Nature's Silent Message

by Scott Stillman

The Earth is trying to teach us to live better. To lead richer, happier lives.

Will we continue down the limited path of the mechanical mind?

Or will we tune into ultimate intelligence? The same intelligence that allows blood to flow through our veins, bees to pollinate flowers, birds to fly south, salmon to spawn, whales to migrate, caterpillars to become butterflies, the Earth to rotate, the moon to orbit, and the rest of nature to function perfectly of its own accord?

We have access to nature’s silent message—if we take the time to listen.

In this spellbinding collection, Stillman guides us from the lush forests of the North Cascades, through the sandstone slot canyons of Utah, and into the border country of extreme southern Arizona. In this classroom, we learn not from books, nor words, nor lectures. Wilderness is the school of life, where we learn not from that which thinks—but that which knows.

Nature’s Silent Message suggests the existence of something far greater than what we see on the surface. It’s about breaking through old patterns so that new ones may emerge.

The message is simple and pure, but when you try to define it, it vanishes into thin air. And in that vanishing, you find it again. Like a beautiful butterfly that can never be caught. Try and catch her and she’ll drive you mad, eluding you forever. But learn to fly with her, and all the wonders of the world will be shown, and all the answers to your questions be known.

Get it now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Nature, Book Club

168 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2020

Reviews

[Jason Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read concerning the human connection to the outdoors. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!

[Christie Bane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was soooooooo good when it was literally describing nature and the author's experience of it, in beautiful places all over the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. But when it switched from literal nature to the author rhapsodizing about how nature is critical and is the answer to all that ails us, it got tedious. For me, reading this book jumped back and forth from total, delicious immersion in slot canyons and forests to dutiful plowing through too many paragraphs about how wonderful nature is and how much we need it. It was like it was trying to convince me of something I already completely know to be true. It did, however, make me desperate to get back to the wild places of the Southwest, so it was overall a winner even though the drag at times makes it impossible for me to rate higher than 3.

[Amanda Geoppinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book by Stillman, I bought a copy of his 2nd book as soon as I found out there was a follow up. Glad I did. I was involved in reading this book from the first page until the last. This was one of my reads during the Covid lock down time and was a nice escape from the world around me, definitely what the soul needed. If you love travel, nature, or just love to read, pick up a copy of this book. Worth the time.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spot on!

If I had the talent required to write a book about how I feel about the wilderness, this would be it. I’ve never been able to put into words how I feel when I am alone in the wilderness. The author of this book articulated it perfectly. There is just something soul-healing about being in nature that isn’t available anywhere else. I’m torn between wanting to tell the whole world about how wonderful it is and keeping it to myself.

[Anne Steckowych · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you often feel suffocated by the confines of modern civilization and long for nature after a string of shifts in a hospital without fresh air (ok im being a lil dramatic but still), give this book a read. It'll ground you and remind you of the important of escaping, or rather returning, to the wilderness for comfort and transcendence.

[Brad Askins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read if you are at all interested in personal growth and nature

[Kelsey Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wilderness is my church, my savior, my instructor. She teaches us Truth and that which can only be experienced by the soul.”

2nd one of Stillman’s books that I have read. I melt into his stories and they take me back to my hikes and travels.

[Josh reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Scott Stillman’s second volume on nature and the wisdom he shared based on his experiences. There are so many quotable moments in Scott’s books, definitely worth a read. I look forward to future volumes written by this author.

[Teresa Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nature lovers dream

[Lisa Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature getaway

This book allowed me to escape to a much needed quiet place especially during these challenging times. It calmed me and grounded me each night before going to sleep. If you feel at peace while being cage-free, this is the book for you. Nature has a way of recalibrating a mind, body and soul!

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stillman delivers a masterpiece.

Solomon's deep, spiritual writing lifts you above the mundane, and allows you to soar with Nature, taking in all of Her wonders. He is a poet, a scribe, and dream weaver. He will take your heart on an adventure.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature writing at it’s finest

I absolutely love Scott Stillman’s books and his views on nature and our relationships with nature. This book was another 5 star gem that I plan on reading again and again.

[Rick Overholt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An escape to truth

A totally refreshing way to look at nature and wilderness as you never have before. Read this and escape the madness of civilization and you just may gain an understanding of your own souls need to reconnect with the earth.

[Phillip Block]

Good read for the inner backpacker (and philosopher) in you!

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

His nature and landscape description are fun to read.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel the core purpose of this book is simple - go outside, enjoy the wilderness. The author achieves this through a series of mental diatribes that are likely harvested from notes jotted down during his travels to wilderness areas in the Western United States. I found the narrative erratic and verbose which, unfortunately, detracted from the core message. Proclamations about how people should not save for retirement in order to achieve communion with nature, as well as other statements seemed to apply only to readers with privileges that some others may not have. Other esoteric statements further detracted from the core message, such as "tune back in to the frequency of the Earth." I'm afraid I did not find this neither actionable nor enlightening. But, please, go out and enjoy nature.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the short chapters with clear descriptions and messages that can be read when you have a few minutes to escape the rat race. I’m a car camper, not a backpacker, but I enjoyed and understood most of the author’s messages because I share the belief that getting out in nature heals the soul of a weary human trapped in the thought-heavy world. I’ve experienced most of the places included in the book, to a lesser degree than the author who does full immersion, and will continue as I age, for the benefits described. The chapter, Thank God for Public Land, is especially relevant today as public lands are being opened to mining and drilling for the financial benefit of a privileged few, and I will use some quotes from the chapter to write my elected representatives.

[Bob Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and insightful, I initially found this author to be a bit “preachy” in his attempt to reduce every working person to a victim of personal choice. As I read on, I began to gain an understanding of the segues into the writer’s opinion on the interweaving relationships between nature and the natural rhythms of human life. I’ve spent time in Yosemite and Zion, as well as the desert, and I’ve marveled at the beauty of each, being drawn back in memories if not physically possible. This book may not appeal to all, but if you have a mind to hear nature’s silent message, there is much to be found here.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author definitely seems to come from privilege. He suggests nature and wilderness are our greatest needs but that’s not accessible for everyone. If we made a paved path to make it more accessible for others with differing ability levels I have no doubt he’d be pissed. I loved his descriptions of the canyons and water he interacted with but I would have appreciated if he better acknowledged that his experience is not possible for everyone. The closest he gets to this is saying that he’s grateful for his legs. Kinda feels like any other privileged male written book about nature.

[Karen Repka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a strong nature lover, and I certainly agree with Scott Stillman‘s message to rediscover and appreciate nature firsthand , but I felt like I was being lectured ! He needed an editor… He got his message through quite clearly in the first quarter of the book! I loved his descriptions of the Pacific Northwest and especially of Utah, Arizona and Colorado ‘s natural areas, but I could have done without his sermonizing! Frankly, if we all adapted his lifestyle, I think our society would come to a major halt! He lives in a bit of a dreamworld!

[Joe Hauglie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My $0.02...
Perhaps Ed Abbey had drafts such as this. I suppose there's two sides to every discussion about self-publishing...
Stillman's fundamental argument is that we need to get outdoors more and *be* in nature. Agreed. However, he could have used the effort expended to write the last 1/3 of the book and a couple cups of coffee (or pints of beer) to justify the use of an editor, and it would have been a much stronger read.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sort of writing that transports you to the location so you are able to feel the cool breeze, the hot rocks, hear the bird calls. The author speaks to the importance of having a connection with nature and the cost of not being able to get out in it, while not saying every place should be returned to the pre-human state of wildness. In stead he focuses on how fortunate we are to have so many places to step into and explore, and the importance of not losing them.

[Gabriel J. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It appears to mostly be journal entries written down in the wilderness while the author is camping, but it’s full of wisdom and deep philosophical thoughts. The author is very in touch with nature and the earth and all its beauty and inhabitants, and earnestly encourages everybody else to be this way as much as possible as well. There’s a lot of wonderful messages in his writing.

[Katharine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to read this book. I am a nature lover and thought this would be inspirational and help me reinforce my love of nature. I was hoping it would also give me more ways to share my love of nature with others and encourage them as well. I just felt like it was self-serving on the author's part. I could not get into it and did not finish.

[Jon Herrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stillman takes readers for yet another delightful walk through nature. He sees what is before him and what might be invisible to the human eye--like the impact being in nature has on us. Stillman remains a strong and important voice in our nation as we continue to see "nature" as a natural resource to be developed or plundered.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a quick read with a great message about the benefits of being in nature. Disconnect as a prescription for happiness.
Hiking has become so popular in the PNW that it can be difficult to find solitude without going on an extended backpacking trip, sounds like I need to try the desert.

[Louis Baggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Adventure of Living or the Wilderness Goal

Fascinating adventures in the wilderness. I have a friend that has done the PCT several times. Very similar thoughts. Nature is a great school master. We must pay attention in class. Failure can be fatal.

[Nora Renée Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple and profound work of art. I think that the way we primarily live is a mistake. A book about reconnecting with what we have always been (part of the Earth and not separate from it) is an important read. Thank you for creating this gem, Scott Stillman!

[Sarah Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slender collection of love letters to being not just in nature but hiking further into the silence of wild spaces. There the author finds earnest insights about nature’s impact on humanity and personal revelations.

[Chris Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book! Scott’s love of nature and wilderness comes to life on the pages of this adventure through the backcountry .