It turned out that fire was one of the most important elements in the Biodesign experience. Typically, every day of our studies at Yosemite and Mendocino ended with a circular celebration around a campfire. Often the combination of heat, light and the transformation of solid wood into gaseous flames served as a metaphor for mental … [Read more…]
In 1976, naturalist T. H. Watkins published, John Muir’s America. He must have felt that he knew Muir’s soul so well that he composed three imaginary conversations with the venerable old mountain man. The first dialogue began on the veranda of Muir’s home in Martinez, Ca. The two men discussed many ecological topics as they … [Read more…]
Watching the increasingly commercial emphasis during the Christmas Season, it is little wonder Albert Schweitzer described a kind of naïveté where people are unaware of the silent, spiritual battles within. Although blatant commercialism was far less intense during the time Henry Thoreau wrote “Walden,” (1850) it probably contributed to his efforts to strive to avoid … [Read more…]
“I used to envy the father of our race, dwelling as he did in contact with the new-made fields and plants of Eden; but I so no more, because I have discovered that I also live in ‘creation’s dawn.’ The morning stars still sing together, and the world, not yet half made, becomes more beautiful … [Read more…]
Thursday, 8-25-16 marks the 100th anniversary of the US National Park Service. The NPS has often been described as, “America’s Greatest Idea,” and if this is so, John Muir may arguably be considered “America’s greatest naturalist.” It is impossible to imagine how the Park Service would have evolved without his vision, passion and dedication. After … [Read more…]
“Loren Eiseley is less concerned about man conquering nature than nature, in the form of God, conquering the human heart.” Time Magazine. AFTER nearly 75 years, I have concluded that life is mostly (if not totally) a journey into mystery. E.g. how could I have possibly guessed that a simple, innocent question from a student … [Read more…]
INTELLIGENT MEN DECIPHERING “INTELLIGENT DESIGNS”: “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” Hebrews,” 3. “All of Nature is but a metaphor of the human mind.” Emerson It is illogical to assume that physical, mental and spiritual designs can be more complex than the artist/creator of the designs. … [Read more…]
Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk. On an unscripted whim, I had them close their eyes and asked them how many of them had a soul? Every hand shot up. “Hands down,” I said. “How’d we vote?” someone asked. I answered, “One hundred percent positive. I guess this class has a lot of soul.” “The soul is … [Read more…]
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead —his eyes are closed. The insight into the mystery of … [Read more…]
Nurse, teacher, healer, medicine woman, storyteller and child of The Great Spirit. “And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw;for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must … [Read more…]