Protect Your Heart, Protect Our Values, Preserve Wisdom and Curiosity; Become a Chaparral Naturalist

In our tenth year offering our Chaparral Naturalist course, we confront a country that is challenging much of what we hold dear as caring people. In considering what is in our control as individuals, one response is to ensure the preservation of the ethics, values, and hopes our nation once aspired to protect. We can do so by building communities of thoughtful, kindred spirits who believe in the pursuit of truth, engage in honest reflection, and revere the preciousness and individuality of all life. Not unlike the monasteries of old, the communities we form will encourage and preserve our spirits to facilitate the next Renaissance.

The ancient wisdom contained within the I-Ching provides timely guidance – one pulls back in order to preserve the light and return when the time is right.

When the darkness of stupidity reigns in human affairs, it is best to keep your brilliance “hidden under a bushel basket.” Let your thoughts and efforts be quiet, self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from harmful influences. Just endure it for now and preserve your self-confidence, while remaining cooperative and flexible. The time to assert yourself will come. Avoid looking too far ahead if you have not yet achieved your goals—that will only stimulate feelings of regret or longing, eating away your inner strength. Now is the time to be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly stimulate forces of opposition. During dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.
– Hexagram 36

In time, as Plato described in the dialogue “Gorgias,” Power (Callicles) is self-corrupting and without the guidance of Justice, Power will eventually consume and destroy itself. The wisdom of truth and kindness will prevail again.*

Join our community of Chaparral Naturalists to recharge yourself with kindred spirits who believe in the preciousness of life and the wisdom that can be found in Nature. Our class begins March 15, 2025, and is held in Escondido, California. For eight Saturdays, we explore not only the natural wonders of southern California, but how Nature can unlock our minds. Visit our Chaparral Naturalist webpage to learn more.

* Thank you to our friend Tsunxan for this insight.