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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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My own private Maui

October 9, 2022 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi stands on the top of Haleakala Crater on Maui with the sun setting behind him. His silhouette is backlit by the orange glow of the sunset.

I just returned from Maui’s lush beauty after a week of visiting family in Kihei. The feeling of fulfillment is deep within me. Paired with cherished re-connection in person is my joy from a stimulating conversation with the potent spirits of nature in Hawaii.  I’ve had the privilege to visit the Hawaiian Islands many times, but I worked hard to see Maui with fresh … [Read more...] about My own private Maui

Ballard Locks Balance

October 2, 2022 by Matthew

Star shaped flowers open up against the blue sky and dark green foliage.

There is a magical place in Seattle where freshwater meets the salty Salish Sea. It might stand as a reminder to integrate different parts of life for positive results. And it also is the scene of an ageold tale, since time immemorial. The Ballard Locks and adjacent Fish Ladder is a fascinating integration of engineering marvels facilitating travel, miracles of nature, and … [Read more...] about Ballard Locks Balance

Magic Miami

September 25, 2022 by Matthew

This scene in a mangrove in Miami Florida shows several white birds with orange beaks and the brown roots of the mangrove and green leaves.

Chad and I met 25 years ago; he is like my brother.  Circumstances recently gave me 24 hours in Miami, where he currently lives.  While short by usual trip standards, this visit left my spiritual battery overflowing with energy as the plane took off into the sunset over the Everglades. Knowing the importance of nature in travel for me, and with only a few hours to … [Read more...] about Magic Miami

Legacy of the trees

September 18, 2022 by Matthew

A view from the trunk level of an age old cedar tree with bark wetted from the rain in Parsons Gardens on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle.

There is a forest I love to visit – once an ancient wonderland of native trees and plants. It was logged in the 1930s and then sold to a faith community. They quickly started to create a unique retreat center. Despite the poverty of the Great Depression, devoted nature enthusiasts worked tirelessly to replant the 120 acres, one tree at a time – cultivating a forest for the … [Read more...] about Legacy of the trees

Weaving nature into transportation

September 4, 2022 by Matthew

View from the narrow gauge rail train leading up to Top of Europe tourist attraction. Two asian tourists peer out the window of the train to a dramatic landscape of jagged Alpine peaks.

After being out of touch for much of 2022, I’m back! ​As the new year rolled around last January, I began more seriously exploring a lifelong calling to help the world connect deeper to the healing powers of nature. I realized that the starting place for this partnership with Mother Earth was finding the path toward paying attention quietly through meditation.  ​When … [Read more...] about Weaving nature into transportation

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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