This post shares an interview I recently did with Riley Waggaman (aka Edward Slavsquat) and a shout out to my other friend Mishelle of the Kensho Homestead
Thank you so much for this article Gavin. I am so very humbled to be mentioned with the amazing leaders of insight, truth, and honesty listed in the same paragraph. My contribution to the greater world certainly has smaller ripples than those you listed. I am just one person, trying desperately to find my way and be a good man for my family and everything effected by me. I'm a child in this movement of truth and knowledge and so many of those listed are such grand thought leaders. I don't think I deserve to be mentioned in the company of the others but am encouraged that you recognize something positive I'm projecting out into the ethos. Most of the time I feel very lost. Perhaps you see I am not lost at all. Thank you.
Regardless of the amount of people we reach online, each one of us sends out ripples that have a big impact on others in ways we cannot fathom or predict.
Through your choice to endeavor to do what JC might describe as engaging in "the pursuit of happiness" (as in the original meaning, which is a path that involves responding to outside circumstances, regardless of what they are with integrity, courage, perseverance and following out heart/innate moral compass and not conforming with an increasingly sick society) you are leading by example and sending out powerful ripple effects.
Through making that choice to guide your choices by integrity, you are embodying a sort of medicine or "sanity" in an insane world, helping hold up a light so others can find their way through the shadows in these challenging times.
"Humble lives" (as Charles describes the choice of living everyday life with compassion and integrity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CknaStMmf8A ) issue out a prayer for a more caring society. Whether it is caring for one's children, a garden, uplifting or helping a stranger, tending to a tree or engaging in self care. "Sanity is walking with open eyes to see what is really valuable". I see a genuine intent to make more and more choices that align with a striving to be a good man as inherently valuable and fundamentally essential as we strive to dissolve corruption on Earth and create a more beautiful world we all know is possible. Thank you for providing that medicine our human family. Charles calls it "Sanity" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCeQIESq3JI , JC might describe it as "the pursuit of Hap-piness" I call it becoming the medicine this world needs and using our gifts as human beings to unlock our true potential.
We all have ups and downs, we all feel lost at times. In my experience, when I feel lost, rather than desperately search for familiar ground and a pathway I am comfortable with, I take time to be okay with being lost, centering into my core, sensing my soul and allowing my intuition to guide me on a path I trail blaze forward. There are times for all of us when less progress is made, or we slip back into old patterns, the important part is that we get back up, take baby steps towards our small goals and big goals (which align with integrity and respect for all life) and then recognize and celebrate that each of us have gifts that this world needs.
Each one of us (whether we realize it or not) are in the position to serve as a trail blazer and torch bearer for others that either look to us now, or will look to us in the future. The choice to speak a kind word to a loved one, smile to a stranger, plant a seed in the rich Earth or strive to let go of patterns that no longer serve us is no less significant than the choice to write ten thousand words about those same things, in fact, it is the action itself that is guaranteed to creates a morphic field that really changes this world in invisible and powerful ways, where as the words may or may not inspire others to choose the action. Thus, each of our quiet moments, and the choices we make when we think no-one else is watching are opportunities to become leaders in defining what a human being is and what we are capable of, lighting the way for others energetically and physically.
Thank you Gavin. So beautifully said and an enlightening perspective. It would be so amazing to have the ability to look in on ones live instead of just out. Maybe some can but I struggle with it. Sometimes insight like this can make all the difference in someones journey. A little affirmation is a great gift.
Beautiful and inspiring Gavin! I’m so touched to be included in your growing list of caring friends on the regenerative path. I really look forward to learning more about permaculture from you and to improve the homestead gradually based on these designs. I had no idea what I was doing when we bought the property and it’s all been by self-teaching and instinct so far, which did have its purpose, but was harder than it needed to be.
Things have changed SO much since then, in about 15 years, which is not that much time when you think of it. We have transformed our property into something really cute and functional, which is such a great feeling. But, what’s extraordinary is how the community is transforming. There was NO ONE around us talking homesteading (except ‘What’s that?’), very few young folk living rural, I’d never heard the term ‘food forest’, folks out here didn’t even understand the word ‘organic’. And now, WOW! There are homesteading groups, homeschooling all over the place, so many learning to garden, lots of young families getting involved, so much energy and willingness--it is truly astonishing and wonderful to witness and be a small part of.
Fermenting is gaining interest too, I’ve taught a couple of small classes and there is interest in more. Exciting times to be part of the solution, my friend!
And so delightful to have courageous fellowship along the way. I also thought that essay on Happiness by JC was spot on. I’ve also criticized that word, and pursuit, and he made me see the true value of it. So many opportunities to learn every day--it’s a wonderful life!
I appreciate you sharing your story and experiences along your path to get back to basics and take responsibility for feeding yourself and your loved ones.
I look forward to learning more from you and with you in the future, perhaps engaging in some collaborations on medicinal herb research and educational endeavors.
Here is to the pathway of being a perpetual student, cultivating courageous fellowship in our lives and regenerative abundance in the garden and in the forest!
I believe the medical fascists assumed that Canadians, who have a reputation for calmness and non aggression, would be easy to bully into submission. The Truckers happily proved them wrong!
Long time no see Lilac Dragonfly! Its great to hear from you!
Are you referring to when I said "no bullshit style of journalism" in reference to Riley Waggaman's writing style?
Bigoted terms intended to serve in othering our fellow humans (or non-human beings) aside, I am personally not really that invested in social conventions related to how we are programmed to walk on egg shells because of how "offensive" certain expletives can be to others.
I know in the past (in a Corbett report thread) you had implied that when people use what you perceive as swear words, "vulgar" language and/or "crude slang" gives people the impression that the one using those words is, shall we say, lacking in cognitive aptitude, but I am hoping you could elaborate a bit on why in the particular case of my post above, the "crude slang" I used was so surprising (and perhaps upsetting?) to you.
I do think that people using terms that put down other beings and express delusional superiority complexes and ignorant statist propaganda (such as referring to indigenous people from Turtle Island as "Indians" or "Savages", or referring to some group of people with a certain amount of melanin in their skin in some derogatory fashion) exemplifies the ignorance and intellectual adolescence of the person using those kind of othering terms, but swear words like Fuck or Shit?
I know that some feel say that the use of an expletive makes them seem uneducated and uncouth, but simply because someone uses those terms to create emphasis every now and then would not make me assume that they are stupid or mean.
I hope to see you in the comments section more often as I used to enjoy our conversations.
Wishing you all the best on your homestead and in your garden in 2024, happy seed starting! :)
Thanks for elaborating on your perspective on these matters lilac dragonfly.
Could you please provide me with a comprehensive list of all the words you would define as "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities" so that I know exactly what you are talking about?
Not everyone agrees about what words should be included in the "offensive" word list of "vulgarity" so I would like to know for sure what you are talking about exactly here.
For instance, some people will yell at you for refusing to refer to people that have mutilated their bodies as "they/them" and so, to those people "he" or "she" is like some kind of "profanity" in their artificial transgender religion.
Given your strong feelings about "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities", I am curious to ask you a hypothetical question.
If you were in charge of our society and had the full force of law enforcement behind you, would you make it illegal to speak or write "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities" ?
Given you feel that "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities" are responsible for declining levels of courtesy, respect, honorable character, and common decency in our society, I imagine if you could outlaw such words and behavior you would want to make the punishment quite severe to discourage re-offenders.
If so, and it was up to you, would you fine people for each swear word? Maybe 100 dollars per each word that you define as "profanity"?
Or perhaps a hefty fine is not enough? How about forcing everyone to wear shock collars after they swear the first time and then delivering a small (but painful) electric shock each time they swear after that to deter them from continuing?
The Lilac Dragonfly: I do agree that adults should respect the innocence of children and adjust their speech accordingly when children could be in earshot. I also know, having known Gavin Mounsey longer than anyone on any social media, that he would agree. I have heard all of his talks, interviews and read almost everything he has written and i know you would be hard pressed to find someone with a higher level of courtesy, respect or honor than he.
As for Expletives, in all the time i have known him they have been almost non-existent and never, EVER, around children. If you were ever blessed enough to here him speak in person you would see that Gavin has a soft and kind manner about him.
Knowing him as i do, i find your criticism of Gavin to be unwarranted. As you said in your first comment, "you have never heard him use language like that before" so one might ask oneself if this was the first time it was ever seen in connection with that person could it not just slide and either read the rest or just choose to skip the article? And if it eats you up inside to the point that you cannot rest, would not the polite thing to do (and you say that you believe in courtesy and politeness) be to private message or email that person of your concern rather then go on their post and publicly criticize them.
I do think one should really choose their words carefully when speaking and not just for the areas of which you speak (vulgarity, profanity, obscenities) but rather one should check their motivation and ask oneself, is the appropriate time and place to say this.
That is a perfect example of how what seems mild to one person is not to another. If you are a subscriber to Gavin's newsletter, and i am guessing you are, then you have his posts sent to your email and can respond to him
there. Failing that, there is a chat right on substack. Either of those, in my humble opinion, would have been the courteous thing to do.
Thank the heavens we don’t all have to walk on eggshells when our linguistic choices reflect our actual feelings! Children do not read these materials, and adults have the choice not to repeat them in sensitive company. It’s hard to grow up life-squashed at every angle from those adults who would have everyone look like the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ monkey poster that suits the power players very well indeed. It’s just as bad as the potty mouths who don’t understand how to adjust their language to suit the current company, and there are plenty of those in the world, no doubt, but they are not here, where you are currently policing.
Yes we are up near Windsor, I am tryna work on regenerating some of the beautiful Carolinian Forest that used to dominate the landscape from here all the way up to Toronto.
What a great project! Kudos to you! My wife & I are taking baby steps every year to grow more of our own food. We’ve done well will alliums & brassicas. My “three sisters” project is still a work in progress!
Thank you so much for this article Gavin. I am so very humbled to be mentioned with the amazing leaders of insight, truth, and honesty listed in the same paragraph. My contribution to the greater world certainly has smaller ripples than those you listed. I am just one person, trying desperately to find my way and be a good man for my family and everything effected by me. I'm a child in this movement of truth and knowledge and so many of those listed are such grand thought leaders. I don't think I deserve to be mentioned in the company of the others but am encouraged that you recognize something positive I'm projecting out into the ethos. Most of the time I feel very lost. Perhaps you see I am not lost at all. Thank you.
Hey Brother!
Regardless of the amount of people we reach online, each one of us sends out ripples that have a big impact on others in ways we cannot fathom or predict.
Through your choice to endeavor to do what JC might describe as engaging in "the pursuit of happiness" (as in the original meaning, which is a path that involves responding to outside circumstances, regardless of what they are with integrity, courage, perseverance and following out heart/innate moral compass and not conforming with an increasingly sick society) you are leading by example and sending out powerful ripple effects.
Through making that choice to guide your choices by integrity, you are embodying a sort of medicine or "sanity" in an insane world, helping hold up a light so others can find their way through the shadows in these challenging times.
"Humble lives" (as Charles describes the choice of living everyday life with compassion and integrity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CknaStMmf8A ) issue out a prayer for a more caring society. Whether it is caring for one's children, a garden, uplifting or helping a stranger, tending to a tree or engaging in self care. "Sanity is walking with open eyes to see what is really valuable". I see a genuine intent to make more and more choices that align with a striving to be a good man as inherently valuable and fundamentally essential as we strive to dissolve corruption on Earth and create a more beautiful world we all know is possible. Thank you for providing that medicine our human family. Charles calls it "Sanity" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCeQIESq3JI , JC might describe it as "the pursuit of Hap-piness" I call it becoming the medicine this world needs and using our gifts as human beings to unlock our true potential.
We all have ups and downs, we all feel lost at times. In my experience, when I feel lost, rather than desperately search for familiar ground and a pathway I am comfortable with, I take time to be okay with being lost, centering into my core, sensing my soul and allowing my intuition to guide me on a path I trail blaze forward. There are times for all of us when less progress is made, or we slip back into old patterns, the important part is that we get back up, take baby steps towards our small goals and big goals (which align with integrity and respect for all life) and then recognize and celebrate that each of us have gifts that this world needs.
Each one of us (whether we realize it or not) are in the position to serve as a trail blazer and torch bearer for others that either look to us now, or will look to us in the future. The choice to speak a kind word to a loved one, smile to a stranger, plant a seed in the rich Earth or strive to let go of patterns that no longer serve us is no less significant than the choice to write ten thousand words about those same things, in fact, it is the action itself that is guaranteed to creates a morphic field that really changes this world in invisible and powerful ways, where as the words may or may not inspire others to choose the action. Thus, each of our quiet moments, and the choices we make when we think no-one else is watching are opportunities to become leaders in defining what a human being is and what we are capable of, lighting the way for others energetically and physically.
Thanks for the comment my friend.
Thank you Gavin. So beautifully said and an enlightening perspective. It would be so amazing to have the ability to look in on ones live instead of just out. Maybe some can but I struggle with it. Sometimes insight like this can make all the difference in someones journey. A little affirmation is a great gift.
Great conversation between you two. Very enlightening. I love "ripples" YES!
Thanks you David.
Beautiful and inspiring Gavin! I’m so touched to be included in your growing list of caring friends on the regenerative path. I really look forward to learning more about permaculture from you and to improve the homestead gradually based on these designs. I had no idea what I was doing when we bought the property and it’s all been by self-teaching and instinct so far, which did have its purpose, but was harder than it needed to be.
Things have changed SO much since then, in about 15 years, which is not that much time when you think of it. We have transformed our property into something really cute and functional, which is such a great feeling. But, what’s extraordinary is how the community is transforming. There was NO ONE around us talking homesteading (except ‘What’s that?’), very few young folk living rural, I’d never heard the term ‘food forest’, folks out here didn’t even understand the word ‘organic’. And now, WOW! There are homesteading groups, homeschooling all over the place, so many learning to garden, lots of young families getting involved, so much energy and willingness--it is truly astonishing and wonderful to witness and be a small part of.
Fermenting is gaining interest too, I’ve taught a couple of small classes and there is interest in more. Exciting times to be part of the solution, my friend!
And so delightful to have courageous fellowship along the way. I also thought that essay on Happiness by JC was spot on. I’ve also criticized that word, and pursuit, and he made me see the true value of it. So many opportunities to learn every day--it’s a wonderful life!
Thanks again and more power to y’all! 🤗
Thank you my friend!
I appreciate you sharing your story and experiences along your path to get back to basics and take responsibility for feeding yourself and your loved ones.
I look forward to learning more from you and with you in the future, perhaps engaging in some collaborations on medicinal herb research and educational endeavors.
Here is to the pathway of being a perpetual student, cultivating courageous fellowship in our lives and regenerative abundance in the garden and in the forest!
Cheers!
I believe the medical fascists assumed that Canadians, who have a reputation for calmness and non aggression, would be easy to bully into submission. The Truckers happily proved them wrong!
You may be right about that. Thanks for the comment.
Message deleted since free speech is not for people who prefer polite, respectful interactions.
Long time no see Lilac Dragonfly! Its great to hear from you!
Are you referring to when I said "no bullshit style of journalism" in reference to Riley Waggaman's writing style?
Bigoted terms intended to serve in othering our fellow humans (or non-human beings) aside, I am personally not really that invested in social conventions related to how we are programmed to walk on egg shells because of how "offensive" certain expletives can be to others.
I know in the past (in a Corbett report thread) you had implied that when people use what you perceive as swear words, "vulgar" language and/or "crude slang" gives people the impression that the one using those words is, shall we say, lacking in cognitive aptitude, but I am hoping you could elaborate a bit on why in the particular case of my post above, the "crude slang" I used was so surprising (and perhaps upsetting?) to you.
I do think that people using terms that put down other beings and express delusional superiority complexes and ignorant statist propaganda (such as referring to indigenous people from Turtle Island as "Indians" or "Savages", or referring to some group of people with a certain amount of melanin in their skin in some derogatory fashion) exemplifies the ignorance and intellectual adolescence of the person using those kind of othering terms, but swear words like Fuck or Shit?
I know that some feel say that the use of an expletive makes them seem uneducated and uncouth, but simply because someone uses those terms to create emphasis every now and then would not make me assume that they are stupid or mean.
I hope to see you in the comments section more often as I used to enjoy our conversations.
Wishing you all the best on your homestead and in your garden in 2024, happy seed starting! :)
Comment deleted so as not to use my free speech to challenge the status quo.
Thanks for elaborating on your perspective on these matters lilac dragonfly.
Could you please provide me with a comprehensive list of all the words you would define as "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities" so that I know exactly what you are talking about?
Not everyone agrees about what words should be included in the "offensive" word list of "vulgarity" so I would like to know for sure what you are talking about exactly here.
For instance, some people will yell at you for refusing to refer to people that have mutilated their bodies as "they/them" and so, to those people "he" or "she" is like some kind of "profanity" in their artificial transgender religion.
Given your strong feelings about "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities", I am curious to ask you a hypothetical question.
If you were in charge of our society and had the full force of law enforcement behind you, would you make it illegal to speak or write "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities" ?
Given you feel that "vulgarity", "profanity" and "obscenities" are responsible for declining levels of courtesy, respect, honorable character, and common decency in our society, I imagine if you could outlaw such words and behavior you would want to make the punishment quite severe to discourage re-offenders.
If so, and it was up to you, would you fine people for each swear word? Maybe 100 dollars per each word that you define as "profanity"?
Or perhaps a hefty fine is not enough? How about forcing everyone to wear shock collars after they swear the first time and then delivering a small (but painful) electric shock each time they swear after that to deter them from continuing?
Thanks in advance for your time.
The Lilac Dragonfly: I do agree that adults should respect the innocence of children and adjust their speech accordingly when children could be in earshot. I also know, having known Gavin Mounsey longer than anyone on any social media, that he would agree. I have heard all of his talks, interviews and read almost everything he has written and i know you would be hard pressed to find someone with a higher level of courtesy, respect or honor than he.
As for Expletives, in all the time i have known him they have been almost non-existent and never, EVER, around children. If you were ever blessed enough to here him speak in person you would see that Gavin has a soft and kind manner about him.
Knowing him as i do, i find your criticism of Gavin to be unwarranted. As you said in your first comment, "you have never heard him use language like that before" so one might ask oneself if this was the first time it was ever seen in connection with that person could it not just slide and either read the rest or just choose to skip the article? And if it eats you up inside to the point that you cannot rest, would not the polite thing to do (and you say that you believe in courtesy and politeness) be to private message or email that person of your concern rather then go on their post and publicly criticize them.
I do think one should really choose their words carefully when speaking and not just for the areas of which you speak (vulgarity, profanity, obscenities) but rather one should check their motivation and ask oneself, is the appropriate time and place to say this.
I think my initial comment was very mild and not offensive. I did skip the article.
I don’t know of any other way to send a message and if someone doesn’t offer a way to connect personally, I don’t ask.
That is a perfect example of how what seems mild to one person is not to another. If you are a subscriber to Gavin's newsletter, and i am guessing you are, then you have his posts sent to your email and can respond to him
there. Failing that, there is a chat right on substack. Either of those, in my humble opinion, would have been the courteous thing to do.
Thank the heavens we don’t all have to walk on eggshells when our linguistic choices reflect our actual feelings! Children do not read these materials, and adults have the choice not to repeat them in sensitive company. It’s hard to grow up life-squashed at every angle from those adults who would have everyone look like the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ monkey poster that suits the power players very well indeed. It’s just as bad as the potty mouths who don’t understand how to adjust their language to suit the current company, and there are plenty of those in the world, no doubt, but they are not here, where you are currently policing.
I gave my opinion, as requested.
I found your blog thru Riley. Great to see what you’re working on here in Ontario !
Glad to have you with us Riff!
Yes we are up near Windsor, I am tryna work on regenerating some of the beautiful Carolinian Forest that used to dominate the landscape from here all the way up to Toronto.
Do you garden?
What a great project! Kudos to you! My wife & I are taking baby steps every year to grow more of our own food. We’ve done well will alliums & brassicas. My “three sisters” project is still a work in progress!
Thanks man! It is also a baby steps type project for me.
That is so great to hear about your garden.
Did you see my post from last year on the three sisters?
https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/the-three-sisters-and-the-time-of
Thank you! I’ll be rooting through your earlier posts!