All Reflections

This is my first time here but it won’t be my last. I’m filled with gratitude that a space like this exists for us to come to appreciate that, at the core, we are all connected. 

Sitting in this swing makes me feel like a child because my feet don’t touch the ground. Joyful bliss, peace, incredible peace. Rest that is healing to my soul. -Jan

The Black Hills never disappoint in its ability to melt away the cares and angst of the city. So wonderful this area was set aside for all and hopefully forever. The Native Americans had it right to consider it their holy place.  Peace. –the VB family here to celebrate family.

This place is breathtaking. Setting my mind free from all my worries. Listening to the sound of the wind in the trees sweeps away my thoughts.

I’m at the wind chimes and feel like I’m in church! Or I’m calling someone verrrry important!” 

Walking up the hill today with a longtime acquaintance, now spiritual friend, the chimes rang out through the hills. The breeze picked up as if God was sending us a secret…from my dad. When chimes ring…it’s my dad calling out. Thank you for giving his spirit a place to be free. -Danita H.

This is incredible. The energy that resides throughout the pathway honestly blows my mind. I feel at peace. Can I live here? I think I’ll must bring my tent next time & stay.

I feel at peace here. Birds soaring above. Butterflies everywhere. The gentle breeze making amazing music. I could stay here for hours. Thank you so much for this location. –AAM 

There are so many decisions to make in life. From simple ones to harder ones. I have found that when we take the time to be still, God speaks. You can and will hear that still, small voice. He loves you, He loves me. He has a great plan for our lives. My husband and I came here today to do just that….be still. We needed clarity for a decision we needed to make. And God did what He promises…if we seek, we shall find and if we knock, the door will be open. God gave clarity in the stillness with the beautiful scenery. Be encouraged today, if you need something…be still and listen for God’s voice. He is speaking –Andrea    I’m thankful for life!

Thank you for having such a beautiful place to forget my struggles and feel at peace. 
–Beck M from Myrtle Beach, SC

This place filled up my soul today! I didn’t realize how depleted I’d become. 

A thin place, as described in Celtic Christianity, where the veil between heaven and earth is very thin. Thank you for this sacred, thin place on my 48th birthday. –Joy from Ashville, North Carolina

I just moved here to SD from KS. I am married but feel alone. I have lost myself and was told about Pathways. I drove over an hour to be alone, because I hope being alone helps me feel not alone. I hope to find myself again. Thank you for this space. 

This is an incredibly peaceful piece of heaven. I walked up here with my 72 year old uncle. I am here from NY and today was my second time coming here.  -CK

As I sat down on this calm, hot day, a breeze blew through. Mom spoke to me through the music of the chimes. I’m thankful. –Margie  

I came here this morning needing to leave some things behind, not sure what I would find. This space is beautiful. This place is a gift. I came with my spirit agitated, fearful and worn down, tired from keeping up, tired from taking care of everyone but myself. But as I finish this journey through aspen groves, pine forests and fields of wild flowers, I leave refreshed. I feel renewed and grateful and I take this gratefulness with me to share with others. –Beth A from Bismark, ND

Thank you for such a peaceful, moving, spiritual place. Next time I come alone to finish finding myself. –Lucy P.

Written at Harmony Hill’s wind chimes location—“I’m here on a windy day and couldn’t be happier.”

This is my third time here. The peace and beauty on this path is spectacular. At the end of this hike, the owner Dave Snyder has a book in a donation box. I recommend it and I’ve gotten several copies of The Turkey Shack. If you have never felt love, you are not alone. If you have felt love in your life, what a blessing you have experienced. –Linda

The winter feels so long because there is no place like this to go and renew my spirit. Today I walk slowly. 

Feel blessed and humbled to be here.  Angels have always been with my family. –NC from Puerto Rico

I first came here after losing my 12 year old grandson last April. This place is exactly what I needed. I cried and cried but felt his presence and God in this sanctuary.

I got engaged here to the love of my life in 2017. This place brings me joy. –Karisa

Come here often to try to wrap my head and heart around the coming death of my wife of almost 50 years. She is an angel to our grandchild and stronger than me. My tears fall here because I have to be strong for her at the end, even if I’m not. Thank God for you and this place to let me gather strength. –Dan

Working my way through my own spiritual journey—what an amazing retreat for my soul. –MP

So many have gone before me, but I always feel their presence when I am here—maybe it’s the quiet. –CH

I sit and wonder what it’s like to live your life and love the strife.  It’s easy to get angry, hate and blame. So tell me, how does that get tamed? I try and try and try so hard. I scream, I fight, I call for help. But then I realize no one is coming. I’m by myself. -KM

We found a place in all the noise to listen to the silence. –’18 Rochford Gang

I am here with a new friend that entered my life unexpectedly but I know not by chance. Nothing in this life happens by accident, it is all by design and it is evident in this beautiful place. I pray for peace for all who enter, reside, and leave here. Remember that WE ARE ALL CONNECTED with each other and the beautiful world around us. You are loved. –JT

This sculpture moves me always to the very roots of my soul. –Dee B. from Woonsocket, SD

I am sobbing, crying so hard—please spirit be with me, guide me, teach me to forgive and to love.

I liked it here—but I’m tired. –GM

Today I walked this spiritual path in memory of my mom who died April 22, 2018 at the age of 91 years, 257 days. Her philosophy to all of us was: “Be kind to one another, but first, be kind to yourself.”

That’s it! I’m moving in!

The peacefulness is so incredible. The grass is so green, bluest of skies. The sounds of nature and wind blowing makes you realize how precious life is. My soul is on fire with so much life. Thank you for giving me this peace. –Charlene K from New York

Our brain is not our mind. Renewing our mind creates new pathways in our brain. The mind leads the brain, not vice versa. Be regenerated.  

Working my way through my own spiritual journey—what an amazing retreat for the soul. Thank you for your generosity building and sharing. Feeling the spirit of the God that lives in my soul. I hope to find a way to share the spirituality within, with those searching, as you have shared with me. –MP

Third time here, this time with my husband on our one year anniversary. Came here out of love to help with the fence, came here to celebrate love, and FELT love. –Emily

The beauty of nature is God’s gift to us. Appreciating its healing powers is our gift to God. Listen as the wind brings healing to the soul. 

Sky blue Dakota vistas…running mustangs…fields of wildflowers…shimmering aspen…magnificent and meaningful sculptures…and the realization of a vision and a dream.  – Ginny D.

This place is so amazing that words could never express just how touching and moving and inspirational it is.  “Wapila”, thank you in Lakota  – Kara Bear & High Horse

I came here today by myself.  Wasn’t planned that way, but was meant to be.  I am grateful for the peace and joy I received here today.

I love this place! I will come here again.  –Tatiana L – Republic of Moldova

Great Spirit, Creator
Let me hear what you need me to hear.
Let me speak with humility what you need me to speak.
Let my mind and heart be open, honest, willing and free  – Anonymous One

Everything about Pathways is oh so good:  the concept, the name, the labyrinth, the statues.     – Mary D.

My son and I came today after I had a vision about this exact place.  It is so unreal that it is here!  It has called me here to do some healing.  I lost my mama three weeks ago – LA

There was a definite connection to God in the amazing setting and I can see myself returning endlessly.    – Bonnie C.

I love the world  – Jenna age 4

My heart and soul are at peace when I listen to the songs of the wind spirits. Every breath I take while I’m here at this sacred spot relieves me of my burdens.– Theresa J.

The statue of the Native American holding the buffalo skull was the highlight for me. A suitable tribute to those gone before us and a healing touch.  – Rodney G.

I am a Muslim woman from Bursa, Turkey.  I am very glad to be here.– Tusun H.

Spiritual Pathways is BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL and a great addition to our Black Hills.  – Tom and Pam F.

Your sanctuary has inspired me to spiritualize my own property.  – Vicky Z.

This is a sacred, beautiful, and peaceful place.  I will be back with my daughters.  It will be our church. – DiAnna

I love this place!  It makes me feel great!   – Calli J. age 8

God is in all beauty and loves all that is beautiful – written in Arabic by Majid A.

Thank you!! Beautiful!! Wonderful!! – Scott J.

The pathway- sculptures- prayers- passages and just the “nature” of it all is wonderful. I enjoyed my Saturday in communing with all elements. Looking forward to another outing and long pathway trails!  – Gayleen B.

Listen to the breeze, it calls to you
Listen to the grass, it grows for you
Listen to the water, it flows for you
On this our Mother Earth, listen back and respect her
For we can never repay what she has given us – KM from Florida

I am dazzled by the beauty and spirituality you are infusing into an already beautiful and spiritual place! – Lucinda T.

The view was so breathtaking! While sitting on the bench listening to the dedication, I found peace in my soul.  – Linda B.

Thank you for the most inspiring walk I have had in a long time – Lana W.

I am overwhelmed with emotion.  Yes, thank you blessed soul for sharing your peace with us all.  In this busy world we sometimes need to find a place to re-focus and this is the place.  Thank you, God. –ME

Enjoyed the inspirational journey through the area. It was peaceful.  – Al and Marilyn H.

We’ll return to the labyrinth again. – Doris G.

Thank you for making this lovely path.  I came all the way from Africa to see this – anonym

Thank you much for an enriching concept. – Earl and Grace S.

I came here with my Mommy and Daddy and we experienced the true meaning of family – Mac, Marie and Carberry

It was just wonderful – very inspirational. Thank you.  – Del and Bev K.

My family is experiencing the solitude, beauty and healing powers of this Sanctuary for our first time today.  Shall this be the start of our new enriched life together?  We are truly humbled to experience such a beautiful, enlightening, and enriching adventure. – Jody K., Dan S., Dylan S.

This Sanctuary is a piece of heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I have found – Maureen H.

What an awesome place.  What peace and tranquility you feel here. – Deb S.

Thank you for providing this sacred space for all of us to come to.  And thank you to every person who takes the time out of their busy lives to come to this sanctuary to connect with Spirit in whatever manner they are called.  Always remember that there is only one of us here. – Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related) Mary Ellen and Clay U.

There is healing energy here. – Pam from Denver

I thought when I came here I would just sit and read – but now I find I come here just to be – be in the present, the now – in the sounds of the birds, in the sound of the wind in the trees – in the quiet – away from all the hustle and bustle – “Just to be”. – Char R.

We have come humbly to the grounds of nature and will leave as natives – Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related)

What an inspiring journey this is.  We have cleansed, re-focused, re-energized and have been truly lifted to a higher level of life.  God is amazing for bringing us the messengers and the facilities to truly love one another.  This is a day of transformation.  – Jody K.

Faith is believing that even though the path seems to take me further away, it actually brings me closer – CM

Dear God – As I leave this overwhelming serenity in deep contemplation, keep reminding me that your arms are around me – G. M. age 97

Yes, yes – love isn’t love until you can share it and give it.  So many are blessed with the sharing of this sacred space. – Anonymous

My heart is filled with gratitude for this moment.  My daughter and mother (my two most valued people in my life) walk together in the most beautiful setting I have been in a long time. Thank you. – TZ

Time does not run out, it runs into the timeless. – RP

Beyond the field of right or wrong there is a field.  I will meet you there – quote from Rumi

I had a wonderful vision of my life ahead – the direction I was looking for.  I also felt the release of what was holding me back- ND

Words cannot describe – CD

The tears, they flow and what a release – how much I need to heal.  The sculpture of the angel – The Divine Mother in my eyes – and the child of perfect peaceful innocence.  …. Love – realizing that it must come from within first.  – Tracy S.

Quote from Dylan S. age 4.  “We are the helpers by being the best selves helping God spread lots of love!!”

Our family is healing as we walk this path, shedding tears of sorrow and forgiveness.  Thank you for enabling us to experience purity. – Jody K.

This is what life is about: nature, flowers, trees, springs, ponds, breeze, sky, birds, moles, butterflies, calming, and becoming one with nature.  For this I am grateful – Lori R.

Can anyone question there is a God! –anonymous

Ah – the sound of the trickling spring – so centering.  I cannot believe how crystal clear the pond water is.  It felt so good to splash my face in it.  I am honored to have this experience. – Tracy S.

I thirst for solitude.  I thirst for calm, for the gifts that come from the silence and the sunshine trickling through the leaves of the aspen on a day of gratitude and forgiveness. – Namaste – “Lost sister friend”

This beautiful place is so overwhelming that words are difficult to choose.  – Jeff, Carol & Molly

What a gift you have given to all who enter!  To sit here and witness the wonder of the universe – the crystal blue sky, horses grazing in the meadow – leaves turning color to tell us the end of a season is here – but a new one is beginning – as the angels look over us. – Char R.

I honor that place in you in which the whole universe dwells.  I honor that place in you which is of light, truth, peace, love and all that is holy – when you are in that place in me – we are one – we are unity. – quote from Ram Das

You will be missed and you will be loved until we meet again – Anonymous

Peace, joy, love, forgiveness, patience, gratitude – give these to others and give them to yourself – Bonnie C.

Sky blue Dakota vistas…running mustangs…fields of wildflowers…shimmering aspen…magnificent and meaningful sculptures…and the realization of a vision and a dream.  – Ginny D.

Everything about Pathways is oh so good:  the concept, the name, the labyrinth, the statues.     – Mary D.

There was a definite connection to God in the amazing setting and I can see myself returning endlessly.    – Bonnie C.

The statue of the Native American holding the buffalo skull was the highlight for me. A suitable tribute to those gone before us and a healing touch.  – Rodney G.

Spiritual Pathways is BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL and a great addition to our Black Hills.  – Tom and Pam F.

Your sanctuary has inspired me to spiritualize my own property.  – Vicky Z.

Thank you!! Beautiful!! Wonderful!! – Scott J.

The pathway- sculptures- prayers- passages and just the “nature” of it all is wonderful. I enjoyed my Saturday in communing with all elements. Looking forward to another outing and long pathway trails!  – Gayleen B.

I am dazzled by the beauty and spirituality you are infusing into an already beautiful and spiritual place! – Lucinda T.

The view was so breathtaking! While sitting on the bench listening to the dedication, I found peace in my soul.  – Linda B.

Thank you for the most inspiring walk I have had in a long time – Lana W.

I am overwhelmed with emotion.  Yes, thank you blessed soul for sharing your peace with us all.  In this busy world we sometimes need to find a place to re-focus and this is the place.  Thank you, God. –ME

Enjoyed the inspirational journey through the area. It was peaceful.  – Al and Marilyn H.

We’ll return to the labyrinth again. – Doris G.

Thank you much for an enriching concept. – Earl and Grace S.

I came here with my Mommy and Daddy and we experienced the true meaning of family – Mac, Marie and Carberry

It was just wonderful – very inspirational. Thank you.  – Del and Bev K.

My family is experiencing the solitude, beauty and healing powers of this Sanctuary for our first time today.  Shall this be the start of our new enriched life together?  We are truly humbled to experience such a beautiful, enlightening, and enriching adventure. – Jody K., Dan S., Dylan S.

This Sanctuary is a piece of heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I have found – Maureen H.

What an awesome place.  What peace and tranquility you feel here. – Deb S.

Thank you for providing this sacred space for all of us to come to.  And thank you to every person who takes the time out of their busy lives to come to this sanctuary to connect with Spirit in whatever manner they are called.  Always remember that there is only one of us here. – Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related) Mary Ellen and Clay U.

There is healing energy here. – Pam from Denver

I thought when I came here I would just sit and read – but now I find I come here just to be – be in the present, the now – in the sounds of the birds, in the sound of the wind in the trees – in the quiet – away from all the hustle and bustle – “Just to be”. – Char R.

We have come humbly to the grounds of nature and will leave as natives – Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related)

What an inspiring journey this is.  We have cleansed, re-focused, re-energized and have been truly lifted to a higher level of life.  God is amazing for bringing us the messengers and the facilities to truly love one another.  This is a day of transformation.  – Jody K.

Faith is believing that even though the path seems to take me further away, it actually brings me closer – CM

Dear God – As I leave this overwhelming serenity in deep contemplation, keep reminding me that your arms are around me – G. M. age 97

Yes, yes – love isn’t love until you can share it and give it.  So many are blessed with the sharing this sacred space. – Anonymous

My heart is filled with gratitude for this moment.  My daughter and mother (my two most valued people in my life) walk together in the most beautiful setting I have been in in a long time. Thank you. – TZ

Time does not run out, it runs into the timeless. – RP

I had a wonderful vision of my life ahead – the direction I was looking for.  I also felt the release of what was holding me back- ND

Words cannot describe – CD

The tears, they flow and what a release – how much I need to heal.  The sculpture of the angel – The Divine Mother in my eyes – and the child of perfect peaceful innocence.  …. Love – realizing that it must come from within first.  – Tracy S.

Quote from Dylan S. age 4.  “We are the helpers by being the best selves helping God spread lots of love!!”

Our family is healing as we walk this path, shedding tears of sorrow and forgiveness.  Thank you for enabling us to experience purity. – Jody K.

This is what life is about: nature, flowers, trees, springs, ponds, breeze, sky, birds, moles, butterflies, calming, and becoming one with nature.  For this I am grateful – Lori R.

Can anyone question there is a God! –anonymous

Ah – the sound of the trickling spring – so centering.  I cannot believe how crystal clear the pond water is.  It felt so good to splash my face in it.  I am honored to have this experience. – Tracy S.

I thirst for solitude.  I thirst for calm, for the gifts that come from the silence and the sunshine trickling through the leaves of the aspen on a day of gratitude and forgiveness. – Namaste – “Lost sister friend”

This beautiful place is so overwhelming that words are difficult to choose.  – Jeff, Carol & Molly

What a gift you have given to all who enter!  To sit here and witness the wonder of the universe – the crystal blue sky, horses grazing in the meadow – leaves turning color to tell us the end of a season is here – but a new one is beginning – as the angels look over us. – Char R.

I honor that place in you in which the whole universe dwells.  I honor that place in you which is of light, truth, peace, love and all that is holy – when you are in that place in me – we are one – we are unity. – quote from Ram Das

You will be missed and you will be loved until we meet again – Anonymous

Peace, joy, love, forgiveness, patience, gratitude – give these to others and give them to yourself – Bonnie C.

This is the most peaceful place I have ever encountered.  The wind in the aspens is so relaxing.  The flowers are spectacular and the birdsong is beautiful.  Thank you for creating this wonderful place.

The bronze is awesome and beautiful.  So fitting in this special place.

I, Aaron, was here on this day!  I am 9 years old from Glenwood, Iowa.

So emotional – Sad – What have I missed?  What are we doing? 78 years of age.

I lost my mom a year ago today.  Thinking of her in this beautiful place with tears and good memories.

Beautiful spot to spend our 23rd anniversary.  Thank you for this place.

This is my 3rd time here in this beautiful place.  It never gets old!  Thank you ever so much for keeping it up so nice.

I am a skeptic to the core.  If I can’t see it or touch it, it does not exist.  But there is something in this place that I cannot explain.  I feel joy, sorrow, peace, beauty, and a whole range of human emotions, all at the same time.  Some may say it is God, others may say it is a natural energy.  I’m OK with not knowing.  All I know is that I feel at home here, and I hope you do as well.

Thank you for sharing and building gifts of reflection, communion and regeneration.  The magic is real, and love to you for opening this up to the world.

Thank you for this beautiful time to open my heart.  May you be blessed 100 fold and more.  I leave this holy place changed.

Gorgeous!  Gracias!  My mother, nearly 80, and I walked, smelled, saw and felt the love here.  Bless you for your thoughtful sharing.  May the entire world know the peace that is here.

My friends from Nevada, California and Hawaii were so touched by the beauty, peace, and healing energy they felt here.  It was the highlight of their journey to our sacred Black Hills!  Thank you for this beautiful sanctuary and for sharing it and protecting this land!

Thank you for sharing God’s special gift with us and the many words of wisdom on the plaques.  We will return.

As I travel this path, I become more in tune with nature.  I take this moment to reflect upon my life.

The sky is blue.  The sun is out.  The air is dry.  And, I am grateful.

This is one of the best kept secrets of the Black Hills area.  Beautiful!  What an enjoyable, inspiring trail.  I hope it has a long lifetime.  Thanks to those who designed it.

This place is the most silent place I have known!  The most beautiful place I have seen.  I feel like a sponge sitting here now gulping deep breaths of fresh air.

Today is the day!  For me to put my thoughts out.  I have been here a half dozen times or more and never wrote my thoughts, even though this place brings me peace and comfort and a way to give my troubles to God!  This year has brought much heartache, anguish and hurt to family, sons and wife, that I have lost my path.  I pray for healing for the anguish and hostility and I pray that my path be shown to me out of the darkness.  Pathways healed my soul.  It’s a gift from God!  It’s a gift to be here!  Thank you for all that I have and all healing.  The sunlight shining on me unburdens my soul and gives me new hope.

I have had many travels around the world, but never have I seen a place so full of such natural beauty.

Thank you sharing this beautiful place.  I have felt all alone with my problem…. No safe place to go.  I have cried so much here.  Release, release, release.

Such a generous and heartfelt gift you give to us.  Thank you so much for the peace and quiet of heart I felt here today!

This is such a sacred place and the gentle breeze, warm sunshine and babbling brook soothed my soul and I once again remember and feel my connectedness to ALL!!

I feel like I could sit here for hours listening to the water talk!  I have tried to take pictures but this is something that needs to be experienced.

I will bring the power of this place with me wherever I go.

Calm and peaceful, serenity, back to nature.  Feelings I haven’t felt in a very long time.  Thank you for sharing this spiritual sanctuary with all.

As the leaves fall I slowly trod this path knowing it will soon be buried under the snow and closed to my wandering and prayers.  In reverence I will journey prayerfully until it reopens May 2015.  Thanks.

We came here today not knowing what we would see.  The beauty we see and the energy here is beyond belief.  How I wish my son could see this.  I hope and pray that it will still be here in 10 years when he gets set free.  He has a great heart but drugs took him down.  Oh God, as I sit here please send him this love I feel here.

Thank you for the critical healing force for me when I had breast cancer (and beat it!) nearly five years ago.  The peace and confidence you gave me was immeasurable.

Time to stop drinking for good.  Starting AA tomorrow.  This lovely sanctuary helped to firm my conviction.