About us
Living Soil Institute
Living Soil Institute exists to regenerate our depleted selves, earth and communities by offering embodied experiences of a healing, meaningful, and connected Life.
Our world is grown from a field of relationships. From our food systems to our physical health, we make impressions on each other through our individual and collective choices. We bloom when we feel safe, supported, and inspired. We heal when our lives have meaning and our hearts are open and at peace.
The dominant world paradigm tells us we are meant to go it alone, to live in our heads, to take what we want and to distrust anything we don’t understand. We are a global culture that has been separated from our roots, our communities and our healing ceremonies.
But when we look at the way Life functions, we see that it is so much more than a machine running on our will alone.
Life is beautiful, regenerative, reciprocal, rhythmic, creative and deeply interconnected.
Here at LSI, we germinate healing and wellness through seasonal rituals, regenerative agriculture, ceremony, meditation, yoga, life coaching and creating Beauty.
LSI sprouted over a 20 year seeding of wisdom from contemplative practices like yoga and meditation, indigenous lifeways and ancient systems of meaning like palmistry, astrology and mentorship. We honor all our relatives and more than human kin who have nourished this flowering.
Living Soil Institute is a space to remember how to live a healthy, abundant, glorious existence that honors the web of Life we exist within. It is both a physical location in Milwaukie, Oregon and a global digital place to exchange ideas, practices and experiences that call us into community and balance.
Welcome Home.
About J’aime
Hi Family,
I’m J’aime.
My name is my purpose on this earth, though my parents didn’t realize they were giving me my marching orders when they named me.
In French, J’aime means, “I love” and this has been my North Star since I figured out what my name really meant at the age of 8.
This calling to embody Love buoyed me through childhood cancer, being raised in a religious cult, growing up in a narcissistic family system, and panic attacks throughout my 20’s. The bigness of Love offered me comfort and healing through an abortion, two miscarriages, and my partner going through brain surgery. It held me throughout bulimia, chronic illness, and having a lover die in a tragic accident. Throughout emotional and childhood sexual abuse, Love has tended a spark of hope whispering that a joyous life is possible. That healing and freedom exist for me.
Love nurtured my passion for singing, writing, travelling, learning, and language. She called me to explore the wounded and traumatized places in my psyche with gentleness and persistence, believing beyond any doubt that healing is always available.
Knowing that Love is my core and the thread that knits the universe together has inspired me to stay open to Life–learning from its infinite generosity and ability to regenerate even the most depleted places, beings, and communities.
When I was 16, I woke up from a dead sleep with a message singing through my mind.
I am here to help others recognize and value their light and unique purpose in this Life.
Little did I realize then that this would indeed become my passion and my gift.
Over the last 42 years, I have come to see that True Healers are witnesses and mentors-brave souls who have walked where they ask others to tread and faced the shadows and light of their hidden wounds. Healers are souls who have suffered, but have done so within the embrace of Love and Beauty that transcends their pain and calls them into a deeper and more authentic life.
As I have healed my wounds, I have gained much embodied knowledge that informs the containers I create for people, communities, and our earth to heal within.
I am certified as a Reiki II practitioner, Hand Analyst, yoga instructor, life coach, ordained minister, soil advocate, and meditation teacher.
I have a master’s degree in Leadership and Sustainability Education and bachelors in Behavioral Science, Literature, Theatre, Film, and History.
I am an intuitive, a channel, and a muse.
I am a singer, a composer and an author.
I love the dance between educators and learners, for we are truly both throughout the learning journey.
Life is an indescribable adventure teaching us how to embody joy. How to suffer while remaining open to the regenerative power of Love. I am living proof that from incredible pain, trauma, and abuse, it is possible to thrive.
I am so excited to be part of your healing experience as we discover the portals to wholeness and joy within your life.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the concept of Living Soil come from?
“Living Soil” refers to the diverse community of microbes, fungus, minerals, and photosynthesizers which break down organic matter and allows life to flourish. Many sustainability thinkers and doers use the term “living soil” to speak about the symbiotic relationships that occur to nurture healthy ecosystems and the interdependence of life support systems like soil. Dilafruz Williams and Rudolf Steiner are two educators who have popularized the term.
Will I learn to grow Living Soil?
Living Soil Institute follows indigenous wisdom which birthed the modern Permaculture movement and principles. Our motto is to “Use small and slow solutions” to dramatically shift our dominant paradigm to one of relationship with others. We practice the principles of Honorable Harvest as laid out by Potawatomi Educator Robin Wall Kimmerer. Learning how to tend and grow living soil is one of the relationships we nurture at LSI and speaks to the “regenerating our earth” part of our mission.
How do I know how much to pay?
We understand that everyone’s financial relationships impact what they can exchange while maintaining an open heart. This work is meant to be regenerative and beautifully supportive-what you pay wants to be an exchange that equals the value of your experience with us. If you are unsure what that is, please email us and we can have a clarifying conversation to help shed light on what feels good for both of us.
Can Living Soil Institute Speak at my event, retreat, fair, etc?
Absolutely! We are trained public speakers, educators, and facilitators that are passionate about connecting with groups of all sizes. Whether you are offering continuing education for public school employees, hosting a mindfulness weekend, or offering professional development for employees, we have activities, curriculum, and inspiring messages to share.
Is LSI available to partner with my organization for gatherings, teaching, or projects?
We are ALL about reciprocity and partnerships! If you have an idea that you feel LSI would be a great partner for, please email or call us.
Why is it called Living Soil Institute when you offer Life Coaching, Yoga, Hand Analysis, and Reiki?
LSI is about creating regenerative experiences for the Earth, our communities, and ourselves. If we wish to change others or larger systems, we must concurrently seek to heal our own depletions and imbalances. Because we are growing on “Earth Time” we are focusing on services which we can immediately offer to support individual health and purpose. As our capacity and networks develop, we will facilitate gatherings and workshops which bring communities and our Earth into reciprocal relationship.
Try a Free Session Today
We offer a 20 minute consultation to explore your needs and desires for growth, healing, and regeneration.
Regenerate. Heal. Grow.
Living Soil Institute
Milwaukie, OR 97222
Contact
jaime@jaimemathis.com
(503) 708-3249