tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268876162024-03-06T20:05:37.874-08:00Steven Harper & The Wilds: A Workshop JournalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-63792505150206729482020-01-31T07:07:00.000-08:002020-03-06T12:29:15.138-08:002020 Workshop & Retreat Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0zk0tN9qMNRxyWMMiq6A9n6iamuJPQ0gJ3ri_8b0GQCsZX4-DF49nCniI7WXLe6DsQeD1WKU4eP_UaBWWGs5D5ej1Ev7MG-yN-qqwsfbxzNUOeBMr4fuya-Dp7GyJmMIclm4/s1600/BS+Ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0zk0tN9qMNRxyWMMiq6A9n6iamuJPQ0gJ3ri_8b0GQCsZX4-DF49nCniI7WXLe6DsQeD1WKU4eP_UaBWWGs5D5ej1Ev7MG-yN-qqwsfbxzNUOeBMr4fuya-Dp7GyJmMIclm4/s400/BS+Ocean.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Meeting Place: Land & Sea</div>
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Greetings!</div>
Here is my latest schedule for my 2020 Workshops and Retreat<span style="font-size: small;"> with direct links:<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• <a href="https://www.esalen.org/learn/workshop/the-ground-of-belonging-an-embodied-inquiry-into-courage-connection-and-community/3936" target="_blank">January 26-February 23, 2020 — <b>The Ground of Belonging: A Residential Study Group at Esalen</b> with Steven Harper</a> (complete)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• <a href="https://www.esalen.org/learn/workshop/big-sur-wilderness-experience-springtime/3994" target="_blank">April 19-24, 2020 — <b>Big Sur Wilderness Experience at Esalen</b> with Steven Harper & Friends </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• <a href="https://www.sfzc.org/calendar/events/tassajara/nature-zen-430-53" target="_blank">April 30-May 3, 2020 — <b>The Nature of Zen at Tassajara Zen Center</b> with Steven Harper & Leslie James</a> (enrollment open)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• May 13-20 — The Wellbeing Project: Inner Work, Bilbao
Spain with Steven Harper and Co-leaders </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(private retreat, not open for enrollment) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• <a href="https://www.esalen.org/learn/workshop/nature-and-contemplation-cultivating-wild-mindfulness/4135" target="_blank">June 7-12, 2020 — <b>Nature and
Contemplation at Esalen</b> with Steven Harper & Friends </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• <a href="https://www.esalen.org/learn/workshop/simply-wild-experiencing-nature/5713" target="_blank">July 5-10, 2020 — <b>Simply Wild at Esalen </b>with Steven Harper & Friends</a> (space available)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• <a href="https://www.esalen.org/learn/workshop/the-nature-of-movement-embodiment-and-the-wilds/5714" target="_blank">September 13-18, 2020 — <b>The Nature of Movement at Esalen</b> with Steven Harper & Friends</a></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(space available)</span></span></span></span></div>
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Last year all workshops booked full with a waitlist. This year Esalen has given me less workshops than in the past which means programs have been booking full before the print catalog is mailed out. It is best to enroll online or call Esalen Reservations: 888-837-2536. Tassajara's enrollment is open. In past years it too has booked to capacity.<br />
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Good News: If you put yourself on the waitlist, there is a good chance you can get in if you respond quickly to Esalen's email letting you know there is an opening. <br />
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Lastly, I am having problems updating my website. Yikes! Here is a link to my website that will hopefully be updated soon and in the meantime has plenty of useful information: <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/" target="_blank">Steven Harper</a><br />
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And here for <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/faqs.html" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Question </a><br />
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Love to you all from the Big Sur,<br />
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StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-75068628128021029482019-12-30T20:35:00.000-08:002019-12-30T20:43:53.788-08:00New Year Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK43ZM4dxOkFp-7wVeCITtPjAsQjnQ6djZ1KVTrZq_9OzVTEhVOL-T65xVampUbCMhoyWaDH8F9fcTg5Kb3sTIW-1i8NdQSWdcMvXTJlAJgk6A5jiH3zq9g1v6zLeQUg4BWvj/s1600/Big+Sur+Blessing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK43ZM4dxOkFp-7wVeCITtPjAsQjnQ6djZ1KVTrZq_9OzVTEhVOL-T65xVampUbCMhoyWaDH8F9fcTg5Kb3sTIW-1i8NdQSWdcMvXTJlAJgk6A5jiH3zq9g1v6zLeQUg4BWvj/s400/Big+Sur+Blessing.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the Spirit of the Season</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May we all
know our heart’s capacity for love and follow our authentic calling for life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May the fluidity of <i>water</i> run through you
taking you on a buoyant ride to the ocean home.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May <i>fire</i> burn bright and inviting, warming
you and your loved ones. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May <i>air </i>breathe you bringing brilliant
vigor to your luminous spirit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May the <i>earth</i> let you know your full
belonging to the world and in the whole of your being.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May <i>space</i> allow for the grace of silence
and gratitude for all you are gifted. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May we all swim in the elemental nature of
wondrous aliveness in the years to come—full of presence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May the mystery of that which cannot be
spoken touch our every thought and action—letting life live through us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big Love from the Big Sur,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kes, Kai, Janna, & Steven </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-44701253676767867342019-11-25T15:38:00.003-08:002019-11-27T15:12:20.164-08:00Gratitude!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qy5YSGZ3yhuxX0BqNvfDtwD4d30VQq6GZ7OTmz0Af19v5iXXT98ksw-2kJegBiw3RhHavBeph1QRBnFNyCOeCjUyVKhNLg4o9aZX34nPRe07yYA-XwBV3T7jKGaBrymDy_DJ/s1600/Cypress+Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qy5YSGZ3yhuxX0BqNvfDtwD4d30VQq6GZ7OTmz0Af19v5iXXT98ksw-2kJegBiw3RhHavBeph1QRBnFNyCOeCjUyVKhNLg4o9aZX34nPRe07yYA-XwBV3T7jKGaBrymDy_DJ/s400/Cypress+Sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cypress Sunrise</div>
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<i>“In moments of surprise we catch at least a glimpse of the joy to which gratefulness opens the door.” </i><br />
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~ <span class="authorOrTitle">David Steindl-Rast </span><br />
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<span class="authorOrTitle">As we near the U.S. holiday of Giving Thanks, I am reminded to assess my own genuine feelings of gratitude. </span><span class="authorOrTitle">I am continuing to learn to be grateful for the almost unseen, unnoticed
occurrences that present themselves daily, moment to moment. Today, I
am aware of feeling grateful for all of the ways my life has been
touched by the many "small" and "daily" presentations that create this
rich life of ours — ocean waves, scent of trees, clean water, touch of a hand, a gesture of kindness, and 10,000 other things. </span><br />
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<span class="authorOrTitle">In the human-scape I am filled with gratitude for my family and dear friends who love and support me in countless ways. In the realm of "land/sea-scape" I am grateful daily for living in relationship with Big Sur and the dynamic meeting of land and sea.</span><br />
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<span class="authorOrTitle"><b>And</b>, what comes to heart and foreground so easily is the many people who have shown up from around the world to attend workshops I led or co-lead in Big Sur, Tassajara, Austria, and come in person to explore with me in a one-to-one sessions. I am blessed to meet so many courageous and remarkable people ready to open to the inner and outer wilds and find their unique and shared way along the pathless path.</span><br />
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<span class="authorOrTitle">With Deep Gratitude,</span></div>
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<span class="authorOrTitle">Steven</span><br />
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<span class="authorOrTitle">P.S. Some more links if you are inclined</span><br />
<span class="authorOrTitle"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zl9puhwiyw" target="_blank">A Good Day</a> by Bro. David Steindl-Rast (good friend and co-leader) </span></div>
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<span class="authorOrTitle"><a href="http://blog.stevenkharper.com/2018/08/blue-mind-how-light-get-in.html" target="_blank">Blue Mind</a>: Gratitude for salty ocean waves & direct contact with the sea</span><br />
<span class="authorOrTitle"><a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank"><span class="authorOrTitle">Meal Chant Stew</span></a> </span> An article about food, traditional blessings, and gratitude</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-66027807778036728562019-09-12T11:02:00.000-07:002019-09-12T11:02:33.308-07:00Nature of Movement: Esalen, September 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SXRijWH4tRPfYxJgbtKfp1s2fEPR3k2FvfqCiyRSUfc7noJ9mPmb9cHzmDzZ1MT6OfhXfOfQP8xG023t0vjgqwLAtzEwaOjJd1dhBYVi8hGDq25s3gC2UwIkea0PwTPl7qQS/s1600/Nature+Movement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SXRijWH4tRPfYxJgbtKfp1s2fEPR3k2FvfqCiyRSUfc7noJ9mPmb9cHzmDzZ1MT6OfhXfOfQP8xG023t0vjgqwLAtzEwaOjJd1dhBYVi8hGDq25s3gC2UwIkea0PwTPl7qQS/s400/Nature+Movement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Moving as Nature in the Wilds</div>
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I am recalling beat poet Gary Snyder's poem about how poetry comes to him. To me the path of moving as nature and knowing our deep belonging to ourselves and our earth-body. is a bit similar — we need to work/play and meet wild nature at the edges — where light meets dark. <br />
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<b>How Poetry Comes to Me</b><br />
<b>by Gary Snyder</b><br />
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<i>It comes blundering over the</i><br />
<i>Boulders at night, it stays</i><br />
<i>Frightened outside the</i><br />
<i>Range of my campfire</i><br />
<i>I go to meet it at the </i><br />
<i>Edge of the light</i><br />
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For at me, at least, the path often includes some blundering, boulders, and fear... and this too is often how I know I am getting closer to something tender, authentic, and worthy of meeting.<br />
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Thanks to all for how fully you went to meet yourselves, each other, and the Big Sur at "the edge of light."<br />
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Here are some requested links:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157710804313901" target="_blank">Photos</a> (three of these are from Jenny!)<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/tassajara.html" target="_blank">Tassajara Zen Mountain Center</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/nature-of-zen-04-30-2020.html" target="_blank">Nature of Zen </a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/redwood.html" target="_blank">Redwoods</a><br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast</a><br />
<a href="https://thejoysystem.com/" target="_blank">The Joy System</a><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/hikingwithgary/home" target="_blank">Hiking with Gary</a> <br />
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Extra's <br />
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/18/well/mary-olivers-poems-taught-me-how-to-live.html" target="_blank">Mary Oliver Tribute in NYT</a> (Today is Mary Oliver's Birthday)<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opu73EerPgQ" target="_blank">Supernature: Esalen and the Human Potential Movement</a><br />
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As my public workshop season at Esalen comes to a close for 2019 I feel so deeply blessed and filled with gratitude for those of you that showed up for this workshop — The Nature of Movement. This spacious feeling of gratefulness extends to all of the people that have made the journey to Big Sur and chose to show up in wakeful awareness and walk the wild path together.<br />
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Deep bow to each of you,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-16411032811831862452019-08-30T09:05:00.000-07:002019-08-30T09:05:46.353-07:00Big Sur Wilderness Experience: Esalen, August 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sRDF7uTYP1AROuwQkrIlOAVsQMkYxQ2rkGxZ5widjpboBSGwxB2zM3ByG0osyLfpwpcd-_GTK5GGJnwLr0aLh5_RC1QwlIxN0MjqjLTccjBdloJL23x9NrK8n33c9ctXhQbD/s1600/BSWE+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sRDF7uTYP1AROuwQkrIlOAVsQMkYxQ2rkGxZ5widjpboBSGwxB2zM3ByG0osyLfpwpcd-_GTK5GGJnwLr0aLh5_RC1QwlIxN0MjqjLTccjBdloJL23x9NrK8n33c9ctXhQbD/s400/BSWE+Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Big Sur State of Mind</div>
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Deep gratitude to a each and everyone and the collective community we co-created during our 5 days together. A constellation of things came together: weather, trails, tides, generosity of spirit, courage, choosing to show up, and 10,000 other seen and unseen things to bring us all that we experienced. <br />
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“Nature also means the physical universe, including the urban, industrial, and toxic. But we do not easily know nature, or even know ourselves. Whatever it actually is, in will not fulfill our conception or assumptions. It will dodge our expectations and theoretical models. There is no single or set “nature” either as “the natural world” or “the nature of things.” The greatest respect we can pay to nature is not to trap it, but to acknowledge that our own nature is also fluid, open, and conditional.” ~ Gary Snyder, from No Nature<br />
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Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157710604838696" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/redwood.html" target="_blank">Redwoods</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/redwoods.html" target="_blank">Redwood article</a><br />
Caitlin's <a href="https://www.mountainseaadventures.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Sea Adventures</a><br />
<a href="https://tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Ticks!</a> All you need to know<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/workshop-schedule.html" target="_blank">Workshop & Retreats for early 2020</a> (Esalen just went live with registration)<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/tassajara.html" target="_blank">Tassajara Zen Mountain Center</a><br />
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Bonus Link:<br />
The Water Song (Caitlin taught part of it to us): <a href="https://soundcloud.com/thebirdsings/the-river" target="_blank">The River </a><br />
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Two Claps and One Deep Heartfelt Bow, <br />
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StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-31062367140207008782019-07-11T15:12:00.002-07:002019-07-11T15:24:03.551-07:00Walk on the Wild Side: Esalen, July 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmftazNSN-ZfRZEV4UeqtBm6GG3BjQKc3TzjCRGhbdo4mKX66L_TdpH2uXc9aiiSjrX-lcCgAgXVx5O2rPwg3YCXbo8QwtJRs7zM8-_geSiQr8uRHOnNLtVJA1lXGfxAs0ZcR/s1600/WalkWS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmftazNSN-ZfRZEV4UeqtBm6GG3BjQKc3TzjCRGhbdo4mKX66L_TdpH2uXc9aiiSjrX-lcCgAgXVx5O2rPwg3YCXbo8QwtJRs7zM8-_geSiQr8uRHOnNLtVJA1lXGfxAs0ZcR/s400/WalkWS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wild in the Wilds<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">click on image to enlarge</span> </div>
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What a unique pleasure to have a group of "new-ness." A whole group of new-to-me <i>and</i> so many of you new to Esalen showing up fresh and alive — true beginner's mind. There is nothing quite like your first time. I had an exceptional experience with you all and so appreciated how much our group engaged with wilds of Big Sur. As John Muir experienced, "I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."<br />
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Exploring both the inner and outer wilderness terrain, excellent weather, celebrating interdependence day, walking the wild path of the Big Sur, and the ineffable experiences that inspire and conspire to create aliveness — may the very best or our experiences ripple out into your life and into the world. <br />
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Here are some links that were requested and a few more:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157709523126752" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sfzc.org/tassajara/" target="_blank">Tassajara Zen Mountain Center</a> (I will co-lead the opening retreat there April 30, 2020)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/John-Muir-Visionary-Gretel-Ehrlich/dp/0792279549/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_img_top?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">John Muir: Nature Visionary</a> <span id="goog_719968463"></span><span id="goog_719968464"></span><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir" target="_blank">John Muir on Wikipedia</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opu73EerPgQ" target="_blank">Supernature: Esalen and the Human Potential Movement</a> (the first episode of a documentary about Esalen)<br />
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Links for our group:<br />
Antwan: <a href="https://www.sentientwellness.com/" target="_blank">Sentient Wellness</a><br />
Chenoa:<a href="https://livelimitlessly.com/" target="_blank"> Live Limitlessly</a><br />
Caitlin: <a href="https://www.mountainseaadventures.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Sea Adventures</a><br />
Joy: <a href="https://thejoysystem.com/" target="_blank">The Joy System </a><br />
<br />
With a heartfelt knell to touch the ground and a touch to the heart — may we all find our way along the path listening deeply to the wild call from within — and follow this calling in action and in being.<br />
<br />
Big Love from the Wilds of the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven<br />
<br />
P.S. Heartfelt shout out to my wild soul-sisters Joy and Caitlin for everything they brought to our circle. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-12325823487415856162019-07-08T12:30:00.001-07:002019-07-08T13:30:34.519-07:00Supernature: Esalen and the Human Potential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opu73EerPgQ" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opu73EerPgQ" border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="756" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMesM9lSiZmqdi4Tih5asI36xj28J40vYhGwIS-DeVktGXGfDmPJ7dh9OiJJHoKNfu04gIq9793GNk4AtyiMoKrok59SgOn05KYcbmvb9Y3eD-WzNhdlpkaGFK48gA_R0ObRPS/s400/Supernature.png" width="400" /></a> Click on the image above to view </div>
<br />
Supernature: This is the first episode of the impact and history of Esalen on the inquiry into the human potential by Scott Hulan Jones.<br />
<br />
I
had a great time helping as a "location manager" for much of the B-Roll
footage as well as being interviewed. Scott has much more to come and I look forward to future
episodes. He is hoping this will be picked up by some larger producer so he can finish the series. Please like, comment, and subscribe to his channel to help this project along.<br />
<br />
Heartfelt regards from the BigSurNation,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-31693701133223067222019-06-28T15:56:00.004-07:002019-06-28T17:50:23.975-07:00Simply Wild: Esalen, June 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdK3R5rejCOnPXie2q7bVDfo-9Ay8eeSgAizhs-JJe6J1llDAdE-uWu06tQzrTYnXCdEtnjZs3uztFXSKBA2FS-rKMudUpiSwbsO9BVa-tqgquc_COMt1wCKoOe5QJLb0dnPc/s1600/Simply+Wild-Esalen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdK3R5rejCOnPXie2q7bVDfo-9Ay8eeSgAizhs-JJe6J1llDAdE-uWu06tQzrTYnXCdEtnjZs3uztFXSKBA2FS-rKMudUpiSwbsO9BVa-tqgquc_COMt1wCKoOe5QJLb0dnPc/s400/Simply+Wild-Esalen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simply Wild! On the Inner and Outer Wild Path</div>
<br />
What a lovely constellation of people gathered together for our time together. I find myself filled with hope and a warm open heart when I witness the wonderful portals that you (this group) decided to step through to create our individual and collective communitarian experience — alone and together — in connection with self, other, and the ineffable.<br />
<br />
I hope your agreements have supported you in integration into your "other" life. <br />
<br />
Here are some links that were requested plus some bonus ones for those of you that have the time:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157709302008481" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
<a href="https://tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Tick Encounter</a>: My favorite tick site<br />
<a href="http://www.sfzc.org/tassajara/" target="_blank">Tassajara Zen Center</a> (April 30th 2020, I will lead the opening retreat of the season with Leslie James the head teacher at Tassajara)<br />
Ecopsychology: <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/wayofwilderness2.html" target="_blank">The Way of Wilderness</a><br />
<a href="https://www.esalen.org/page/waters-sur" target="_blank">Waters of the Sur</a>: article for Esalen's website and catalog<br />
<br />
Group member sites:<br />
<a href="http://www.mbscratch.com/" target="_blank">Marietta Bajer's Art </a><br />
<a href="https://www.legacyperio.com/" target="_blank">Steve's Wolf's site</a><br />
<br />
Bonus:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opu73EerPgQ&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Supernature: Esalen and the Human Potential</a>: The first episode of a movie about Esalen. I think you might find it worth the watch.<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast</a>: Interview with me... for those that haven't gotten tired of my storytelling<br />
<br />
Special thanks to Gary and Heather for their incredible support and presence. And, thanks Maxie for starting a thread. <br />
<br />
Deep Bow of Gratitude,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-85215697725630913322019-05-23T08:51:00.001-07:002019-05-23T08:51:55.485-07:00Nature & Contemplation: Esalen, May 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtqATXvUYmdfnEnr-uzL9fUOHn5TukIb426s0UDryYdMoIHP36QZJT3SDOQ6c23iA9rthBJ12VwKTUNr2nqV0iQLI7dnsMcBO4W2N6I_P1es6XBMwYtYg-o8a5gD9Y7q4_zlW/s1600/Nat+%2526+Contp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtqATXvUYmdfnEnr-uzL9fUOHn5TukIb426s0UDryYdMoIHP36QZJT3SDOQ6c23iA9rthBJ12VwKTUNr2nqV0iQLI7dnsMcBO4W2N6I_P1es6XBMwYtYg-o8a5gD9Y7q4_zlW/s400/Nat+%2526+Contp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nature & Contemplation gets wild</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">click on image to view larger photo</span></div>
<br />
Well, well, well, we had a week of anomalies! From the May weather anomaly, to me being under-the-weather anomaly, to a changing adaptive group & schedule anomaly.<br />
<br />
It seems everything conspired (breathed together) to create all of the conditions for a true week of contemplation with wild nature as our primary teacher. Our capacity to be adaptive to the unfolding present moment led to surprises and many fresh moments — where everything can be.<br />
<br />
Here are some requested links:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157705226960502" target="_blank">Photos!</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poem to Live By</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/18/well/mary-olivers-poems-taught-me-how-to-live.html" target="_blank">Mary Oliver Tribute in NYT</a><br />
<a href="https://tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Tick Resource</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.ventanawild.org/trails" target="_blank">Big Sur Trails by VWA</a><br />
<a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank">Meal Chant Stew</a>: on Bro. David's Gratefulness.org site<br />
<a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/contemplation-of-a-monk/" target="_blank">Contemplation of a Monk</a> (poem for Bro. David)<br />
<br />
I hope you are all weaving your essential qualities in the the fabric of you "other" lives and asking the open question, "What calls to you your one love?"<br />
<br />
Love and gratitude (both/and),<br />
<br />
Steven Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-33097684879020384682019-05-22T10:53:00.000-07:002019-05-23T12:42:37.697-07:00The Nature of Zen: Tassajara, April 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XOjyNfGF1fbDBD5UaNUpVx2hknWPhvctb7iHuawzRpecOS-lSuW_KElLR2hpj8c2QPwuBvs7F6Zw1-DWkxxmMlxP9RhFVMrnyhOchIB9FtTtPMXPJIwWjW7lXXBfMLx92Avg/s1600/Tassajara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XOjyNfGF1fbDBD5UaNUpVx2hknWPhvctb7iHuawzRpecOS-lSuW_KElLR2hpj8c2QPwuBvs7F6Zw1-DWkxxmMlxP9RhFVMrnyhOchIB9FtTtPMXPJIwWjW7lXXBfMLx92Avg/s400/Tassajara.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nature of Zen: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center</div>
<br />
The annual opening of Tassajara with the first retreat of the guest season is one of the ways I mark time. I have made the pilgrimage to Tassajara for over 40 years during this time of year. Each time I find the land and the place changed and different. From years where I saw 6 inches of snow to 105 degree temperatures, from the black char and white ashes of wildfire to the hillsides carpeted with wildflowers and the plants shouting "green."<br />
<br />
That everything changes and everything in interconnected is felt viscerally and intimately apparent as I make my way through the wild terrain that holds and supports Tassajara. The concepts of impermanence and interconnectedness are perceptually touched through direct experience and bare awareness.<br />
<br />
Here are some links:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157680353471098" target="_blank">Nature of Zen Photos</a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157600290243490" target="_blank">Tassajara Photos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://sfzc.org/teachings/audio/recorded-dharma-talks" target="_blank">Dharma Talks by Zen Center Teachers</a><br />
<a href="http://sfzc.org/what-comes-is-buddhadharma" target="_blank">Leslie's talk at the beginning of last year's guest season</a><br />
<br />
Deep bow to you all for showing up so fully.<br />
<br />
Gratitude from the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-89750135891027488592019-05-21T09:38:00.003-07:002019-05-23T09:28:30.645-07:00Big Sur Wilderness Experience: Esalen, April 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17wk8W52NBQb35VOOvCC6trcY7LBouxrCZkOHzw8sNmOeo9_sIvcuiF6l9Ov5Pysarhn_ncrkM_nhJs_7Tsu-3FvxqDJNDvq_oOLSfJSa1qjYkQ_1FLlVZmzJD8C8jZoecpeR/s1600/BSWE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17wk8W52NBQb35VOOvCC6trcY7LBouxrCZkOHzw8sNmOeo9_sIvcuiF6l9Ov5Pysarhn_ncrkM_nhJs_7Tsu-3FvxqDJNDvq_oOLSfJSa1qjYkQ_1FLlVZmzJD8C8jZoecpeR/s400/BSWE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Big Sur Wilderness Experience</div>
<br />
We opened the first workshop of my season at Esalen with excellent hiking weather and catching the height of the wildflower bloom. Thank you all for showing up so fully! <br />
<br />
Here are some of the links requested:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157705022012592" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/18/well/mary-olivers-poems-taught-me-how-to-live.html" target="_blank">Mary Oliver Article in NYT </a><br />
<a href="https://tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Ticks</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ventanaws.org/" target="_blank">Condors in Central California</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tribalground.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Ground: Chris Price</a><br />
<br />
I hope the threads of the Big Sur wilds are still weaving their way into your daily life in seen and unseen ways that let life live through you.<br />
<br />
Wildly,<br />
<br />
Steven Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-60986164445274745752019-05-09T13:03:00.002-07:002019-05-22T13:24:29.651-07:00Ground of Belonging: Esalen, February 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRyQUPBbiOk2U34_Qdzrf-mP0XQiM8uAx0Yh5qjEVXs3oD0xo4DYD_z-ES1qli0fzJfU_7D8ymRXf65WAWSf2w03BKdJN8Zt3gLSQtQXQuOYbniHpyjYMwS6_cyWkAvnh2FYS/s1600/Ground+of+Belonging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRyQUPBbiOk2U34_Qdzrf-mP0XQiM8uAx0Yh5qjEVXs3oD0xo4DYD_z-ES1qli0fzJfU_7D8ymRXf65WAWSf2w03BKdJN8Zt3gLSQtQXQuOYbniHpyjYMwS6_cyWkAvnh2FYS/s400/Ground+of+Belonging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ground of Belonging</div>
<br />
After many year of taking a break from leading month-long work scholar months at Esalen I stepped back into the new Residential Education month-long program. I had an amazing and courageous group of people in our group and two great assistants.<br />
<br />
I have been so full with workshops, retreats, and other commitments I am just now getting around to posting photos. <br />
<br />
Here is a link to some photos, plus some reminders from the resource sheet I already sent: <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157680258489738" target="_blank">Ground of Belonging Photos</a><br />
<a href="https://thejoysystem.com/" target="_blank">The Joy System: Joy Margolis</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poem to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tribalground.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Ground: Chris Price</a><br />
<br />
With deep gratitude,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-77993470387001852019-02-21T08:50:00.001-08:002019-02-21T08:50:23.335-08:00Workshops & Retreat for 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHm7BtdVwmDIyiJZVWCznFdgTWB06PE5jZjwlEa7olih-fzNeAUfx3PdZgcOIeChOB36HqNGiZGSBjuetZnxT_8OdqkdraQNTuUrJKiTMfYzpX86I396GR29qeoWUEBA5V9io/s1600/Big+Sur+Winter+Storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHm7BtdVwmDIyiJZVWCznFdgTWB06PE5jZjwlEa7olih-fzNeAUfx3PdZgcOIeChOB36HqNGiZGSBjuetZnxT_8OdqkdraQNTuUrJKiTMfYzpX86I396GR29qeoWUEBA5V9io/s400/Big+Sur+Winter+Storm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Big Sur Winter Storm </div>
<br />
Most of my 2019 public workshops have been scheduled and are up on my website.
Many have already booked full! Take a look to see what might call to
you: <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/workshop-schedule.html" target="_blank">2019 Workshops & Retreats</a>.<br />
<br />
Many, if not most, of us are starved for genuine contact with and
experience of wild nature. Wildness brings us to aliveness in a manner few
other environments can — nourishment for the unnameable terrain deep
within.<br />
<br />
I
invite you to join me on a journey and let yourself be touched by the
healing beauty of wild nature. In the meantime, as we head more fully
into spring, may we all find moments of pure delight, simply
being, and deep gratitude in our unique unfolding lives.<br />
<br />
Warmest regards from the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-89231615940644891132018-12-21T08:41:00.002-08:002018-12-21T08:43:38.220-08:00Season Blessings on the Solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVsuAwApkazWoQm5WG7FkZY4lzr6X6EZx3CW-IbukOJeFX8b0nH3mIt1jzhJSrPNYEdx4zr3tsBRtBs-4nzkak6IfLQyuWDtaJYnIXUSm0ufYIXElJ8fc7BBHPxvwTX7CQD89/s1600/Big+Sur+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVsuAwApkazWoQm5WG7FkZY4lzr6X6EZx3CW-IbukOJeFX8b0nH3mIt1jzhJSrPNYEdx4zr3tsBRtBs-4nzkak6IfLQyuWDtaJYnIXUSm0ufYIXElJ8fc7BBHPxvwTX7CQD89/s400/Big+Sur+Blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing each and everyone of us happiness and moments of raw wild beauty in the coming year…<br />
<br />
In the midst of the fullness of our busy lives—space.<br />
In the midst of the constant chatter of daily life—silence.<br />
May we all recognize the moments when less is more—know <br />
simplicity as blessing.<br />
May we let ourselves be touched by our heart's capacity <br />
to open—giving and receiving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May we re-member to pause in this moment—breathing in presence<br />
May we be blessed with freedom from suffering—know kindness, compassion, and empathy </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May we live close to the mystery—letting life live through us.<br />
May we tune in—listen deeply to the pulsing beat—and <br />
live the life that no one else can live.<br />
<br />
With Gratitude from the Big Sur,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kes, Kai, Janna, and Steven </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-70770423079201747192018-11-28T17:35:00.002-08:002018-11-30T13:28:50.424-08:00Center of the Universe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Zd3J3wtR_SZgyImjmDoX8la_3C6pWKB8P4tSTQVGtWoq3vwzEaiwiZhvZl_p8PQu50iEkY_Pj1TOCN537fsd1KR0nTke75qGaJmrJJWdUm18PXwLwM0BS2AACH1LqZBVsfn/s1600/Pico+Blanco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="791" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5Zd3J3wtR_SZgyImjmDoX8la_3C6pWKB8P4tSTQVGtWoq3vwzEaiwiZhvZl_p8PQu50iEkY_Pj1TOCN537fsd1KR0nTke75qGaJmrJJWdUm18PXwLwM0BS2AACH1LqZBVsfn/s400/Pico+Blanco.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pico Blanco, Big Sur (graphite on paper)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">click on image to enlarge</span></div>
<br />
By some accounts, by both Rumsen and Esselen native peoples of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Pico Blanco is said to be the center of creation — where <b><i>everything</i></b> came into being.<br />
<br />
Every culture has it's own unique creation story. Every culture, community, or wisdom tradition has some story about how the world was created and how we humans, along with others, came to be. It is one critical ways we define ourselves as a group.<br />
<br />
We as individuals have our own 'creation' stories, about who we are, how we came to be, what we do, and more. These stories, for better or worse, define us. We can use them to narrow or expand our sense of who we are and what we can or can't be and do.<br />
<br />
I am curious these days about the stories I have told and currently tell myself about who I be. They range from quite limiting and narrow, to expansive and open to a range of possibilities. At this point in my life I am finding it is a good time to question the stories, especially those that lurk in the shadowy, barely conscious, parts of my being and examine where they came from and if they serve me.<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the reasons I feel so at ease in wild nature, is I tend to shed the skin of the stories of self and more easily slip into the experience of just being, without a story. I love a good story as much as anyone. I also love when the stories fade to black and there is no separation, no words — just being.<br />
<br />
In curiosity and wonder <br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-1305583179395545142018-10-15T13:35:00.001-07:002018-10-15T13:56:31.117-07:00Nature of Movement: Esalen, October 2108<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6B9yDAay0Sb9j7AMwgdtit-pAyJr2mFitT-OWL9qLC6v1vf1ivsfTpUXDebVz2yDewHpMFthkj-zR11w2jT1spunymQBZnuBV5uCsKRU0OgYbF1GpVQ2jTjPpuxrU-oXOIKW/s1600/NatofMove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6B9yDAay0Sb9j7AMwgdtit-pAyJr2mFitT-OWL9qLC6v1vf1ivsfTpUXDebVz2yDewHpMFthkj-zR11w2jT1spunymQBZnuBV5uCsKRU0OgYbF1GpVQ2jTjPpuxrU-oXOIKW/s400/NatofMove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nature of Movement: Embodiment and the Wilds</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">click on image to enlarge</span></div>
<br />
Throughout the ages and across cultural traditions, nature has inspired
the human spirit. The wilderness of Big Sur allows us to imprint the
collective wisdom of this alive and wild coast in our bodies. The
ancient redwood-forested canyons, dramatic meeting of earth and sea, and
soft grassy hills remind us of the presence, wisdom, and deep sense of
belonging that live in each of us.<br />
<br />
Requested and suggested links:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157702457887225" target="_blank">Photos</a>: All are downloadable<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast with Steven</a> (telling even more stories)<br />
<a href="https://insighttimer.com/meditation-timer" target="_blank">Meditation Timer App</a> (I use this daily on my phone)<br />
<a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank">Meal Chant Stew</a> an article by me on Bro. David's site: <a href="https://gratefulness.org/" target="_blank">Gratefulness</a><br />
Adam's websites: <a href="https://weareopencircle.com/" target="_blank">Open Circle</a>, <a href="https://www.mysoreoakland.com/" target="_blank">Mysore Yoga</a> <br />
<br />
I have only gratitude for each and everyone of you. Ours was the last of my Esalen workshops for 2018, and what a wonderful way to bring the season to a close. My gratitude runs deep to each of you and collectively for deciding to physically show up and furthermore to show up with awareness. Without you I would not have the opportunity to keep learning in this manner of walking the wild path.<br />
<br />
Breath... Gravity... Balance (of awareness field)... may we all keep finding our ways along this wondrous and wild path. <br />
<br />
Deep bow to you — to you and Big Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven<br />
<br />
Ana y Mario: Because you know Bro. David you might enjoy this poem: <a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/contemplation-of-a-monk/" target="_blank">Contemplation of a Monk</a> or listening to me read it to him via the internet: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLnoQJhCtc" target="_blank">Contemplation of a Monk</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-59126057150706292132018-10-05T10:54:00.000-07:002018-10-05T15:44:58.421-07:00Way of Nature: Esalen, September 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-bISUwUePdptIFwZpyyxjClZypvMJsmEhUsE-FbTs8edn9cEdffEGHLVDcuMPd8cH013Y4XCIs0WiOU1TBkt50PVg9683TSyF42Tq-XKYxk3X4LfPMVMoJ3VKWMK5OZY9cJg/s1600/Confluence+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-bISUwUePdptIFwZpyyxjClZypvMJsmEhUsE-FbTs8edn9cEdffEGHLVDcuMPd8cH013Y4XCIs0WiOU1TBkt50PVg9683TSyF42Tq-XKYxk3X4LfPMVMoJ3VKWMK5OZY9cJg/s400/Confluence+Falls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Still clear pool at the confluence of everthing! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Click on image to enlarge</span></div>
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"If you trust in Nature, in what is simple in Nature, in the small Things
that hardly anyone sees and that can so suddenly become huge,
immeasurable; if you have this love for what is humble and try very
simply, as someone who serves, to win the confidence of what seems poor:
then everything will become easier for you, more coherent and somehow
more reconciling, not in your conscious mind perhaps, which stays
behind, astonished, but in your innermost awareness, awakeness, and
knowledge."<br />
~ <span style="margin-top: 0;">Rainer Maria </span>Rilke<br />
<br />
May we each find ourselves able to move between the conceptual and perceptual, the perceptual to the conceptual, knowing our world and that this world is much grander and awesome than we can fully perceive or fully imagine. May the mystery live close to our hearts and never leave us alone.<br />
<br />
Here are links both requested and suggested:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157698862951842" target="_blank">Photos</a> (anyone get a group photo?)<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast</a> (interview with me, if you want more stories)<br />
<a href="http://sfzc.org/tassajara" target="_blank">Tassajara Zen Center</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/nature-of-zen-05-25-2019.html" target="_blank">Nature of Zen at Tassajara</a><br />
<a href="http://bigcreek.ucnrs.org/" target="_blank">Big Creek Reserve</a> & <a href="http://bigcreek.ucnrs.org/Big%20Creek%20gift%20form%20with%20info_June%202010.pdf" target="_blank">Big Creek Reserve Donation</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ventanaws.org/california-condors.html" target="_blank">California Condors</a><br />
<a href="https://www.brambleoutdoor.com/" target="_blank">Bramble Outdoor</a> (Trevor's outdoor equipment company) <br />
<br />
Let me know if any of you have photos you have uploaded to a site and I will add a link here.<br />
<br />
In Wildness,<br />
<br />
Steven <br />
<br />
Now sweet one,<br />
Be wise.<br />
Cast all you votes for dancing.<br />
~ Hafiz Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-74180411067298496202018-09-20T17:58:00.000-07:002018-09-20T17:58:11.476-07:00Walk on the Wild Side: Esalen, September 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5cXdNz4yZ6SWc0GsBlBTn3Cm0SkEgKdMqVK9J06iAQhfFa2qzABASi5Oi5vIZoUJJe6IMrsRyyZbRXLQLd0j0QAVRCmvTJW2R6NPF8vsZnhyRHqgdlcYeaMg-nXQnfi0MO7A/s1600/WalkWildSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5cXdNz4yZ6SWc0GsBlBTn3Cm0SkEgKdMqVK9J06iAQhfFa2qzABASi5Oi5vIZoUJJe6IMrsRyyZbRXLQLd0j0QAVRCmvTJW2R6NPF8vsZnhyRHqgdlcYeaMg-nXQnfi0MO7A/s400/WalkWildSide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Walk on the Wild Side</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">click on photo to enlarge</span></div>
<br />
I sit here at my computer feeling back into the week and the full range of weather, personalities, experiences and feel deeply grateful. Thank you for showing up to be "full in" for yourselves, each other, our group, Big Sur. So many nuggets of true gold — peak experiences as well as space for an authentic range of emotions to rise to the surface — as we sauntered along with these mountains, this place, this moment as our holy land. <br />
<br />
So much "walks with me." <i>Play</i> is my gold nugget of the week and I am reminded of Suzuki Roshi's words, "What we are doing here is so important we better not take it too seriously." I hope we are all finding ways to weave the true gold into the fabric of daily life.<br />
<br />
Here are the many (record breaking) requested links that I hope help in the process of weaving. The photos from both sites are downloadable:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157701125373465" target="_blank">Steven's Photos</a><br />
<a href="https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/476f50d14f6c4614b6fa4345befb0583" target="_blank">John's Photos</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tribalground.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Ground: Christine Price</a><br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voice of Esalen: Podcast Interview with Steven:</a> In case you want stories<br />
<a href="http://sfzc.org/tassajara" target="_blank">Tassajara Zen Center</a> & <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/nature-of-zen-05-25-2019.html" target="_blank">Nature of Zen at Tassajara</a><br />
<a href="https://gratefulness.org/" target="_blank">Gratefulness</a>: Bro. David's site and an article they published on their site: <a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank">Meal Chant Stew</a><br />
<a href="https://contemplation.com/" target="_blank">The Hermitage</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/John-Muir-Visionary-Gretel-Ehrlich/dp/0792279549" target="_blank">John Muir: Nature's Visionary</a> my favorite book about his life (there are many)<br />
For Fun: <a href="http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2013/01/how-john-muir-are-you.html" target="_blank">How Muir are you? </a><br />
More about <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/redwood.html" target="_blank">Redwoods</a><br />
<br />
Big love from the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven<br />
<br />
P.S. One more for inspiration: <a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/dontgobacktosleep.html" target="_blank">Don't Go Back to Sleep</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-33277336098329026082018-09-08T18:16:00.001-07:002018-09-10T17:21:51.285-07:00Big Sur Wilderness Experience: Esalen, August 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL2qYMtk-lU9QDSye1C-dmB98U-c3TuglK3gcoRwK8aVFL1-VYaoPvYMfV9Zcuq_CjrEspeLmyylj-ne2r50qbpmFi7SyUiEiQfgpl-ELZPY-cSmQ3iufmQfNDrJBkyr0Wlhq/s1600/BSWE+Aug2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL2qYMtk-lU9QDSye1C-dmB98U-c3TuglK3gcoRwK8aVFL1-VYaoPvYMfV9Zcuq_CjrEspeLmyylj-ne2r50qbpmFi7SyUiEiQfgpl-ELZPY-cSmQ3iufmQfNDrJBkyr0Wlhq/s400/BSWE+Aug2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Experiencing Big Sur Wildness</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">click on image to enlarge</span> </div>
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Delicious... the first word that comes to mind as I feel back into our week together. I so appreciate each and every one of you and how we entered so fully into our time together. I hope the ripples continue to stir you to the core and that you ripple out to benefit all beings.</div>
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Here are some requested links to keep the waves in motion:</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157699526118871" target="_blank">Photos</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a>: Poems from the trail and more...</div>
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<a href="http://www.ventanawild.org/trails" target="_blank">Ventana Wilderness Alliance</a>: Trails and Trail conditions for the Big Sur & Santa Lucia's</div>
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<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/redwood.html" target="_blank">Redwoods</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tribalground.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Ground: Chris Price & Gestalt Awareness Practice </a></div>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen: Interview with Steven</a> (if you haven't heard enough stories!)</div>
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<a href="https://www.mountainseaadventures.com/#home-section" target="_blank">Mountain Sea Adventures</a>: Cat's (Caitlin's)website</div>
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<a href="https://thejoysystem.com/" target="_blank">The Joy System</a>: Joy's website </div>
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Special gratitude to my remarkable assistants and wilderness medicine sisters Joy and Cat. And, a deep bow and heartfelt gratitude to each of you for showing up so we can dive in the the wilds — alone & together. May we weave many threads of our time together into the fabric of our lives.</div>
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Wildly,</div>
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Steven</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-46828616847326154052018-08-21T16:08:00.002-07:002019-11-25T15:46:08.933-08:00Blue Mind: How The Light Gets In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM1161W0v6lYI-itlDlWgUbfZCVd-yIXP3xmMG6G5eJWZsyCpglOCNlYsRUF2H_JAQ-02mXlrGwIpRPjUL_d8CCjdateqYYVWW15sVtCQP2DNKyCvWp410T_eIeFvEHsys_iX/s1600/Cypress+Mist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM1161W0v6lYI-itlDlWgUbfZCVd-yIXP3xmMG6G5eJWZsyCpglOCNlYsRUF2H_JAQ-02mXlrGwIpRPjUL_d8CCjdateqYYVWW15sVtCQP2DNKyCvWp410T_eIeFvEHsys_iX/s400/Cypress+Mist.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light get in"</div>
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~ Leonard Cohen<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157700472858265" target="_blank">Blue Mind</a>: How The Light Get In: Photos from two years of morning swims <br />
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Inspired by reading a book called Blue Mind by Wallace Nichols, I have taken again to regular morning swims (sometimes a quick dip) in the Pacific Ocean at a beach near our home. I've been going simple without my wet suit, making it part of my morning ritual. Some days it is sunny, windy, foggy, thick fog, big waves, small waves, the sand changes, the tides change — I change. Some days it is "perfect" other days it is not quite "perfect" in my mind. Every day I am grateful.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to a Leonard Cohen song/poem called Anthem. The part that sticks in my head is:<br />
"Forget your perfect offering<br />
There is a crack, a crack in everything<br />
That's how the light gets in"<br />
<br />
I am reminded to let go of my idea of perfection — what I have to offer, <b>and</b> what is offered to me. When I stand in a place of great equanimity and gratitude it is usually more interesting... and some light gets in. Here are some photos of the changing days at the same beach each morning — clear and foggy<br />
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Wishing you Light,<br />
<br />
Steven<br />
<br />
P.S. Happy Birthday Dad! What a blessing to have had you as my father. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-81034066156470983522018-07-31T16:55:00.002-07:002018-08-01T14:07:59.268-07:00Big Sur Wilderness Experience: Esalen, July 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDRVAJxzFNOXTLZTU6YNucyqjxcFbuK5Lu5Hp98WwcK5y1EIKVST7xgvoGZHy3MJNdNjL2zCePv_N50u0ekRBIh-22I7JIsQdNm0UWWGsgO5W0sLJOVVKYn7pHCPn_jyzD1jR/s1600/BSWE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDRVAJxzFNOXTLZTU6YNucyqjxcFbuK5Lu5Hp98WwcK5y1EIKVST7xgvoGZHy3MJNdNjL2zCePv_N50u0ekRBIh-22I7JIsQdNm0UWWGsgO5W0sLJOVVKYn7pHCPn_jyzD1jR/s400/BSWE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Big Sur Wild Ones</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click on image to enlarge)</span></div>
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Once again I continue to be in awe of how wild nature so wonderfully invites us into ourselves, into connection with others, and in interconnectedness with the — other than — perhaps greater than, human world.<br />
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And, once again, I am touched by the courage to choose vulnerability, authenticity, and risk heart-felt connection with self, others, and place — Big Sur.<br />
<br />
Here are some requested links to help weave the threads of the wilds into you daily life:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157669526811037" target="_blank">Photos</a> (I took very few, but got a few good group photos)<br />
<a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP8NLpv-M72hEVs17Cl1iNj7HcWxuB4OnAVjUtH8HAuZDmKKql9KRaliFt8LcCnSQ?key=aGIxRkUxdmMwODMweGxocmlqUXMzV2xVNkhvc2V3" target="_blank">Carla's Stunning Photos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen: Podcast Interview of Steve</a> (if you want more stories about Esalen)<br />
<a href="https://tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Tick Encounter</a> (my favorite tick site from the University of Rhode Island)<br />
<a href="http://www.tribalground.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Ground</a> (Chris Price's Gestalt Awareness Practice)<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dick.price.celebration/videos/1601392707392/" target="_blank">Dick Price Celebration</a>: This is a video I put together around 8 years ago for what would have been Dick's 80th birthday. Even though it is on Facebook, and they try to get you to sign-in or join, you can get around this by clicking, "Not Now" hidden at the bottom of options. I have added this here because of the number of people expressed curiosity about Dick... perhaps because of my story at the warm springs.<br />
<a href="https://thejoysystem.com/" target="_blank">Joy's Site</a><br />
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If I missed anyone's site let me know and I will add it...<br />
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May you live the life that no one else can live.<br />
<br />
Heartfelt Gratitude from the Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven<br />
<br />
P.S. <a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank">Meal Chant Stew</a> (a story of gratitude)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-26360372962957446862018-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:002018-06-27T10:26:02.811-07:00Fathers & Sons: Esalen: June 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pTIa4obDJFRuZVovxfGpJhFRmtmdjxiJ_c_EOhoUReZUcS0Crcjasajol14O4KIeO0W3Wr2hLb0cOVwC1s4JAf-c5PhrhIIwGMdzTPGZ5N65gj82LOviXfNEsoY7PqmobWWH/s1600/Father+and+Sons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pTIa4obDJFRuZVovxfGpJhFRmtmdjxiJ_c_EOhoUReZUcS0Crcjasajol14O4KIeO0W3Wr2hLb0cOVwC1s4JAf-c5PhrhIIwGMdzTPGZ5N65gj82LOviXfNEsoY7PqmobWWH/s400/Father+and+Sons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Father's & Sons: Celebrating Father's Day</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge photo</span> </div>
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This workshop has become one in which I mark the passage of time, the growth of my sons, the passing of my father, the changes in my own life. Each Father's Day weekend we have offered this workshop, originally with 3 generations, my father, me, and my sons. As time progresses I find myself more humble and grateful for the long lineage that brings me here today. <br />
<br />
This year was the smallest group we've probably ever had. This allowed for more time with each other, as a group, and perhaps for windows of more intimacy. I was touched to have so many returning fathers and sons, as well as welcome a new family into our group.<br />
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Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157668504484927" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank">Meal Chant Stew</a> (a story of gratitude and family) <br />
Adam's Sites:<br />
<a href="http://www.adamrumack.com/" target="_blank">Adam</a><br />
<a href="https://weareopencircle.com/" target="_blank">Open Circle</a><br />
<a href="https://www.mysoreoakland.com/" target="_blank">Yoga</a> <br />
<a href="http://novi-consulting.com/" target="_blank">Kes's Site</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast</a>: Lastly, host Sam Stern invited Kai in to our interview to assist in asking questions and feeding me lines. Many parts turn into telling not only Esalen stories, but family stories, even father and son stories. I hope you enjoy.<br />
<br />
May we all be blessed with resilient, healthy, and evolving relationships with our fathers and sons!<br />
<br />
Heartfelt Blessing from the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-5376629212301260742018-06-24T17:31:00.000-07:002018-06-25T08:42:23.645-07:00Simply Wild: Esalen, June 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMAomGSbcDOsz0zMF2nwsrAf3WyZfmbH3QELCaPz0F5UQC3aJXr-PQ-ZoUWncKGgsECA635IJdOLxarj7orZBfgnfaptmIogVn9WcJE43uDkKH-6-QxGwN-DN-vUfkiMTuXL-/s1600/Simply+Wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMAomGSbcDOsz0zMF2nwsrAf3WyZfmbH3QELCaPz0F5UQC3aJXr-PQ-ZoUWncKGgsECA635IJdOLxarj7orZBfgnfaptmIogVn9WcJE43uDkKH-6-QxGwN-DN-vUfkiMTuXL-/s400/Simply+Wild.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Simply Wild and on the Path</div>
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How sweetly we came together, appreciating our differences, recognizing our similarities, and choosing to be in connection. Most groups come together... when groups take a life of their own this gives me great hope for the human condition and the state of wild nature. Thank you all for your grace, courage, and intimacy.<br />
<br />
Here are many links requested and from side conversations:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157697839667494" target="_blank">Photos</a> (many of these are from Alyson, they are all downloadable)<br />
<a href="https://kristinfrantz.pixieset.com/simplywild/" target="_blank">Kristin's Photo Set</a> (some great photos) <br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Ticks</a> (my favorite)<br />
<a href="https://secure.ucsc.edu/s/1069/index.aspx?sid=1069&gid=1&pgid=761&dids=180" target="_blank">Big Creek</a> Donation page<br />
<a href="http://www.tribalground.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Ground</a> (Chris Price & Gestalt Awareness Practice)<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/wayofwilderness2.html" target="_blank">Ecopsychology</a><br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast</a>: Sam interviews Steve <br />
<br />
Our Group:<br />
<a href="https://www.evolvfilms.com/" target="_blank">Kristin's EVOL^ Films</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thisisras.com/" target="_blank">Alyson's Site</a><br />
<a href="https://www.jetpens.com/" target="_blank">Jet Pens</a>: Larry's Site <br />
<a href="http://www.bearcreekstudiosbigsur.com/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Steve's Art Work</a> (by request from a side conversation on the trail)<br />
If I missed anyone, send your site along and I will add it<br />
<br />
Deep gratitude from the wilds of the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-58949721268966817302018-05-25T13:39:00.000-07:002018-05-25T16:29:43.530-07:00Nature & Contemplation: Esalen, May 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vfyighqX4V3oya1aqvgwi26hgOW5juh9-OsRawjZ-qGTR5C0ITtvV2OkqjQbXcmtjIBBOI7DA4YzdAGrfFDCfEGY9N7NHHGoEI2Cvgc-d0L2tmP17_sovXj5dwvm1UzoiOc_/s1600/Nature+%2526+Contemplation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vfyighqX4V3oya1aqvgwi26hgOW5juh9-OsRawjZ-qGTR5C0ITtvV2OkqjQbXcmtjIBBOI7DA4YzdAGrfFDCfEGY9N7NHHGoEI2Cvgc-d0L2tmP17_sovXj5dwvm1UzoiOc_/s400/Nature+%2526+Contemplation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nature and Contemplation</div>
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"<i>The moment one gives
close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a
mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself."</i>
<br />
~ Henry Miller<br />
<br />
As I sit to write this post and feel back into the week I notice some quality of hope — to see and feel wild beauty being appreciated and loved. Perhaps we can find our way to reclaiming the wild beauty that lives in each of us, collectively, and all around us.<br />
<br />
One important measure of a healthy ecosystem is diversity. We had a diverse range of interests and places of curiosity. I appreciated how were able to "listen" and follow a sense of "organismic self-regulation" and each find our unique ways in the context of a group as support. I see this reflected in the number of record breaking links requested for this post. And, a first time ever book tour into the wilds of the Esalen bookstore. There were many other firsts... all to be celebrated. <br />
<br />
Here are many links, some of which were personal requests, others for the group:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157693868534412" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
<a href="https://leilaniphotographs.smugmug.com/Esalen-May-2018/Nature-and-Contemplation/i-9GWPHvW" target="_blank">Lelani's Photos</a> of our time together (make sure you see all of the sets)<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a> (poems I used in our workshop, plus many more.<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Voices of Esalen Podcast</a>: Interview with Steven (More stories, with Kai as one of the guest hosts) <br />
<a href="http://gratefulness.org/">Gratefulness.org</a>: Bro. David Steindt-Rast's website<br />
<br />
Some of Steve's writing related to our workshop or requested:<br />
<a href="https://www.esalen.org/page/waters-sur" target="_blank">Waters of the Sur</a> by Steven Harper for Esalen<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/wayofwilderness2.html" target="_blank">Ecopsychology: Way of Wilderness</a> by Steven Harper<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/writings.html" target="_blank">Published writings</a> by Steven Harper<br />
<br />
Noël & Fletcher:<br />
<a href="https://www.wildtender.com/" target="_blank">Wildtender</a> Tending Inner & Outer Wilderness<br />
<a href="https://www.gnomeliferecords.com/" target="_blank">Gnome Life Records</a><br />
<a href="https://www.gnomeliferecords.com/shop/cold-spring" target="_blank">Cold Spring</a> Fletcher's latest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Ticks</a> My favorite of the many sites on ticks<br />
<br />
I will end here with this poem of encouragement:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't Go Back To Sleep</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
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<i>The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.<br />
Don't go back to sleep.</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
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<i>You must ask for what you really want.<br />
Don't go back to sleep.</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
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<i>People are going back and forth across the doorsill<br />
where the two worlds touch.</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
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<i>The door is round and open.<br />
Don't go back to sleep.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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~ Rumi translated by Coleman Barks<br />
From <i>Essential Rumi</i></div>
<br />
With Heartfelt Wildness,<br />
<br />
StevenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26887616.post-48118549457240672202018-05-10T16:22:00.000-07:002018-05-10T17:06:01.217-07:00Big Sur Wilderness Experience: Esalen April 29-May 4 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Big Sur Wild Ones</div>
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WOW! What a way to start my 40th year of leading workshops at Esalen. What to say?<br />
<br />
Perhaps silence is best. Humor me... take a moment to feel your feet on the ground... hara, heart, head in alignment... receive a fuller breath than normal all of the way to the top of the lungs, and an extended slightly audible exhale. Open awareness...<br />
<br />
May you feel fully the seed qualities that are walking with you from our time together in wild nature of the Big Sur. <br />
<br />
Here are some links that were requested by the group or from side conversations:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/albums/72157690890560780" target="_blank">Photos</a>: You should be able to view photos and download any you wish.<br />
<a href="http://www.stevenkharper.com/poemstoliveby.html" target="_blank">Poems to Live By</a>: I read: Mindfulness, Morning Poem, Hokusai Says, and others<br />
Voices of Esalen: Podcast interview with Steven: <a href="https://www.esalen.org/sites/default/files/audio_uploads/20180320-Steve-Harper-VOE.mp3" target="_blank">Direct</a>, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/voices-of-esalen/steven-harper-on-wilderness-in-big-sur-and-at-esalen" target="_blank">Sound Cloud</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-esalen/id1084621605?mt=2" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br />
Gratefulness: <a href="https://gratefulness.org/resource/meal-chant-stew/" target="_blank">Meal Chant Stew </a><br />
<br />
Trails in Big Sur:<br />
<a href="http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/" target="_blank">Hiking in Big Sur</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ventanawild.org/trails" target="_blank">Ventana Wilderness Alliance</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tickencounter.org/" target="_blank">Ticks</a>: There are many sites on ticks this is one of the best. Read to be informed and educated, not to scare yourself.<br />
<br />
Gratitude to Big Sur, Esalen Institute, all of our teachers and ancestors — may we share the beauty freely.<br />
<br />
Big hug from the Big Sur,<br />
<br />
Steven Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0