The Company We Keep

People Need People

You can tell a lot about about people - and organizations, for that matter - by their close associates. As every seasoned salesperson knows, people tend to favor those who closely share their own opinions, habits, and ideas. Conversely, the groups we belong to exert an incredibly powerful influence on us. Of course, our inner drive to conform can serve laudable or lamentable ends. Virtually all will readily acknowledge the detrimental effects of “hanging out with a rough crowd,” but only a few comprehend the very real soul-elevating power generated by the sincerely motivated benevolence of certain groups. Despite strident rhetoric, people rarely function alone: they link their lives to long chains established by others.

Seeing The Reality of People

Groups can only be fairly evaluated when we learn to move past the superficial and penetrate to the truth of the people within. Even ostensibly upstanding citizens may merit another look if they habitually associate with the notorious. Seemingly altruistic charities or public-action groups probably won't live up to their selfless rhetoric if their financial lifeblood flows from conglomerates with venal agendas. The inverse is also true, of course. The famous Underground Railway which led so many slaves to freedom during the Nineteenth Century was inextricably linked to a large network of abolitionist church congregations. Today, many food banks and co-operatives provide wholesome nourishment at reasonable cost only because of their intimate ties to concerned businesses and individuals.

Loving People Make Loving Products

At Lucky Six Farms, we pride ourselves on our long-standing relationship to Madre Grande Monastery. All of the fields where we cultivate the sacred White Sage are leased directly from the Monastery. The connection is neither arbitrary nor accidental. For four decades, Madre Grande has been well-known not only throughout its southern California home but around the world for remarkable teaching and healing work. Arising from that same spirit, each and every one of our pure, certified organic, wild-crafted products is consciously created to support humanity's health, well-being, and fundamental unity. We wouldn't have it any other way!

By Alan Beck