There are some days (Weeks? Months? Years?) when everything seems like a slog. It’s all too much, too hard, too much effort. Unless you’re super-human, I’m guessing you’ve been there, done that.

In my first article for the media site Medium, I decided to share some of the most important life lessons I’ve ever been privileged to receive.

The lessons were delivered beneath a set of redwood trees in Ukiah’s Todd Grove Park, a great place to hang out, go for a swim, or bring a picnic to free summer concerts. My first trip to the Park was of quite a different nature, though.

In the essay I give a shout-out to all the Native healers who have crossed paths with me and mine. May we all keep healing. May we walk in beauty.