How do we awaken ourselves? How do we awaken others? Leaning on Cedars helps awaken something in us by evoking our many stories of initiation. I think Shurtleff’s writing helps us see. Relevant to us all—especially for those in their 20’s and 30’s—this book echoes our collective and urgent need for clear perception. To have written this story in his early twenties, you have to have your eyes wide open. Something about the idea of cedars moves me. We all need cedar trees. We all need to take time to stop and reflect. I wish I had written the book myself.”