Spiritual Connection with Nature

From economical to ecological to spiritual, there are many layers to being in relationship with nature and the land.

Being in an active relationship with nature is essential because it enables us to hear the “no”. This requires cultivating sensitivity to the subtle ways nature communicates. It is about listening to how much you are allowed to take, understanding the intentions behind your actions—whether for medicine, ceremony, or other purposes—and allowing the plant, for instance, to choose to give itself up. This practice of mutual consent is not foreign to us; it is a part of all beings.

Rebuilding right reciprocity with nature begins with re-learning how to be in conversation and active relationship with our non-human relatives. It challenges the entitlement and disconnection that colonization and consumerism have ingrained in us. When we honor the intelligence of nature’s interdependence, we reconnect with the truth: nature needs us as much as we need nature. Together, we can restore balance and respect in these relationships, fostering a world built on mutual care and understanding.

Chilán Mustain MSOM, L.Ac

As a young child, Chilán started learning indigenous healing practices and herbal medicine from his uncle and others in his community. This exposure to healing work at a young age imprinted him with the outlook and experiences that inform his natural approach to medicine. Through his youth, continuing up to the present he continues to learn and practice traditional healing ways.

By the time he was in his early 20s, his search for a career path led him to formally study Zen Shiatsu with embellishments of Chi Nei Tsang, Tui Na and Thai Massage. This exposure to body work sparked an interest that eventually led him to study Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism. In 2014, Chilán graduated with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) from Southwest Acupuncture College. Ever hungry for refinement, Chilán chose to continue his education through advanced trainings with world renowned experts in Japanese Meridian Therapy and Shonishin (pediatric acupuncture).

By weaving together several lifelong threads,Chilán masterfully manages a delicate balance, blending insights yet maintaining the unique integrity of multifarious traditions. Currently, Chilán continues to enjoy being of service through clinical practice, teaching various healing modalities and doing community work centered on cultural preservation. Chilán is well known for his subtle and effective techniques, genuine compassion and insightful honesty.

More about Chilan on his webpage: https://linktr.ee/Chilan

Word Smith

Dr. Word Smith is a twenty year veteran practitioner of Chinese medicine, energy work, body work, herbs and much more. He has searched the world over to find the most effective healing methods. He also has extensive schooling to go with his real world experience, including four years at the Heartwood Institute in Northern California where he studied body work, nutrition and herbs extensively, and a doctorate in medical Qi Gong from the International Institute of medical Qi Gong in Monterey, California. Since earning his doctorate, Dr. Word has also gone on to be a translator of texts in Tibetan, Chinese and the Sanskrit languages. The ancient knowledge included in these texts are part of the body of knowledge that has deeply influenced his work. Most of the information in these books is no longer common knowledge. Combining both this academic and his clinical knowledge Dr. Word has helped thousands of people over the years. He teaches, translates and practices the information in these books using modern applications.

After countless hours of meditation and helping others one-on-one Dr. Smith has developed a streamlined method to profoundly change lives quickly and efficiently. He has synthesized the knowledge and practices from his Daoist, Buddhist, Indian Yogic and Western Philosophical studies to bring a body of knowledge that not only brings understanding but also forms the theoretical backbone of the practice to help manifest the things we all want.