Since what they call the beginning of man
blood has been shed for the rape of the land.
They call it 'civilized', I call it 'crap'.
Our only hope is to look further back.
Our only hope is to look further back.

If we really want for this world to survive
we'll only take what we need to stay alive.
It's a mistake to just take and not give.
It's not true that we must murder to live.
It's not true that we must murder to live.

excerpt from Kimya Dawson's "Fire"

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As much as it offends my sense of decency, we live within a system of private ownership. Land is divided into parcels of real estate with decided boundaries which are deeded, bought, and sold. Hopefully this will not always be the case. For now it is how business is conducted.

Given said facts of existance and the alarming tendency of commercial america to srtip mine, clear cut, pollute, extract, and otherwise decimate our environment - what's to stop a group of life lovin adventurers from balancing out the equation a bit?

An article by H.S. Thompson or K. Vonnegut (I apologize, but I can't recall which) from the last year or two that I happened across advanced the idea that one of the things we can do as enviromental stewards within a capitalistic society in order to further our evolution is to buy land - as much land as we can get our hands on. By digging in, living in balance, and protecting the borders of that land from external corruption we can actively participate on a very immediate level in the formation of a culture which focuses on integration rather than distortion.

(Now please be kind, this is the first time I'm taking my baby out in public. I'm a bit trepedatious about the whole thing, but after careful consideration I realized she needs external nurishment in order to grow...)

What I want to do is this -
Find a suitable plot of land, possibly in the north western united states, situated near federally protected wilderness. Collectivly purchase said land with a group of community orientated indivduals interested in expanding not only their own perspectives, but also those of the population at large. Open the land to clients looking to reconnect with the earth. Feed them healthy, organic food. Guide them through yoga sessions. Teach them how to travel in the wilderness without leaving any trace on the face of nature. Feed their minds, bodies, and souls before sending them back into the world.

It's a big project I know, but my dreams are seeming more and more worth fighting for. It helps to know, however, that I'm not alone on this. It's a shared vision that popped up in one too many indivdual minds at the same time to be just set aside. And one of the greatest redeeming things about america, one that we've hung our mutual immigrant hats on, is that all you need is a clear idea. Just have to ride that wave for all it's worth.

What I need now are leads - relatives, friends, someone you ran into at a concert, a random magazine article, a campground you went to at age six that you couldn't forget, vision quests, pow wows. The list is endless. Keep your eyes and ears open and your attention available to moments of synchronicity along this vein. The circle is starting to come together and make sense, but the gaps still outweigh the connections.

Namely, I'm looking for information/contacts on the following topics:
accounting, small business law, real estate law, backpacking, horsepacking, canyoneering, white water, wilderness first aid, rock climbing, ayervedic medicine, shiatsu, yoga, nutrition, homeopathic medicine, survivalism, tai chi, herbology, foraging, and whatever else you think would be of intrest.

Possibly most importantly, is the fact that there are many others out there who have undertaken similar adventures. What I could really use are the names of established people and retreats with similar aims. I've started poking my nose around the internet, but our people are traditionally technophobic. As such, much of their advertising is done by word of mouth and specialized publications. I can only afford so many magazine subscriptions, so please forward anything you find. Drop me a line if you don't already have my contact info.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtfullness and energy in this direction. I know that all this needs is the proper community behind it to truly take off.

Help your community, help a friend, help yourself to a stake in the greater good!

Peace Acceptance Unity.
Namaste.