Merlyn J Travis, Ph.D.
Harbin HotSprings
How to sum it up, in one very long sentence? A nomadic water mystic, un-learner, explorer, researcher & writer ... holding a vision for a wonderful new era, and facing head-on the very challenging - and dire - era upon us, all while cherishing each and every day as a beautiful, bountiful gift.
Now, here's a bit about my journey thus far; experiences that have shaped what I write about, and how ...
In the first phase of my quest, in my late teens, I did a deep dive into my ancestral spiritual heritage. As Yakov (my Hebrew name), I studied and taught in Jerusalem, Israel for a decade, became an orthodox rabbi, and got married. My spiritual quest led me to the Kabbalah and I earned a Ph.D. in Jewish Mysticism from Brandeis University. This period included some great gigs, serving as a university chaplain, community educator and college professor - in Montreal, QC (Canada), Boston, MA (USA) and then, for many years, Cleveland, OH (USA) where we raised our two children, now mature adults.
In the second phase, after the economic crash of 2008 - now as Jacob, I built Canada's leading solar energy training school - Solar Academy International. That was during the boom years created by Ontario, Canada's progressive Green Energy & Economy Act of 2009. I was now awake to the need for a total paradigm shift in civilization's energy system ... and also to the great challenges in undoing such an entrenched system.
Now, here's a bit about my journey thus far; experiences that have shaped what I write about, and how ...
In the first phase of my quest, in my late teens, I did a deep dive into my ancestral spiritual heritage. As Yakov (my Hebrew name), I studied and taught in Jerusalem, Israel for a decade, became an orthodox rabbi, and got married. My spiritual quest led me to the Kabbalah and I earned a Ph.D. in Jewish Mysticism from Brandeis University. This period included some great gigs, serving as a university chaplain, community educator and college professor - in Montreal, QC (Canada), Boston, MA (USA) and then, for many years, Cleveland, OH (USA) where we raised our two children, now mature adults.
In the second phase, after the economic crash of 2008 - now as Jacob, I built Canada's leading solar energy training school - Solar Academy International. That was during the boom years created by Ontario, Canada's progressive Green Energy & Economy Act of 2009. I was now awake to the need for a total paradigm shift in civilization's energy system ... and also to the great challenges in undoing such an entrenched system.
Imagine Convergence 2019
A few years later, boom gone bust, marriage ending, kids maturing - the third phase - I began a new quest: re-examining all my beliefs and practices and doing self-experimentation to explore the depths of my own consciousness. No longer satisfied rooting my spirituality in the past, nor current cultural trends, I began a journey of un-learning ... re-wilding myself - in the magic of The Forest and by the magnificence of The Ocean ... becoming more drawn to the mysteries of the Living Waters.
Water, Bottled in Plastic. Everywhere.
Deep Water Horizon. Fracking.
Standing Rock.
I was now awaking to our civilization's loss of any reverence for the life-giving waters, and also to the great challenges in undoing the entrenched system beneath it.
Celebrating the magic of each new day - and the possibilities of a creatively imagined future - became the priority.
In place of ancient scriptures and a promised land, I become nomadic, going on pilgrimages to the pure Living Waters that still flow on the planet, participating in many unconventional gatherings, rooting myself in the revelations of my own heart.
After a mystical experience in a Puerto Rican rainforest in 2011, I began writing The Siren Awakening, a semi-autobiographical work, of course, leading me down many rabbit holes. Unexpectedly, I received the name Merlyn near the Headwaters of the Sacramento River at Mount Shasta a few years ago.
That's it for here. If you want to know more about me and my journey, what led me to The Siren, and to go deeper into the story, read the first few installments of my blog, Merlyn's Quest, here.
Praise The Living Waters!
Blessings,
Merlyn
Water, Bottled in Plastic. Everywhere.
Deep Water Horizon. Fracking.
Standing Rock.
I was now awaking to our civilization's loss of any reverence for the life-giving waters, and also to the great challenges in undoing the entrenched system beneath it.
Celebrating the magic of each new day - and the possibilities of a creatively imagined future - became the priority.
In place of ancient scriptures and a promised land, I become nomadic, going on pilgrimages to the pure Living Waters that still flow on the planet, participating in many unconventional gatherings, rooting myself in the revelations of my own heart.
After a mystical experience in a Puerto Rican rainforest in 2011, I began writing The Siren Awakening, a semi-autobiographical work, of course, leading me down many rabbit holes. Unexpectedly, I received the name Merlyn near the Headwaters of the Sacramento River at Mount Shasta a few years ago.
That's it for here. If you want to know more about me and my journey, what led me to The Siren, and to go deeper into the story, read the first few installments of my blog, Merlyn's Quest, here.
Praise The Living Waters!
Blessings,
Merlyn