family moved to South Minneapolis when he was a teenager. Out of high school, he worked as…
Kaleidoscopes
A recent guest was enamored by one of our kaleidoscopes and shared the simple joy. When looking into a kaleidoscope, we focus and shut out other distractions. With a simple lifting of the chin or lowering of the gaze, we can enjoy a new display. Each peek is unique and temporary. From simple trinkets to…
