Easter Gift Basket From
The Mountain
It's the day after Easter here, we've just passed passover, a traditional Jewish holiday of particular poignancy this year, as people are advised to stay put with their families to avoid outbreaks.

"Traditionally t he matzah eaten on Passover night is called the bread of faith. It’s also called the bread of healing. Right now, we could use both.

We need faith—faith that none of this is pointless, that life has meaning, that this is leading to something good, good far beyond our understanding of good, and—despite all the hardships—there could be no better path.

We need healing—healing not only from aches and fevers, healing not only for our lungs but for our souls, so that we can face the world once more with joy and confidence, with optimism and courage.
So we can build a new world to which sickness will never return."

- Tzvi Freeman

We hope you and your loved ones are well, and that you can connect with your friends and neighbors to build networks of support and solidarity to the best of your abilities. Remember to smile at people (even under you masks), treasure connections however small (and perhaps virtual), and breathe deeply to re-member the inspiration of life. The air and aether connects us all. Temperature swings and strong storms have just passed through much of the south east and many are without power or shelter.

A calming lightness has begun to settle in this morning after these harrowing days, it feels as tho something has passed, a fever broken. The earth has become quieter, as the seismic rumble of human activity can be measured at a new stillness, animals return to regained environments, pollution has dropped, smog cleared. What may this time of internal reflection bring? What has arisen in you?

The building and releasing of pressure, the flowing of the firmament, a movement of polarized forces seeking global equilibrium amongst a wobbly globe.

Our hearts go out to anyone affected in these times.
May you find peace and welcome in a new day where you are.

These are hard and strange times. We wanted to offer some lightness and levity to whatever situation you may be facing. The Mountain is staying strong at this time. Morale is high as many of us have our hands in the dirt on the Many Hands Peace Farm, connecting with what we can touch and grow into in this time of uncertainty brings a sense of ease and peace.

A wise man once told me to tend the part of the garden you can reach.

Much love to all - Tanner
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."  - Rachel Carson
You may have recently talked to him on the phone, or received a letter as he reaches out to connect and check up on many of you related to The Mountain. Growing into his role as our new development lead, Matt DeMond seeks to learn more and connect with The Mountain community through personal experience please don't hesitate to reach out and connect .
He offers a sunrise reflection on times here at The Mountain. We thank you for your support. We are holding you all in our hearts in these times. Looking forward to reconnecting when the time comes.
Be well & take care of one another.
Our local yogini, and guest services manager Rachel Kinback (CYT 500) offers us a yogic breathing practice we can incorporate into our lives to improve our health and outlook. Take a breath of joy today!
Our fearless farm leader Joey Kyle reflects upon spring and introduces us to the future flock of the farm. What does it mean to be a chicken in these times? Joey ponders this and serenades us with a debut of "Chicken do what she want to"!

There's a lot growing on at the farm these days. Looking forward to the season and more fresh foods! Keep your eyes open for morels at this time too! Send your foraging pictures and weird nature finds to [email protected] 
Local Asheville based pilosoforager, Alan Muskat, founder of No Taste Like Home; a man who knows a thing or two about find dining all while pondering life's great mysteries offers us a reflection of this time. A tale of the new birth that may be underway.
This Easter also marked our very own Mountain development sweetie, Bonnie Gramlich's birthday! She is now 70 years old, with the heart and soul of a child. Thank you for all you do for us here at The Mountain Bonnie!

Interspersed through this email you will find a few of her favorite quotes poems and insights gleaned from her years of wisdom. Many of which led this letter to be build upon the theme of peace in these times.
Nature speaks in symbols and signs
Catch them while they fly
Let her tell you what's in her heart
-The Truth that never dies!
To harken to our origins, we recall the first nations, who knew our first mother.

“The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man's heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans, too.”

―  Luther Standing Bear
The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers; and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Taka (the Great Spirit); and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us. This is the real peace, and the others are but reflections of this. The second peace is that which is made between two individuals; and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all, you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace, which, as I have often said, is within the souls of men. 

—BLACK ELK   
Holistic thinking understands that everything is intimately related to everything else. That everything is a part of everything else. That to exist is to be in relationship. That we are not separate individuals, but are interdependent both practically and existentially. That we are inter-existent. Therefore, anything that we see as an enemy is part of a constellation of relationships that includes ourselves. To use a Buddhist term, the foundation of a peace narrative is interbeing: a connected self in a living, interdependent universe, in contrast to a separate individual in a world of other.

From that foundational understanding, we seek to understand the constellation of relationship – the first pillar of a peace narrative.

- CHARLES EISENSTEIN
To complete this Easter basket blast we would be remised to not remark on the man who started it all...

"Know this peace with thy mind,
Desire this peace with thy heart,
Fulfill this peace with thy body.


Who knoweth his Earthly Mother,
For she is the giver of life.
Know that thy Mother is in thee,
And thou art in her."
Thank you for celebrating with us! May you find and spread peace through your being. We hope this letter finds you well and uplifts your spirit. Let us know how you are and how we can connect to uplift one another in these times. Send your personal stories, uplifting content to share and personal thoughts through the link below if you feel compelled. We would also ask for support in this time. If you find yourself in a position to extend your financial support and care to The Mountain it would go a long way to improving infrastructure, supporting staff, and helping us manage these uncertain times. Thank you.

You are the foundations of The Mountain.
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