E11: The Healing Power of Nature and Music with Samuel J
In a society that seems hell-bent on keeping us separate from our authentic selves, each other, and the planet we call home, Samuel J's music is the great unifier.
Within the music itself and the powerful lyrics, Samuel's connection to nature is the through line of his body of work in and out of the music industry. In this episode, we chat about
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Samuel J is an innovative singer songwriter, producer, and conservationist from Cornwall, UK. His unique soul touching voice, gracious melodies, and deeply moving lyrics are captivating hearts around the world. There is an old wisdom that runs through this music that speaks to people on a core level, reminding of us of who we truly are beyond our constricting beliefs and stories. Many people identify with Samuel's incredible love and respect of all people and the importance of nature, a thread which shines through in his music. Samuel’s empowering songs are part of a beautiful movement happening around the world that is guiding us back to our true home…back into the light.
Samuel’s hard work with his unique music and soulful performances have led him to opportunities in Asia, Brazil, Australia, Canada, USA, Europe, and beyond, and sharing the stage with artists including Ben Harper, Michael Franti, Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Zero 7, Alice Russell, Jurassic 5, and an array of the leading musicians in Brazil. He has performed main stage at many world renowned festival Lightning in a Bottle, Shambhala, Lollapalooza, World Surf Tour (Brazil/California), Arise, One Love, Glastonbury, Secret Garden, Big Chill, Wanderlust, Bali Spirit Festival and many more. Some of Samuel’s career highlights include being selected to perform for his holiness the Dalai Lama (as part of the Dalai Lamas 70th birthday celebration) and performing at the Olympic and Paralympic games in London.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Is anyone else feeling like a butterfly in the goo phase?
How 3rd Grade Sydney’s fears of repeating the Halloween party that nobody came to were activated when Samuel was running late, and how I soothed her.
A break to give our inner child a hug - they need it!
Why we find ourselves closed off to possibility, and how to keep our hearts open
“We do not control the wind, but we do hold the sail”
What brings us back to center?
And more!
CONNECT WITH SAMUEL J:
LISTEN HERE:
SHOW TRANSCRIPT:
Please note, we use Otter.ai to transcribe episodes and while the technology is impressive, it’s not completely accurate. Please excuse any missed words, nonsensical sentences, and missed interpretations of foreign language below:
Announcer 00:00
Since 1984, sell your has existed to support your wildest adventures. Learn about their advanced insect repellents and family of technical Lightweight Water filters at sawyer.com. Welcome to Wellness in the Wilderness. Come with us on the trail of life as we inspire you to take a step outdoors to disconnect from the distractions and reconnect with yourself. Sydney Williams in her guests will motivate you to get active and get well. Now, here is Sydney.
Sydney Williams 00:35
All right, everybody, welcome to Wellness in the Wilderness. I'm your host Sydney Williams, author and founder of Hiking My Feelings and today I'm broadcasting live from p mu, aka Catalina Island, which is the ancestral lands of the Tongva people now known as Avalon, California. And if you're interested in learning more about the lands that you live and work and play on, and who are the first people to inhabit it, and the history of the land and the people that have been there, visit native-land.ca. This is a great starting point to do more research and educate ourselves on the true history of these lands that we occupy. Wellness in the Wilderness is sponsored by Sawyer Products and Gossamer Gear. Without their support conversations like these would not be possible. So please, if you haven't already, give them a follow on social media, visit their websites and explore their offerings and ethos beyond the products that they sell. Both of these companies are doing great work to help more people experience the healing power of nature. And we are so so grateful for their support. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little bit nervous. And here's why. So a few weeks ago, we were going to interview Samuel J. And he was at Sundance had some travel issues. And like last minute, his flights got rearranged and he couldn't make it. Fortunately, I was able to chat with a Man of the Forests and Alific about their song that they let us use for the show, which is called Green Hills. That album from Alific is coming out at the end of March. So be sure to tune in for that. And it was like, easy, right? Like we were able to kind of plug and play. I was like, Oh good. I was gonna have these guys on the show. Now we can bump that up, we had a great chat. And then last week, I was chatting with Barry and we had planned to announce some of the other projects that we're working on. But instead we just shared that we're working with Catalina Backcountry. So today, as I was getting ready, I'm sitting on the ground. In our apartment in Avalon on Catalina Island. I'm like getting super grounded, because the dresser that I usually put the computer on is like a little too high. And then I have to sit like a princess and the pea with like, several pillows stacked on a chair to get the angle right. So I can put my mouth by where the microphone goes. Like, I've been really kind of like batching it together in real time as we go each week. But this week, I found a seat on the ground. And I'm just chillin like I stretched before we did this. I've got a pillow behind me if I want to lean back I can. And I'm just like feeling really good. So I was journaling. Barry and I went for a walk this morning. And all of these like downloads are coming and it feels like there's this moment in time. That's happening right now. Where I don't know like, I know Mercury wasn't in retrograde recently. I know the full moon just happened. But like I don't know what's happening with the planets and stars and stuff. But I've been feeling a little bit like a butterfly in the goo phase like before, you're beautiful and your wings are outstretched and you're taking flight. I've been feeling a little gooey. And this feeling of goo today like I woke up and I was like, huh, the goo feeling feels like it's not as serious. In fact, I don't feel it at all interesting. And then we went out for a walk. And it was like, hmm, I kind of feel like I'm starting to have like a full body understanding of some of these lessons that I've been learning like over and over and over. For the last several years, everything kind of feels like it's falling into place. And that feels good. So in the spirit of going with the flow, Samuel is running a little bit behind today, so he's going to join us when he's able to join us. And until then, I'm going to tell stories. And we're going to pontificate about how life is working until Samuel is able to join and if he's not able to join because we just can't get it together, then We'll reschedule or we'll do something else. But until then, I just want to kind of keep going on this track especially because this morning, Samuel had posted about how he's been quiet on social media so far this year, and I was looking on my personal Instagram and I haven't posted anything personally in a while. And on our walk this morning, Barry and I like to walk over by the casino which isn't actually a casino. It's a gathering place. There's no gambling at the casino on Avalon. But we like to walk over there and kind of just look at the water. There's a cruise ship in port today. So we're just kind of taking in the sights, watching the tourists seeing everybody just being excited on vacation. And we're sitting over there and I just it felt like one of those moments Barry likes to like berries full of wisdom, as you can tell from last week's episode. And it felt like one of those moments where Barry always like drops wisdom bombs, and I'm like, yeah, yeah, sounds good. I got it. And then I don't have it. And I've been thinking about this a lot lately because Barry always says, Believe or hear Barry now believe so and so later believe Oprah later believe Kelly Clarkson later believe that person at the grocery store later, like it comes from another person, it's the exact same thing that Barry's told me. And now all of a sudden, it makes more sense. So I've found that I've been going through this cycle of this experience. And I kind of just want to walk through it and see if I'm the only one because I don't think I'm the only one. So I kind of liken this, if we're going all the way back, I kind of liken this to like, how I was educated in the American education system, where at the school I went to, we had a really good school, like Blue Valley Schools are some of the best in the country. But like, we're in general, like trained to memorize facts. So we like memorize so we can recite, and I feel like I've been on this journey, as an extension of my education to like, get these facts about life, and memorize them so I can recite them. And so it starts with like language. And sometimes like, there's sometimes there's this feeling that I can't articulate. And then I find words for it. I'm like, Oh, God, thank God, I can finally like, put words to this feeling. And then I go through this period of time where like, the mind body connection is stronger. So like, I can either have an experience that like triggers this feeling. And I'm like, Oh, I know what this feeling is. And I know what my body's doing. So I know what my brain is doing. And it feels like this kind of full circle moment, but a little bit frustrating. Because when I match feelings with words, I feel like I should have it figured out by now. And I don't always have it figured out. So when I have these moments, where I'm like, frustrated, because it's like fresh this new, like understanding and language for feelings I've been feeling. Now I have it. And I'm like, This is so frustrating. Like, I thought I learned this lesson when I figured out the words that match the feeling. Why is this not automatic yet, and it's like, and I don't always go into a shame spiral. But sometimes I do depending on the content. And so it's like, so I find this language to match a feeling which feels like a giant exhale. And then I verbalize to internalize and see how I feel when I say it out loud. And I have found that I have to be very intentional about who I verbalize with, because leading up to like, I don't know, this week, actually, if I verbalize something and the person on the other end of the verbalizing doesn't have the capacity to dream as big as I do, or doesn't know that I dream really big. And then I figured out the steps to make the dreams come true, like a reaction on their face, or no reaction can send me spiraling. And so I'm in this place today where like, I feel like all of these little dots that I've been connecting about all these little parts of my life and all these little lessons that I feel like I'm learning over and over and over, are finally coming together. And so tying this all back to Samuel's posts that he made this morning about how he's been just like moving through life and hasn't been feeling the need to broadcast it. I kind of feel like I'm in that way too. And I've caught myself apologizing for not being able to be ready to announce things yet. We've got so much cool stuff that we're working on with joining Catalina Backcountry here on Catalina Island, what we're cooking up in partnership with them for Hiking My Feelings programs this year on the island, what we're doing off the island, some personal stuff that I've got going on that's like really, really exciting. I feel guilty for not sharing, because like my go to, is to share. So I am really excited to kind of wrap up my pontificating because I don't know that this is a story with an end, but just kind of like where I'm at these days, like I haven't been as present online as I have been in my real life and seeing that Samuel is here, and that he's feeling that vibe this morning. I'm going to just introduce this legend and like I that feels corny to say Samuel is a human like I am he is a human like you are but I I've been in this space and in proximity to so many people, musicians, entertainers, creators, whatever, they're making artists of all kinds that talk the talk. They sing the song, or they paint the painting or they do the thing. But there's like that piece that's missing. We're like, oh, this person like actually embodies it. Like I get psyched when I find a musician that I like who has empowering lyrics and music that makes me feel a little less alone in this world. And then when I find out that that musician is a really rad human being on paper, I'm like, oh, okay, cool. And then when I see them, like back it up with like, a resume of facts and things that they've done. It just delights me to know end to know that there are people out here who are doing this who are walking the walk talking to talk singing the song raising the money saving the people. So, a little bit about Samuel J. Our guest today, he is an innovative singer songwriter, producer and conservationists from Cornwall, UK. His sole touching voice gracious melodies and deeply moving lyrics are captivating hearts around the world. There is an old wisdom that runs through his music that speaks to people on a core level, reminding us of who we truly are behind our beyond our constricting beliefs and stories. Many people identify with Samuel's incredible love and respect of all people and the importance of nature, a thread that shines through in his music. His empowering songs are part of a beautiful movement happening around the world that is guiding us back to our true home back into the light. Samuel's hard work with his unique music and soulful performances have led him to opportunities in Asia, Brazil, Australia, Canada, USA, Europe and beyond and sharing the stage with artists including Ben Harper, Michael Franti, Jack Johnson, and more. So of Samuel's career highlights include being selected to perform for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as part of his 70th birthday celebration and performing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. Samuel, it is so nice to see you. Welcome to the show. Are you ready to have a great day? We're gonna unmute you so you can have a good day. There he is.
Samuel J 11:16
What a wonderful introduction. Yeah, it's great to be here. Thank you, Sydney. How are you?
Sydney Williams 11:20
I'm lovely. How are you today?
Samuel J 11:22
Yeah, good. Yeah. Thank you for the patience everyone here I was. The Yeah, doing this on no Wi Fi. So just everyone say a little prayer that the connection stays. It's like a typical scenario that happens in in Topanga, which is where I am right now in the Canyon. Beautiful day here, there's water in the river, which is brought life back to the whole Canyon, which has been really, really amazing to witness just, you know, had no rain here for about seven months. And the rains have come and just transformed the whole, the whole place. So that's, that's a good thing.
Sydney Williams 12:02
It's really lovely to see. And I, I we're out here on Catalina Island, which if you've been here in the summer, by the time you get here in the summer, things are pretty brown. Like in town, it looks stunning, because we've got all the landscaping and the natural, like plants and animals that are here, but like, I've never seen, it looks like Ireland out here is what I'm trying to get to like, it is so green and so beautiful. So I can certainly relate to that. So to start us off Samuel I just want to know like what's on your heart today? What what's on your heart and mind? What are you feeling?
Samuel J 12:33
Well, firstly, gratitude, you know, for being, you know, the opportunity to never gets tiring to have the opportunity to speak to others to share in, you know, passions and connect with other people. And I feel like this platform that you've developed is a wonderful space for for that just opening up conversation. So yeah, thank you for having me here. I am feeling a mixed bag of things. Obviously. Just this week, I had the honor of playing at a friend's first birthday. So there was this, my friend's baby turned one year old and went to, you know, is asked to go play music for purpose. Very interesting, because babies are just like, so every day is your birthday, right? It's just like, we're alive. So the whole concept of like, celebrating your birthday at one years old is interesting. But as total contrast, I was also asked to play at someone's you know, funeral in the same kind of 20, almost 24 hour space. So it was just that reminder of, you know, how whatever's going on in our lives, you know, we are alive and just kind of really, yeah, saturating in the greatness of just the simpleness of being alive. Really is always. Yeah, a strong reminder of that this week. But yes, so many great things are happening. I think a lot of us have welcomed the the turning of this new year. You know, 2022 wasn't without its storms and challenges for most of us. And its lessons too. So I feel like it's the cycle of the sun, you know, as always a great, great opportunity to start a new year with getting really clear on what it is that is going to best serve us you know, in terms of what is going to help us to live live our life in a fulfilling and purposeful way a meaningful way that can bring fulfillment and being having that conversation with quite a few people. For me that this year is, is really like a big a big theme is alignment. You know, I think you were talking about alignment when I dropped in earlier. And alignment really is this just reservoir of good things that when we align with, you know, what we what we love being it's kind of the cliche saying of like being being true to oneself, but I feel like alignment is also just leaning in to knowing that we are supported, you know, no matter how difficult that path is when we're just following our passions, you know. And there's a lot of, there's a lot of trust in aligning ourselves. So that's pretty much my little summary of where I'm at. And I'm about to drop into a really powerful recording session with a very well, well established, but well. An incredible producer that's working with films they asked me to start a film score with him, so I'm excited for that too.
Sydney Williams 16:14
That's exciting. So have before we go to the our first break today, have you done a film score before? That sounds like such a cool opportunity?
Samuel J 16:23
Yeah, it is. It's it's alignment, right? And so on, you know, what, what I've what I receive, as the film this film is, has a lot of synergy with the music that I naturally create. There's no forcing in this process because it's it's quite a romantic film about like a journey across the world. And in many ways, like a journey of just like the alchemist, you know, the parlor qualia book where it's like, you try all these different avenues to find your true value outside of yourself. But of course, it's been with you the whole time. So I already had some compositions and songs that lent itself to that. And yes, I have, have scored mostly documentaries like nature, documentaries with National Geographic and Discovery Channel where I've just been asked to, like, put music to these beautiful sequences of, you know, whales in Antarctica and things like that. So it's a new it's a fairly new voyage for me but it's something I'm welcoming because double edged sword we're being like an X, excessive creative, I guess I would say is like, you end up with so many songs that you obviously don't release any don't end up sharing. So that there becomes this like buildup of, of music that belongs out with the people belongs, you know, out in the world, but not necessarily has seen the light of day. So, for me, I don't know about other musicians listening in. It's been a really beautiful way to validate some of that, that music and bring a lot of things that have already created into into the score. So yeah,
Sydney Williams 18:13
ah, I dig it. Yay. Well, when we get back from the break, we will be chatting with Samuel about his connection to nature, how that inspires his music and maybe vice versa because I don't know what came first nature or music for him. So when we get back, we will figure that out. So don't go anywhere. We'll be right back to Samuel J.
Announcer 18:41
Have you ever spoken unkind to yourself? Do you realize when you do. Are you ready to make changes, but find yourself completely paralyzed by the choices in front of you. We live in a hyper connected always on world. And frankly, it's exhausting. Let's make time to disconnect from the distractions and reconnect with yourself. Hiking My Feelings exists to help people discover the healing power of nature. kickstart your healing journey and grab a copy of the book that started our movement, Hiking My Feelings, Stepping into the Healing Power of Nature, named one of Audible's best hiking audiobooks and available wherever books are sold. Visit hikingmyfeelings.org today to learn more. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company, every Sawyer product you buy, contributes to our common humanity, bringing Sawyer water filtration systems to people in need all around the world. In just 2022 alone. 260,000 households in over 45 countries received clean drinking water through Sawyer filters. Over the past 10 years, we've teamed up with over 140 charities in 80 countries to provide long term sustainable relief domestically, internationally and in disaster situations. Together we're saving millions of lives. Thank you Ready to find your Wellness in the Wilderness? Look no further than Hiking My Feelings through a combination of community and self discovery. Our programs are designed to give you the space and support to connect life starts. If you're looking to figure out who you are underneath the stories you've been given, and are ready to redesign the map of where you're headed with actionable steps and opportunities to dream big, we're here to walk alongside you. Whether you're a seasoned adventure enthusiast, or brand new to the healing power of nature. We've got your back. Visit hikingmyfeelings.org today to download our free trail thought worksheets and learn more about Hiking My Feelings. It's your world, motivate, change, succeed. Voice America empowerment.com. You're listening to Wellness in the Wilderness with Sydney Williams. Have a question for Sydney and her guests. Join us on the show at 888-346-9141. That's 888-346-9141. Now back to the show with Sydney.
Sydney Williams 21:17
All right, everybody. Welcome back to Wellness in the Wilderness. I'm Sydney Williams, and I'm here with Samuel J. And before we jump all the way into this interview, I feel like it warrants telling a story because not everybody that listens to the show has heard the story if you know me, then you know the story because it's like one of my core memories that like informed how I see the world. But as the minutes were ticking by and I didn't see Samuel in the chat yet, I was reminded of a party I threw in third grade that nobody came to. And it was a Halloween party. And I had to eat all the Skittles by myself because I like I was like I'm having a party people are coming. They're like, cool, there's food, you better eat it. So I ate all the Skittles by myself, which makes me sad to think about. But as Samuel was talking about alignment and how the music score is part of this alignment that he's tapped into, and that is he's welcoming into his life and his career. I was thinking about some of my intentions for this year. And one of those is to keep my heart open. And I had to literally make the choice like I had typed out, I was typing, I was emailing back and forth Ellie Samuel's assistant and she was like he's going to be a little bit late. And like my first response, third grade Sydney who nobody showed up to her party, third grade Sydney wrote her first response, which she then deleted and then just never sent. But the first response was like, I can't do this, if it's if he's going to be late, I can't because like, I can't wing it. And it feels really uncomfortable. And I don't know what to do. And like, that's third grade Sydney, she makes a lot of appearances. And I was like, like the fact that guys, I'm gonna toot my own horn here for a minute. And I encourage you to do the same when you have these moments where you realize that you've learned a lesson and that like the integration of the lesson is so seamless that you can't even stand it because this is where we're at. Ready, let's go. Third grade, Sidney wanted to write an email about how she can't do it. If nobody shows up on time. And this is but all the stories in her head to be able to like recognize that third grade Sydney was having this moment, and then be like, hey, third grade Sydney, I'm here I see you, I validate you. If we're here alone, and we just have to tell stories by ourselves. That's fine. Everything will be great. Or also, what if everything works out? Like what if him being like having a delayed start and the Wi Fi being out at the studio? What if all of that is for everybody's best purpose? Like what if that is for the highest good of all parties involved. And here we are like I got an opportunity to practice keeping my heart open. I got an opportunity to share a little bit about how I process we're having conversations about alignment and intention. And now here we go. So we're back with Samuel J. I'm not freaking out about my Halloween party that nobody came to. In fact, this is one of the best parties I've thrown today. Samuel is here. I'm here. You're here, listeners. What's up everybody? Let's get into it. So we were talking about
Samuel J 23:59
Can we give little three year old Sydney a little hug. I think everyone has been there.
Sydney Williams 24:05
And yes, everybody let's give serial Sydney and all your three year old selves a hug for whatever they need because they show up and sometimes you might not know that that's who's knockin, but it is. So now that little Sydney's nervous system is regulated and grown Sydney can like hug her through it. I would love to hear about your connection to nature, how it inspires your music, and is this like a chicken and egg thing? Like what came first? Did they come together? Tell me more. Tell me everything.
Samuel J 24:37
Well, let's just riff off what you were saying because it really relates back to the example that nature gives us in so many ways, but it's staying open to possibility right? Because this is something that is not separate for anyone. This is something that's just part of the human experiences that we will have the inevitability of things changing And you can't control, you know, all of these variables in life, but we do, as my grandmother said, you know, we do have the control of how we respond to them. Right. And I wrote a lyric once that was, we do not control the wind, but we do hold the sail. And that has always been, you know, it's a co creation in life, isn't it, but how many of us have, you know, created a reality for ourselves by simply closing off from the possibility right, you arrive at the airport, you know, when you go and you shut down, you literally either have two choices, you either shut down, you know, race or arrive at the airport, the flights delayed whatever the situation is, and you can either go into closing down, and that's a physical response, right, your body actually shuts down. So you're at that point, you're no longer available to communicate with other people. And it's a really cool practice that we all should really be supporting each other with is to find that little extra, you know, courage and a bit of heart just to stay open. And it's unbelievable. I'm sure we all have an example and story in our lives when we've done that, and it's led to amazing things. I definitely have a few and it includes the kind of you the with traveling, I mean, you you just have to surrender because you absolutely don't control the variables that are that are that are happening, but I'm going to just share this one. One example of this, which is kind of very, very strong. My brother Tim Powers and I were going on, we were heading to Lightning in a Bottle festival, I was playing the mainstage. And I was like, really, really excited. Like, I was just like, we would go into LIB. That was it. Like there's nothing else that was gonna stop me doing that. And of course, like, the RV that we rented just like breaks down in the middle of the freeway. And I just go into like, oh, no, like, this is a disaster, right? Like, are you kidding me? Like I failed. I hand on my heart, I failed to stay open to the possibilities. And it overwhelmed me and I was just so Tim my friend Tim Powers. He's a bit of a master at staying open. He's done a lot of work with that, in his life. Beautiful example, to the rest of us. And starts being like, no, no, this is perfect brother. This is perfect. I'm not perfect. How can this possibly be perfect? I'm gonna be late, miss my show. So check it out. So he not only is like he's like starts talking to the people, there's people behind us, like beeping at us, like get out the way like do that. And he just proceeds to grab my album, right? My CDs. And I'm like, What are you doing? He's handing out my CDs to the people in the traffic jam. And it's like this brother is like, you know, he's sorry, he's a musician, like, like, like a compensation or something for the inconvenience. But I'm like, under the car covered in black oil, like, right with a wrench in my hand trying to make this RV work. And I suddenly started to pay attention to what was happening and like this, one of the cars, right? was a mechanic. Bingo. Number one. So at that moment, like because Tim's approach his approach, right? It breaks that like, human tendency of like disconnection of like, there's there's basically just stress and there's nothing else beyond that, because everyone's just frozen in that it's the fright of flight thing, right? His energy was so open and welcoming and understanding and apologetic and responsible that it triggered that same reflection and people started instead of actually having haggling us for being broken down started participating in our resolution and all that happened just from that subtlety in that decision at that moment that that brother made to stay open to other possibilities, it gets way better. So I damaged the side of the RV and like five cars back here's this guy he's like a body worker gives us his card to like so on the long short of it like on the way back we ended up like this guy gave us a free love the music that God gave us a free you know, consultation and free you know, he fixed the car basically. bodywork repair. Thank you that was the right word. And the whole thing just got resolved from that simple choice of, of staying open. And I think if we bring it now, back to your first conversation about nature, nature doesn't hold grudges, and resentment, it doesn't. It just it really, there's so much feeling I've watched the, you know, a whale, a mother whale, like mourn its cough for like, almost like trying to keep it on the surface way after it. I'm not saying that they don't have emotions and feel the moment that something, but there's this unbelievable ability of adaptation and acceptance that is constantly shown to us through the capacity of nature, you can see it in plants, you know, if there's something in the way, the plants not going to like, push and push and push, you know, it will find the path of least resistance, you know, the seed will always find the path of least resistance. And that amongst many virtues that nature embodies, inspires my music. So when you say which one comes first, it's it's really, I guess, nature came first. You know, it, it is the the example that I get inspired by the courage and you this is also in us, because we're part of nature, you know, when you see a young child that has nothing, but because it has that child has no fallback. It is in total survival, the child is in total survival, which I've seen in, you know, the schools that have worked in Brazil and places like that, where, you know, it's so there's so courageous, there's this unbelievable courage like that nature, just always will try and see kind of a way through, I mean, they're just so many examples. And, you know, if you're listening at home, maybe take a moment to think about what some of those examples are a classic one is like the salmon that will tirelessly keep going up the river, you know, and there's just this life wants to live life wants to heal, life wants to ascend, and, you know, our bodies work in a way as part of nature, that are always looking for that path of healing. And that path of ascendment. And if we can just get in tune with that whole ecosystem. That is, you know, that that just way of being and there are many books, many philosophies, many different nations religions that have really spoken to this, but that's the common thread here is that they're really talking to like, for example, in Shambala, which I studied the Tibetan lineage. evoking drala is like a thing. And evoking drala is like just pulling energy in natural energy into your body. Because it practice, like, Yeah, let's go and focus and drala Yeah, let's go and have a drink at the pub. Yeah, it's like, it's just what they do very different things. But meaning it's just part of their daily life there to just take a moment to recognize that there is an actual living energy force, you know, that they call drala, we would call some others were called chi or an invite that energy into your body. And like, as I look outside my window, I don't know if the video thing has been filmed or anything. But like, that's what all of this is doing. Continuously is just in welcoming in light, water, sunshine and shit, man, when things go really, really, things are just really, we're at that point where it's just all too much and too confusing. We can always come back to our center and come back to that. And yeah, have a song about it. Longwinded answer, if you get them talking about nature, I will give you things to say. But that really is the summary of how nature into how nature has been a big inspiration to to my music, and also the virtues of nature that I've seen exemplified in people and in animals that I've had the honor and to be with.
Sydney Williams 34:38
Well, I think something that you said that that's interesting to me and I think it's also kind of a trick question because you brought up a point that is very important that I think until we have a profound experience in nature with nature, we might not recognize and that's that we aren't separate from it. Like if we're if you just like take the American human experience, for example, we are so separated from nature, we are so separated from plants and animals in the world around us, like we just walk through. It's kind of like we're walking through the Truman Show, if you've ever seen that movie, where it's like, everything's a movie set, and everybody's an actor. And it's like, you might not recognize this lifeforce, the breath, the sunlight, like everything that you can pull into you so true, it's kind of a trick question. Because like, in essence, what I'm hearing you say, without so many words is like, we are not separate from it. And, therefore, I make music and the way that a whale makes music, like whales use, whatever body parts they do to sing their songs. And in a sense, it's kind of an extension of your function of being part of nature. Like, that's how you're expressing it.
Samuel J 35:49
I think that's like, it's also there's a little bit of, you know, magic here that isn't intended to be fully understood. You know, like, Why do we feel good? When the sunshine hits us in the face? Why do we, you know, like, I've just been talking to my sister, and then, you know, these notes will start coming through, it's the, it's an emotion expressed through vibration, really, and I guess, i don't know if I have ever been compared to singing as a whale that I could ultimate they're the ultimate channels that get completely out their way, because that's, that is their way that so they know what to do. But, yeah, I'm not sure if we're gonna break here again, in a minute or so. But I think something hopefully everyone relates to that, that is listening in is this, we all we all separate ourselves from, from nature, you know, I mean, it's just we inherited a perfectly functioning ecosystem, and we've just chosen to do different things with it. Rather than work with the homeostasis, you know, it's being very scientific here. You know, farming, for example, you can either work with, you know, with the land or, or, you know, against it. And I think that compassion comes in a lot. There's really no judgment. It's something I've been working on a lot in my life. It's like, you know, when I met the people that were shark finning, and I thought, when I would get there, I'd be really angry and stuff and like, what's going on, and you arrive there, and you just have compassion. Because, you know, they're surviving. You know, there's not not that I, you know, support it, but it's, you become more understanding, you know, of why things have become that way. It is sad and unnecessary. In many regards, but there's, there's compassion is a key part of that. And I just give a quick example of, yeah, I mean, I taught I teach surfing and have done my whole life. And I took a group of kids that were kind of like in a, you know, in a, in a prison of sorts, you know, we call them juvenile delinquent centers and up very English term for you, anyway, and I got to take those children surfing for the first time here, all these angry children, like, I'm not listening to you, you, you know, all that. And then, the moment they got in the ocean, it was just like, all of that aggression. Yeah. Like, I didn't do anything. People are always such a good surf. No, I'm not a good surf teacher. I just took these kids in the ocean. And that's what they needed. And we can lean again, we can lean into the natural healing that is in our world, it shows up all the time.
Sydney Williams 38:38
Yes. All right. Well, when we get back, we will be picking up this conversation with Samuel J. And you know what, like, I have been, like really intentional with how I structure these episodes. And this is the first one where I like I closed my notes. Like, we're not going with notes. Were just riffin'. So I don't know what we're talking about when we get back probably something about what Sam's got going on in 2023. So stay tuned, come back. And if you want to chat with this guy, give us a call 1-888-346-9141 We'll be right back.
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Sydney Williams 41:52
All right, everybody, Welcome back to Wellness in the wilderness. I'm your host, Sydney Williams, I'm here with Samuel J. And we are going to just keep riffing. And one of the things that we were talking about during the break was just all the things that are kind of on everybody's minds that don't either we don't feel comfortable talking about or when we finally do feel comfortable talking about it, then we realize like, we're not the only people dealing with this stuff. Samuel, what do you what do you got on your mind that that you want to kind of go back and forth on here?
Samuel J 42:23
Yeah, I think the conversation that we have today is really inspired by other people. You know, and what I mean by that is, there are so many conversations, and so many topics that seem to be on so many minds, you know, you speak to people about, you know, health has become a huge, huge topic of conversation. And this last, increasingly so, you know, as you know, life goes on, I feel more and more people are like, finally realizing the true value of our of our lives, the wealth of our lives is really, in our health. And it ties in nicely to the conversation we're having in regards to nature, because, you know, what is it that we can do, you know, to feel better. And I don't know if anyone's noticed this as well. But whenever you're like walking on a country path somewhere, hopefully people are understanding that means on a hike and Zapple the English out of myself, it's just my mom wouldn't let me hurry up a little bit. But you always people always say hello to each other. You know, there's always just that like subtle like openness, kindness with people when you're out hiking, and that's an example of, of the good impact that nature has on us. And, you know, first is, we've all been on a tube with like, or a metro with so many people, and it's like, it's really broken down because it's, you know, especially since COVID, which we don't have to go in, I think people will probably appreciate more refreshing conversations than COVID. But since then, we've we've, I mean, everyone just ran to the hills, so to speak, everyone went out to nature, everyone left the cities, you know, and that was that was a big communication from nature. And hopefully, some of us most of us, I would like to pray, there was a lesson in that experience, right, which is you cannot you cannot bury the earth. You cannot just you know, create a superficial artificial world because it's the foundations of our world are based on an on a natural framework, and like we're always gonna have to work within that framework. And I think I have wonderful friends that are technologists. And, you know, we have very interesting conversations, I'm all about technology, coming forward, even artificial intelligence and supporting a lot of the, you know, development in, in health and sustainability for our world. And just give you one example of a project I'm involved in is using technology to help with carbon sequestration, because obviously, carbon is like, a major issue in terms of heating up with the planet, and also toxicity levels in the ocean. And they're using these incredible bots that pretty much run on like almost zero electricity, and they are powered by the sun. So they just put them out in the water. And they go, they go out and help you know, the increase of kelp. So they're like planting these kelp gardens and helping to remove certain toxicity. And I think that's, that's what we're looking at right now everyone is this new age where, you know, it's inevitable that technology is going to start, essentially, ironically, getting back to just working more in homeostasis with with the planet because that's where our power is. Our power is not in taking a ton of steroids. And, you know, our power is in our actual, true, true strength and our wholeness. And if you're listening in Yeah, just we'd like to hear from you about or just maybe take a moment to think about ways that you. You, you help yourself to get back to a place of feeling healthy. And oh,
Sydney Williams 46:56
yeah. We have a caller on the line. Tom from Illinois. What do you got Tom?
Caller 47:04
Hi Sydney. Hi, Samuel.
Samuel J 47:07
Hey,
Caller 47:09
Sydney, I love you love the show. Thank you both for your good works. And thanks for taking my call. But talking about whales, and we've always considered where I call that whale songs and things like that. Samuel, is there any like scientific underlying science to us calling whales sounds songs? Do they follow any kind of musical theory by any chance? And I mean, we know that whales used to be or communicate over vast distances before man, like started polluting the ocean with noise. I mean, is there any science behind us actually calling whales whale sound songs?
Samuel J 47:50
Is there any science in us calling whale sounds songs? Well, I think I love the question. And thanks for joining us, brother. Yeah, I'm just trying to understand the question a little bit, but I think to speak to that. You know, we would have to define what is a song? You know, so if, if birds singing in the trees is seen as a song, right, because they're, you know, it's a beautiful question to ask, like, what are they singing about? So they obviously, you know, whales are known to especially the humpback whales, they have specific songs that call in, you know, they're the is a is a technique as well to call in females. But I know some researchers in the field that that absolutely believe that they sing for the joy of singing, where there hasn't been any, you know, females in the area. And of course, the Lonely Whale is a really beautiful documentary. I don't know if you've seen that, Tom, but it's, it's, it's about this whale. It's a little sad in its essence, because this whale is. There's so few whales left in this environment where this whale is that he's ended up like singing along. And I think that's singing alone. And I think that's really powerful. Right? It's not about like, it's not about getting the response not about being seen and having it's just, he's singing because that's, that's what he does. You know. And in terms of science, there's a lot of really good work. I'll leave a link with Sydney and the team here, but there, I know that there was some, some males like learn each other's songs. You know, so they have an ability to, you know, memorize other other songs from other males that they found weren't present in certain groups, but when they came together, they would start You know, singing similar similar songs. So hopefully that brings some light to your question. But it really is that little element of wonder, you know, human beings try and understand everything. But, you know, what a what a beautiful hypothesis, you know, why do whales sing? You know, I don't believe that everything has to have, you know, a scientific reason. You know, there's there is just a natural tendency for life to, you know, seek joy. And I feel there's definitely, if you ever listen to a whale underwater, there's definitely some deep purpose in their singing.
Sydney Williams 50:40
Hmm, I love that.
Caller 50:42
Well, I'm gonna do with that.
Sydney Williams 50:44
Yeah, well, and, Tom, I think we should turn turn the question around to you, too. Like when, before we took your call, Samuel was talking about listeners taking an opportunity to think about what helps them come back to center, like when you start feeling like the pressures of the world and life and just the experience of being human on this planet in this country. And these bodies what helps you get back to center Tom?
Caller 51:09
Right, right, actually, right, like so much so many of you like actually getting out into the nature being out there hiking, skydiving, being on my bicycle, bigger my motorcycle. So being outside being in the sun, being active, working out, getting physically fit. So that's what recently has been giving me my joy, and my impetus to keep going so
Samuel J 51:36
Beautiful. And what's really powerful about that, I mean, other than going up in a plane and jumping out skydiving, which will respect you, I've always wanted to do that I've never skydive, but all of those things are free. You know, you don't need to pay to take a walk in nature, you don't need to pay, you know, and I think it's the thing that gives us the most so why isn't it the thing that we value the most, you know, if you look at you look at the way that not to point a finger at America, because, you know, developed countries and undeveloped countries across the world are doing the same. But if you looked at a pie chart of where the government money gets divvied up every year, and also just, you know, a few other examples of how much money is in like the NFL, and how much money is spent in sports, it's like, it was recently published in the National Geographic and it's like, there's this like slither of like, 0.8% of the total funds, within a within a year is given to land management. You know, it's like, and then we wonder why we have the problems that we have, it's just the list of priorities. It's just not. It's not logical in my mind, for us to, for us to have a healthy planet that needs that list of priorities just needs to needs to change. And that will only happen when each individual starts to value themselves, you know, more and more, I feel so. But thanks. Thanks for joining us, brother. Sorry we're going on another tangent here.
Caller 53:16
Thank you.
Sydney Williams 53:16
Thank you, Tom. And for Samuel are, we're like coming up on the hour here, man, time is flying by we've completely transcended the time space continuum. And we've just been in it and vibing. So before we wrap up for today, what do you have coming up in 2023? And how can folks get linked up with you?
Samuel J 53:36
Yeah, I appreciate that question. And also would love to know about your platform. So let's save a bit of time for you to talk about a deep breath. So I have been working on an album. It feels like a mantra at this point. I am finishing my album for a while. It's like yeah, it's I went pretty big. It's choirs and orchestras. And it's like, you know, I've been developing my abilities as a producer. My whole life, I started producing music when I was 16. I'm not 21 anymore. So it's been a while. And that is gonna get shared. It's a 13 track album. I'm actually still kind of bouncing with the name, but it could be called Back to Center.
Sydney Williams 54:22
Whoa.
Samuel J 54:24
Interesting. Because we've couple of you've said, we've said that a few times. And this. Yeah, so I have that coming out, which is just really feels really good to just like, there comes a moment, you know, and inspirational artists to me is my friend right? X. He's amazing. And he was just like, there just comes a point where it's like, you just gotta let it go. You know? And I'm really at that point. Like there's there's things I can keep finiking with on the album, but so that's really exciting. So I'll have a whole Yeah, it's it's music that I hope really speaks to these conversations of our time. As you know, that's followed up with, I'm beginning to get booked more for like, my music translating into like an electronic music space but without it getting, like too distorted. So I'm basically DJing my songs with other DJs re mixing the music. And hopefully we'll be able to touch more hearts, more arenas more of a dance aspect. I am going to Hawaii to be part of a project next week that is helping protect whales there. they are following whales because they're getting targeted, unfortunately, we found that whales are actually being targeted between Hawaii and Alaska. And they're now sending patrol boats to actually go with these whales. Keep track of them. So I'm helping the beginnings of that project, going to Africa to be with an incredible project where women are a have been invited to form and have formed like an all woman's anti poaching. Like core group. Again, we'll drop some links. Yeah, the ICA I think they. But anyway, so I'm going to go out in I'm visiting a couple of schools in Africa, and doing that in March, and hopefully I'll collaborate and make some music. It's music, such a good vessel to bring awareness to these kinds of issues. And if you just get people singing the same song, that's one of my biggest passions and why I want to become more established as an artist is to impact environmental and social change, you know, so this is all on the road to that. And also going home see my mom in summer. Fantastic. Oh my gosh. Well, thank you so much for joining me today. And for everybody that's listening. We'll include links to all the above in the show notes, and we will see you next week. Thanks for tuning in.
57:05
Thanks for joining us on this week's show. We hope this episode has been a breath of fresh air for you and has inspired you to find your Wellness in the Wilderness. We will reconnect with nature and new again next week.
57:46
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