Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.
- Thomas Merton
Me
Hello Friends! My name is Shelby Matussak. I just want to laugh, love, and make good art. I believe myself to be a Passionate and Creative individual. There are many things I am passionate about and these passions have a direct relation to my existence and it's fulfillment. Most of my passions are related to creative expressions. There is a sublime essence to an individual's freedom in natural creativity. The reward for such expression is one of great self accomplishment and often actualization. Most of my passions also involve the outdoors and all it's delights. I achieve an incredible insurmountable amount of bliss through Nature's unsurpassed beauty and offerings. Being in touch with my natural planet physically and emotionally reciprocates an internal euphoria that allows me to enjoy my existence more fully and peacefully. I believe that all can share such ideals through Nature and it's rewards.
Over the past two years
one of the most influential activities has been Slacklining and all the
fruitful lessons it has taught me. Slacklining exudes some very simple concepts that are easily relatable to life. What exactly is slacklining? A slackline is a one inch piece of webbing stretched between two points with which one balances upon, walks, and poses. It takes an indescribable amount of focus and effort. When on the line there is a complete disconnect with everything and at the same time just the opposite. The movement of the line, the movement of your body, and of your mind are all centering and simplifying. One empties their mind and becomes a fluid force with one's environment. It's about balance, breathing, and centering. It's meditative, physical, reflective, and connective. Here are some links that might help explain.
A news piece on Highlining in Moab, UT
Slackline Yoga, Centering, Relaxing, Peace.
Some Highlining at Smith Rock
Skyliners
Slacklining has taught me how slow down in life and become centered with my environment. It has showed me patience, balance, discipline, and peace. There's something special about being encompassed with practice in something so pure and beautiful such as slacklining while being surrounded by something so pure and beautiful such as Nature.
My Campaign
I wish to journey across the West from Arkansas to the coast and back stopping at as many National Forests, Parks, and Monuments along the way. Throughout this journey I hope to spread exposure and knowledge about slacklining and it's valuable lessons to as many individuals as possible. I hope to influence others to find more simplicity, balance, peace, and grounding in their lives through slacklining and Nature as the most efficient tools. I hope to expose others and myself to the Natural beauties our phenomenal Nation has to offer and learn as many lessons as possible. I have been searching for a journey as such for my whole life and now is probably the best time for me to accomplish it. I hope to come out of this experience with a greater value and understanding for life.
The best and safest thing is to keep balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.
- Euripides
I graduated with a BA in 2010 and have since then waded about in various conquests for money to pay off the debt my education has supplied me and at the same time be as satisfied with my existence as possible. It has been really hard balancing the two. I will be saving as much as possible between now and March 2014 to cover the following monthly expenses:
- $230 Student debt repayment
- $150 Insurance
- $80 Connection to outside world (phone bill)
$500ish total
All the actual costs of the trip is what I'm trying to raise. That's why I'm asking my family and friends to help me achieve this life goal. All funds raised will be going towards my trip. Meaning, I will go as far the contributions will allow. The bulk of this cost being gas with which to carry me about. The other main cost will be food. Beyond that I will be camping mostly and calling on the aid of good people for other sleeping arrangements.
In return I've designed some fun perks! They're over there in the sidebar --------->
I am requesting your address for these perks primarily for the opportunity to possibly send you some sort physical gratitude at some point.
Help me spread knowledge and understanding through simplicity. Help me teach others to be more in touch with their environment, with themselves. Help me spread importance of centering, grounding, and reflective/meditative peace. Help me experience a journey of a lifetime. Help me learn more about myself. Help me experience the Natural beauties this Nation has to offer while at the same time aiding others in sharing the experience. I understand if you can't contribute financially (hence the campaign). But, simply sharing my goal with others could also be a big help. Indiegogo is good with helping you share.
We all are driven towards such goals and lessons. Now's my time. Thanks for your time and donations. Love you. Shelby