The Way Of The Zen Cowboy

Book excerpt: The Way Of The Zen Cowboy: Fireside Stories From A Globetrotting Rhythmatist is a new collection of 35 short stories from Grammy-winning percussionist, composer, and storyteller Barrett Martin. These stories are based on personal experiences around the world, as well as wisdom tales heard from indigenous people, grandparents, and some of the cowboys and veterans he was mentored by. The stories are built around themes important to the development of a human being, particularly as we become wiser stewards of the Earth and each other, those being: the cultivation of a spiritual practice; the development of one's character; the appreciation of music; a deep reverence for the environment; the importance of an astute political mind; the honoring of ancient wisdom; and the beautiful, ephemeral essence of the human soul. The book also comes with a digital download of the new double album from the Barrett Martin Group, "Songs Of The Firebird," which are 20 instrumental songs that serve as a soundtrack to the stories.