Blessing to you this Autumn my Family and Friends,
My last letter to this circle was in late June and so much has happened since then—oh my! I am now in England and well into my pursuit of a Masters in Holistic Science. For those of you interested in knowing more about Schumacher College check out (www.schumachercollege.org). There are a number of amazing classes planned for 2008 so far including one called “The Soul of Science” in June with an inspiring teacher, Rupert Sheldrake. On my website I have listed the reasons I came to Schumacher and soon I will list my first essay (www.plantsandhealers.com).
Wow, that was quite a full summer! I saw many of you along the way and it already seems a while back. The flow of life these days is swift and a lot is being asked of us. It is good to reflect but not dwell on our memories. Looking back I enjoyed my return to NM to intersect with Joseph and go on a plant walk with his fellow ayurvedic students. Then on to a wonderful rainbow gathering in the Ozarks where I was able to connect with some old family and feel a real sense of evolution happening. We had a Greenpath camp teaching all sorts of thrival skills. Amazing!
From there I zoomed back to the west and teamed up with Sandor and Orchid and taught in some wonderful places around Oregon. Then back to sacred Appalachia for some memorable workshops including teaching with Ken Crouse in Hot Springs, with Mary Morgaine in the forest, and attending the Permaculture Gathering. I am missing that family connection but have faith we will have opportunities to lift the energy together in 2008.
From mid-August on I was focused on the manifestation of this educational experience I am now engaged in. Through lots of councils, prayers and patience the doors opened and I was able to live into my visions of being here. I am feeling a lot of bliss.
Recently I finished my seventh year of facilitating a journey through “Botany in a Day.” If you or some one you knows wants to join in for the eighth year starting in May, 2008, just send an email to planttalk2008@yahoo.com.
At the core of our Holistic Science program is the premise that Western Science is not wrong but limited and needs to re-embrace the wide variety of stories of Nature. We have spent time reviewing some of the theories central to Holistic Science—Chaos Theory, Gaia Theory, Quantum Theory, and the various Complexity Theories. These concepts are balanced by the practical application of participating within Nature through Goethean Science. You can perhaps get a better perspective of this by reading my paper or visiting the school website.
One of the revelations that stays with me which I would like to share with you is the illusion that we are somehow not a part of Nature. As the caretaker of the gardens here, Justin, so succinctly points out with the analogy of a person sitting in his/her home drinking. Once inebriated, rising from the table declaring it was time to go home.
We are HOME! Now is the time for being responsible.
Though studies are an important part of why I am here, they are only a part of it. I have engaged the transformation of this community into a sustainable experience through various plant projects such as a plant inventory, harvesting and teaching about fermentation and plant allies. I am also working daily on editing my previous Plants and Healing Systems books to bring them into the present. The number of amazing people and opportunities around here can be overwhelming. I check in with myself daily to stay centered and focused.
I would love to receive letters and cards from you to decorate my room walls and to be reminded of my greater work. My address is below. Thank you for reading this.
I leave here in December and after a visit with my blood family I head off to my third trip to Costa Rica Dec 28-Jan 12. I would be delighted to share this experience with you. If you are interested in knowing more please visit the website of the organizers at www.artofunion.com. I cannot think of a better way to bring in the new year!
I am so thankful to all of you who sent energy my way these past few months. I was able to make the first payment to the school. The course I am teaching here will help some to pay the final payment due in January and accompanying expenses. This amount is around $14,000. Please share as you are able. Contributions can be sent to my parents (Frank Cook c/o Kaye and Frank Cook 6108 Welborn Drive Bethesda MD 20816) who will deposit it in my account or through paypal (my account is green@plantsandhealers.com). Every little bit helps. I appreciate your prayers in helping me to manifest this vision. Many Blessing to you!
I will write again before winter comes. What new plants have you met? How much wild food are you eating? Tonight we ate pizza of nettle-acorn pesto topped with honey mushrooms, et al. A salad with many garden friends. Wonderful to feel their energy becoming my energy. Praise to them and to you.
Love and Light,
Frank
Mailing Address:
Frank Cook
c/o Schumacher College
The Old Postern
Dartington, Devonshire TQ9 6EA United Kingdom