John Michael Musselman

Sleep and dream under the branches of an elderberry tree. Bury your body in the sand. Lay out under the stars and let their light soak into your bones.

As the root of your being sinks more fully into your place, both the land and your soul will receive immense nourishment.

We are hardwired for belonging. Who and what we belong to is one of the most defining aspects of our humanness. In this modern world there is so much with which

Spirit being that force aligned with air and fire that rises, and soul being the force connected to water and earth that descends.

There is an old idea, once held by all people, that whatever we kill, harvest and consume for our personal benefit is forevermore under our protection and care.

It is truly stunning to encounter someone existing in a state of embodied presence. To have that presence meet your gaze: wide awake to you, and the world around you. To feel them seeing you and sensing you deeply

My whole life I have secretly longed to hear those silent voices communicating within the forest; to comprehend the infinite ribbon of song woven throughout all of Nature.

During each of the most difficult periods of my life, it is within the boundless confines of a forest that my life has been saved from being consumed by absolute chaos and confusion.

We are losing our elders- our true cultural leaders- as the modern way of life systematically produces a disabled population of the elderly in their stead: a disempowered people confined to the corners and attics of our busy world.