Meet the Author

Gregory A. Stout was raised in the farmland of Illinois during the transformative period that began in the 1960s and 70s. At the age of 18, he journeyed west to explore a life of spiritual advocacy. He received education and training in Arizona, Oregon, and California under the guidance of mentors such as Yogi Bhajan, Baba Hari Dass, Chogyam Trungpa, and Dyhan Yogi Madhusudandas from the East. Beyond his Catholic roots, he was exposed to a variety of lessons and ceremonies learned from the Paiute tribe and Lakota culture.

Greg attended a live-in teacher's training Ashram and became a Yoga teacher in the early 70s. He went on to study and teach yoga in various Ashrams, as well as in educational and community facilities. The author has dedicated his life to the pursuit of global spirituality, aiming to learn and promote respect and honor for all of our relations in the timeless pursuit of our Creator. He chose to immerse himself in a myriad of spiritual traditions and views, where the attachment to the form disappeared, leaving only love for the Great Spirit—the flame that lights the candle.

From playing in the percussion section of the school band to touring with rock bands in the 80s, Greg's love for music has been a constant presence in his life. Playing a wide range of drums from Tabla to a full set of Tama trap drums, the ceremonial drum and rattle are currently his primary instruments. To this day, Greg includes the Chanupa (Sacred Pipe) in his daily life and sets aside time for Vision Quests and private ceremonies on mountaintops.

Greg's passion for nature has materialized in a love for landscape design. He also founded the Genesis Juice Company in Eugene, Oregon in 1973, which continues to operate to this day. The author currently works, writes, and lives with his growing family on the Hawaiian Island of Maui.