Mining Authenticity: not all that glitters is Gold

How re-routing empathy motivates conflict transformation

On the long stretch of land that winds along the Central Coast of California, you will find sloping green hills that cut into the cold Pacific Ocean and stretches of land defined by the reach and fall of old oak trees.
The people who live in this area live mostly unbothered by the seeming contradiction of gun ownership and organic produce and live comfortably year-round wearing socks and sandals. A particular hour of the day on the Central Coast is called the “golden hour,” when the light hits and everything glows with an Aurelian lustre.

It seems as if the gold rush promise in the hills might still pan out during this time. But, it is just a feeling inspired by the light.

Go and dig a hole along the coast; the odds are you will find only dirt. Not that there isn’t history, but the land hasn’t recorded the consequences of past actions through the concrete memories of lost civilizations.
However, suppose you place your shovel in just the right longitudinal meter and dig below the frost line. In that case, you will discover an illuminated material that holds the same universal fascination, potential for destruction, and symbolism for transcendent hope as those original bittersweet golden…