I found that book at Powell's Book Store in PDX around 2004.
In the earlier part, the book discusses how the author worked with displaced (if my memory serves right) women and how working with actual soil helped these women to be in touch.
There are only fragmented scenes from that book. I don't know why I let it go--but I was in the middle of a lot of changes myself. So...I'm #LookingForABook...the one I describe above. If it rings a bell, pls let me know. I'd appreciate it greatly.