High as a kite

Christmas Eve 2006

I am sitting in a Red-Wood tree, miles in the sky, suspended in air. I live on ropes. I sleep on ropes. As I write this now I am sitting ontop of a giant dream catcher big enough for 2-3 people (though we cram 5) tied between two branches of an ancient red-wood tree 85 feet above ground. Brother Yoni is in the same tree as me right now 160 ft up. We have tree names. I refer to him as "Tarzan" and he calls me "Pancake". When the wind blows hard, the tarps start to flutter and Liebertall, the tree Im living with, steps onto the dance floor with all the other giants as they gently sway their tops back and forth. I double check my caribeener and rope but ultimately must surrender to the tree and the ropes that are holding me up.
A few days ago we pulled up to the edge of the forest in the Seabring convertible we rented in LA and drove up the Pacific coast Highway with the rooftop down. We entered the ancient forest under cover of night backpacks loaded with gear, rope, harness, devices, food, books and art supplies. We honkered down like donkeys with gallons of water clipped to our sides and hiked deep into the steep wet disputed mountainside. From one perspective we were illegally trespassing. I guess it all depends on who you think the judge is. We sat at the base of Liebertall with our guides "Shag", "Sunflower" and "Sparrow" for hours and discussed the movement, it's history, how its based in non-violence, and how to tie some really important knots.
(Ill write more soon)

Moven on up

It was deep in the Redwood forest where I first felt, truly felt, that while I was walking through the forest, I wasn't alone. It was the first place where I looked at trees as moving, living, breathing, eating, breeding, struggling, dancing aspects of creation (kinda like you and me). I vividly remember the moment....it happened in a moment...I remember the smell, the crisp air, the soft forest floor under my bare-feet. And I remember feeling small and humbled as this new awareness came to me and I realized that I was surrounded by 1500 year-old, sky-swaying, elders.

I've spent the last 4 months sharing my heart song with hundreds of children. I've taken them into the forest, many for the first time, and attempted to cultivate an appreciation and awareness to the wonders of nature. I guided countless pairs of eyes to look at trees with love and appreciation and recognition of each trees individuality. I'd take my groups and circle around a tree, and simply breathe with the tree.

I also teach my kiddies (and myself) to strive fiercely to live life in a way where our actions match our beliefs. First step is figuring out our beliefs, not so easy.

I believe in the power of the ancient trees. People are trying to cut them down. Only 3% of the old growth is left. I believe that this world will be better off if these remaining trees where allowed to remain living. They don't have ID numbers and they can't exactly speak our language but I still feel like they have some rights.
We humans where given awesome power and dominion, it appears, over this land. With that power comes the responsibility to guard and protect this precious gift.
So I'm heading up,
For the trees,
For the you's and the me's,
And the future you's and me's,
that are yet to be...

Im Going up!

The Bro and I