Just Love Forest

A 716 acre nature sanctuary in the Appalachian foothills of Poetry, Georgia

A sacred forest & Community for Healing IN NATURE

FOUNDED IN 2020 | ROOTED IN THE PRACTICE OF FOREST THERAPY (Shinrin-Yoku)

Inspired by the teachings and devotional path of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass

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Each week, we share reflections from the forest and invitations to upcoming retreats, gatherings, and ways to connect more deeply with the land.

Upcoming Experiences

Ashram Green Burial Hermitage

In a time of deep disconnection, we offer something rare:
A sacred forest and a circle of people who care.

At the heart of Just Love Forest is the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. It is a simple way of being with nature that awakens the senses and helps us reconnect with the living world. Here, the forest is not a backdrop. It is a teacher helping us remember that we are nature. We don’t just walk through it. We listen. We allow it to change us.
Just Love LLC hosts financially accessible gatherings. This includes community weekends, restorative retreats, hermitage experiences and nature-based education programs. These are offered through , a membership-based community. Members may stay overnight outside of scheduled gatherings, while non-members are welcome to join day programs and events.
Just Love Forest Ashram hosts Bhakti Yoga gatherings and devotional practices. These are open to all people and practices, rooted in compassion.
We steward this land, including our green burial grounds, perpetually protected under conservation easement, through long-term ecological practices.

THE FACES OF JUST LOVE FOREST

Two men smiling and sharing a moment outdoors, with one sitting and holding a baby, while the other stands and pours a beverage into a cup, in a wooded area with a cabin in the background.

Three women taking a selfie on a forest trail with fallen leaves, standing in front of a wooden sign that reads 'Bhakti Mountain Summit'.

Two people smiling and taking a selfie in a forested area with trees and a trail.

People outdoors laughing and enjoying themselves in a wooded area, some with arms raised and smiling.

A man sitting cross-legged on grass outdoors, gesturing with his hand, next to a wooden box with buttons. A woman sits nearby on a colorful blanket. Background includes trees and outdoor furniture.

A woman with red hair wearing a blue shirt holds a small dog with curly fur and a blue harness, sitting outdoors in a park with greenery in the background.

Group of people outdoors in a wooded area, gathered around a man showing an object in a blue container.

A woman standing on a wooden floor inside a yurt, wearing a pink hat, a colorful dress with mushroom and plant prints, an apron, and sandals, speaking and holding a piece of paper, with other people and supplies seated at tables around her.

Group of fifteen people, both men and women, smiling and standing together in a forested area with green leaves and trees in the background

Two women with tattoos and hats practicing yoga outdoors on a grassy field with trees and mountains in the background, holding hands and balancing on one leg.

Two men standing outdoors in a wooded area, smiling and with arms around each other. One man has a gray beard, wearing a blue knit cap and a green long-sleeve shirt. The other man has a beard, wearing a black baseball cap and a black hoodie.

A woman taking a selfie outdoors during sunset in a grassy field with trees in the background.

Two people sitting on a red all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in a wooded camping area with tents in the background.

Person sitting cross-legged on a green mat in a wooded area, surrounded by fallen autumn leaves and green plants.

A group of people smiling and posing outdoors in front of a tent, with some making hand gestures, and a woman sitting with a large dog, surrounded by trees.

A woman with long dreadlocks and a colorful headband sits on a rug, pouring a liquid from a ladle into a cup inside a yurt. A man stands nearby, wearing dark pants and a dark top, observing. The yurt has wooden flooring, a lattice wall, and a door wi

A man with a beard and long hair, wearing a beige shirt and a cap, is standing outdoors in a wooded area. He is reaching up to pick a white flower from a branch of a flowering plant, with a smile on his face. The background shows trees and a blue sky

Man wearing a beige beanie and black jacket with a zipper, making a funny face with tongue out, holding an icicle in front of a tree with icicles hanging from it.

A young boy sitting outdoors surrounded by green trees and plants, playing a hand drum with his hand.

A woman with curly brown hair smiling and lying on her stomach on a moss-covered fallen tree in a forest, with her feet up in the air.

A young man with a beard and blonde hair receives glitter makeup on his cheek from a woman in an outdoor, wooded setting.

A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a gray poncho, sits in a wooded area with fallen leaves, holding a drum with a colorful bird design painted on it, while a person in a black jacket and pants stands nearby.

A man with a shaved head and a goatee dancing outdoors with his eyes closed and arms raised, surrounded by green trees.

A smiling woman and man holding yellow roses inside a yurt with wooden walls and colorful tapestry reading 'You Are The Universe' in the background.

Two smiling men with their arms around each other standing outdoors near a wooden structure in a forest with trees and pink blossoms.

Two women smiling in a forest with trees and rocks in the background.

Two men, one sitting on a chair and the other sitting on the ground, with a puppy in a forested area. The puppy is licking the face of the man sitting on the chair.

Two women standing outdoors in a wooded area. One woman has long dark hair, wearing a beige sweater and gray pants. The other has long white hair in a braid, wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans, holding a book. There is a colorful woven bag and a dec

An elderly woman with glasses, smiling, sitting in a garden surrounded by autumn leaves, holding a baby wrapped in a colorful blanket, with a cup of coffee or tea on the table in front of her.

Woman smiling in a white fur cape and wide-brimmed hat outdoors near a wooden yurt in a wooded area.

A family of three hugging outdoors in a wooded area. The woman, wearing a maroon beanie and a patchwork sweater, holds a baby dressed in green with a pink blanket. The man, in a gray hoodie, smiles next to them with trees and leaves in the background

A man with white hair and beard playing a drum while sitting on the floor in a yurt, with stacked gray cushions behind him and wooden lattice walls.

Two men standing outdoors in a wooded area with fallen leaves and small trees, smiling, one wearing a blue beanie and a green Smokey the Bear t-shirt, and the other wearing a black North Face hoodie and a cap that says 'PTL'.

A man with curly hair and a beard wearing a beige cowboy hat with a feather, gray sleeveless shirt, and jeans holding a small tan puppy with brown markings in a partially constructed wooden framework outdoors surrounded by green trees.

A woman is sitting on the floor, playing a large gong with a mallet. A young child, sitting on her lap, is holding and biting a mic, looking at the camera. The scene is indoors with a wooden floor, and a background with couch and blankets.

A woman is sitting cross-legged on a chair playing a drum, while others watch. There are colorful sticks on the floor and a drum beside her. The setting appears cozy with a wooden floor and a laced background.

A man in a yellow T-shirt with mushroom graphics and text, a wide-brim hat, and a necklace, standing outdoors in a dense green forest, gesturing with his hands.

Three women practicing yoga outdoors in a forest, sitting cross-legged with hands in prayer position and eyes closed.

Group of diverse women sitting on the floor in a yurt, engaging in a joyful activity or workshop, smiling and laughing.

A young woman meditating in a yurt with people lying on mats around her.

A smiling man with glasses, a beard, and a red dot on his forehead wearing a red shirt and an orange traditional garment with religious or cultural symbols, sitting inside a vehicle.

A smiling elderly woman with white hair and glasses, and a smiling young man with short brown hair, taking a selfie outside a house with a porch.

Man holding a rock at an archaeological excavation site in a wooded area with other volunteers working in the background.

A shirtless young man with curly hair stretching his arms behind his head in a forest during daytime.

A large group of smiling people gathered outdoors in a forest, sitting and standing on rocks with trees in the background. They are celebrating or enjoying a group activity, with many raising their hands and expressing happiness.

A woman with dark, curly hair, wearing an orange top and colorful skirt, is sitting on a rock outdoors at sunset or dusk, surrounded by flowers and spiritual objects, holding pink flowers with a joyful expression.

A man crouches by a pile of chopped firewood in a forested outdoor area, wearing a colorful traditional blanket and a beaded necklace.

Group of people practicing yoga outdoors in a forest with one man in the foreground with eyes closed and hands together in prayer position.

Group of eleven people smiling and posing for a photo on a forest trail, including men and women of various ages dressed in casual outdoor clothing, some wearing backpacks and hats, surrounded by leafless trees and fallen leaves.

A woman with dark hair tied back, sitting cross-legged on a couch with a pillow on her lap, writing in a notebook. She is inside a room with a wooden lattice window behind her, through which green foliage is visible.

Woman lying on a yoga mat outdoors, smiling, with hands on her chest, surrounded by green blurred trees and foliage.

A woman sitting outdoors in a green forest, examining a large mushroom. A man with long hair, beard, and a hat is sitting nearby.

A group of people practicing yoga outdoors in a green forest, with a man in focus wearing a blue tie-dye tank top, raising his arms with eyes closed.

A baby crawling on a yellow blanket outdoors, holding a stick in their mouth, with people and trees in the background.

Three women practicing yoga outdoors in a wooded area, sitting on mats with hands in prayer position, eyes closed, meditating.

Woman lying on the ground smiling with arms extended, outdoors on grass or dirt.

A young girl sitting on a wooden garden swing in a lush green outdoor setting.

Group of five people working outdoors in a wooded area, smiling and posing for the photo, with a wheelbarrow filled with dirt in the foreground.

A smiling woman with dark skin and curly hair, wearing a striped headband and a gray jacket, outdoors with green trees in the background.

A young woman with braided hair wearing a red sleeveless dress, black wide-brimmed hat with sunglasses on top, standing among green foliage, holding a small green fruit in one hand and a black object in the other, appearing to be in a conversation or

Two women sitting on a multicolored blanket in a wooded area, one with hands clasped in prayer and eyes closed, the other playing a guitar, with their belongings around them.

Two men smiling outdoors in a forest at sunset, one wearing glasses, a hat decorated with yellow flowers, and a beaded necklace, and the other in a red hoodie.

A teenage boy with dark hair smiling, wearing a light grey t-shirt, standing inside a structure with a wooden lattice ceiling and windows letting in natural light.

A man with long hair, a beard, and a tattooed arm smiling in a wooded outdoor setting, with a woman in the background.

Two women sitting outdoors in a lush green forest, engaging in conversation. One woman, in the foreground on the right, is blurry, holding a green fruit, wearing a beige tank top, and has tattoos on her arms. The other woman, in focus, on the left, i

A young man with red hair and a beard sleeping on his back on a mattress, with his hands resting on his chest, eyes closed, in a cozy bedroom with wooden furniture.

A man with a beard and a bald head sitting outdoors among trees and greenery, wearing a green shirt and camouflage pants, with his eyes closed and hands resting on his lap.

A smiling woman standing outdoors in a wooded area, wearing a pink t-shirt that says 'So Queer and Fearless' with floral designs, and decorated with glitter on her face.

Two women with glitter and face paint, one applying makeup to the other's face, in a dark setting.

A smiling young man and an elderly woman taking a selfie outdoors on a sunny day with a partly cloudy sky in the background.

A woman and three children sitting on the ground covered with fallen leaves in a wooded area on a sunny day. The woman is smiling, holding a baby in a yellow sweater and gray pants, who is sitting between her legs. Behind them, a young girl with long

Four people smiling and hugging outdoors under a canopy, with trees in the background.

Person wearing colorful, layered clothing and glasses playing a ukulele outdoors on a sunny day.

A woman with curly hair wearing a blue shirt and a backpack holding a piece of wood with white mushrooms growing on it in a forest.

Group of people sitting cross-legged with closed eyes in a cozy wooden yurt, participating in a meditation or mindfulness session.

Woman sitting cross-legged on wooden floor, holding a hammer and chisel, working on a wooden piece, with a green water bottle, orange buckets, and other tools around her, inside a wooden structure with greenery visible outside.

A smiling couple taking a selfie outdoors during evening hours. The man has a beard and is wearing a sleeveless shirt, and the woman has dark, curly hair and is wearing a sleeveless top. They are surrounded by trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Group of people sitting on a log in a forested area with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Two young girls with curly hair sitting outdoors at a table, focused on painting or drawing. They are surrounded by green foliage and sunlight filtering through the trees.

Two smiling men taking a selfie in a lush green forest.

A young woman smiling and giving a thumbs up in a lush green forest, wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt and a silver ring.

A man with long, curly hair and beard sitting cross-legged on a rug, holding a string of beads, surrounded by children and adults in a rustic indoor setting.

Group of four people sitting at a table outdoors in a wooded area, smiling after a meal with plates of food and bowls on the table.

A woman in a straw hat, sleeveless shirt, and black pants pushing a blue wheelbarrow filled with dirt through a forested area, smiling.

Group of nine people outdoors, some smiling, one in a wheelchair, on grass with trees and cloudy sky in background.

Group of seven diverse women and one man smiling outdoors in a forest.

A woman with a backpack and a green cushion standing between two trees in a forest.

An elderly woman with gray hair, glasses, and smiling, holding her hands near her face in a gesture of joy or surprise, sitting in front of green foliage.

A man smiling outdoors in a wooded area with budding trees and pink flowers in the background.

A woman sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, holding a large tan dog in her arms. The woman is smiling, and the environment appears to be a wooded area with trees and natural ground cover.

A smiling young woman and man standing outdoors on a trail in a wooded area with trees and pink blossoms, holding small cups, with a tent and other people in the background.

Two women standing close together outdoors in a wooded area, smiling at the camera. One woman has long dark hair, wearing a beige sweater and grey pants. The other woman has long light hair in a braid, wearing a pink patterned long-sleeve blouse and

A man wearing a green head covering holding a young girl with closed eyes, resting her head on his shoulder in a forest setting.

People practicing yoga outdoors in a wooded area with trees and greenery, with a woman in foreground wearing a colorful crocheted top and purple shorts.

NEW & NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

Community Weekends are designed to be easy and flexible, especially if you’re new.

You’re welcome to come just for the day, either Saturday or Sunday. There’s no expectation to participate in everything.

Come visit, make new friends, spend some time in the forest, and experience community.

Join us for the day

Come home to the forest

A view of a sunrise or sunset over a foggy valley with layers of hills in the distance, framed by trees and leaves in the foreground.

Sunset over a green meadow with trees and rolling hills in the background.

A silhouette of a person standing outdoors at night under a cloudy sky with the moon shining through the clouds.

A moss-covered rock formation in a lush green forest with dense foliage and tall trees.

Close-up of a moss-covered tree trunk in a lush green forest with various plants and trees in the background.

Group of people gathered around a colorful flower arrangement on a large paper inside a yurt, participating in a creative activity with flowers and craft materials.

A small stream flowing over moss-covered rocks in a dense green forest.

A man holding a feathered fan and a woman with outstretched arms in a forest setting.

Close-up of a mushroom growing among pine needles on forest floor, with a thin stem and a flat cap with gills underneath.

A foggy landscape with a grassy path, yellow wildflowers, and trees on the horizon.

Large layered rock formation in a wooded forest with green trees and foliage

Red wildflowers with elongated petals surrounded by green grass and natural ground.

A foggy forest path surrounded by tall trees and lush green foliage.

A man hiking in a lush green forest on a bright sunny day, wearing a gray cap, gray shirt, and a yellow backpack.

A black spider with long legs on green leaves, surrounded by plant vegetation.

A turtle with a patterned shell resting on fallen leaves on the ground, surrounded by green foliage.

Small bronze statue of a seated deity or figure, surrounded by green leaves, moss, rocks, and twigs in a natural setting.

Looking up at a tall tree with rough bark and a hollow cavity, surrounded by green leaves and blue sky.

A large green leaf with variegated green and lighter green patches, growing among brown fallen leaves and grass in a forest floor setting.

Cloudy sky over a grassy field with small trees and shrubs.

A lush green forest with a narrow dirt path winding through the trees, sunlit and peaceful.

Sunset over a silhouette of trees and a dark landscape, with a gradient sky transitioning from dark blue to orange near the horizon.

Colorful sunset sky with scattered clouds seen through trees in a natural landscape.

Looking up at a tree canopy with green leaves and branches against a blue sky with scattered white clouds.

A dog lying on the forest ground with trees and green foliage in the background, looking to the side.

Cluster of small yellow wildflowers with multiple buds and open blooms, set against grassy background.

Dense green forest with tall trees, leafy canopy, and a large moss-covered rock in the foreground.

A dense green forest with variety of trees, bushes, and grass on the ground, with a slight slope and some fallen branches.

A white mushroom growing among pine needles and leaves on the forest floor with green trees and foliage in the background.

A man standing on top of large rocks in a wooded area, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.

Scenic landscape of rolling hills with a cloudy sky in the background, illuminated by soft sunlight.

A camouflaged toad blending in with the leaf litter and twigs on the forest floor.

Sunlight rays shining through a dense green forest with tall trees and lush foliage.

A misty green landscape with trees and tall grass under a clear blue sky.

A white mug filled with hot water and submerged fresh rosemary sprigs on a dark kitchen countertop.

A single light purple flower with delicate petals surrounded by green leaves and tall grass.

A red mushroom with a rounded cap and textured stem growing among leaf litter on the forest floor.

Three mushrooms growing among fallen leaves and sticks on the forest floor.

Close-up of a brown and yellow mushroom growing among fallen leaves on the forest floor.

White morning glory flowers with purple centers growing among green leaves and soil.

A narrow dirt trail runs through a lush green forest with dense foliage on both sides and tall trees overhead.

From a low angle, looking up at a large, ancient tree with a thick trunk and sprawling branches in a green forest.

Yellow wildflower growing among green grass and brown leaves on the ground.

Open field with tall grasses and yellow flowers, green trees in the distance, and a partly cloudy blue sky.

Dirt trail winding through a lush green forested landscape with hills and partly cloudy sky in the background. A small dog is walking near a tall tree on the right side of the trail.

Close-up of white blackberry or raspberry flowers with green leaves in the background.

Landscape view of distant blue mountain ranges with green forest in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

A white tent set up in a dense green forest with tall trees and a fallen tree leaning in front of the tent.

Two bare feet standing on a moss and lichen-covered rock in a forest.

A small black and yellow moth resting on a person's finger in a natural outdoor setting with earth, rocks, and greenery in the background.

Two wooden Adirondack chairs in a grassy field with wildflowers, overlooking a lush green forest and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

A forest scene showing trees, moss-covered rocks, and a small stream.

A white mushroom growing on forest floor surrounded by dried leaves, pine needles, and small green plants, with blurred trees in the background.

Cluster of brown cup-shaped mushrooms growing on wood surrounded by forest debris.

Close-up of a flowering plant with white, elongated, fuzzy stamens and green leaves.

Close-up of green moss with tiny needle-like structures, accompanied by a dry leaf and small lichen patches.

A forest with tall trees, green grass, and spider webs. Part of a pink and gold-patterned mat or blanket is visible at the bottom of the image.

Close-up of a yellow-brown mushroom growing on the forest floor, with gills visible beneath the cap, surrounded by grass and leaves.

Mushrooms or fungi growing on the trunk of a tree in a forest, with green leaves and sunlight filtering through the canopy.

A large moss-covered rock in a forest with green plants and trees surrounding it.

A yellow mushroom with a slightly orange cap growing among fallen brown leaves on a forest floor.

A forest scene with tall trees, green foliage, and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

A scenic view through a dense green forest looking out to distant hills under a clear blue sky.

Sun partially obscured by clouds in the sky, creating a soft glow and scattered light across the cloud cover.

Night sky with clouds seen through the silhouettes of trees.

A mushroom with an orange cap and white stem growing among fallen leaves on a forest floor.

Various young plants and seedlings in black trays on bare soil, with a clear plastic water container nearby, in an outdoor garden bed.

A small garden with young plants and seedlings growing in soil, surrounded by trees and natural forest in the background.

Rock face with greenery, trees, and shrubs growing in a forested area.

Cloudy sky with the sun partially visible through the clouds, and the silhouette of trees in the foreground.

Layered moss-covered rocks in a dense green forest with trees and foliage

A small wooded area with a moss-covered, layered rock formation and a tiny waterfall with water flowing over it, surrounded by green trees and plants.

A rocky forest wall with moss and lichen, surrounded by dense green foliage.

A moss-covered rocky hillside with green plants, leaves, small bushes, and a dry, twisted stick leaning against the mossy rocks.

A sunny day over a green field with trees and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Close-up of a wheat stalk at sunset with a blurred sunset in the background.

Feet standing on rocks near a small rushing creek or stream with moss and greenery along the edges.

Close-up of a white mushroom growing on the forest floor among dried leaves and pine needles.

A yellow mushroom growing on a mossy forest floor with pine needles and grass, with trees in the background.

Sunlight filtering through treetops in a dense forest with green grass and fallen branches on the ground.

Scenic view of rolling hills and mountains during sunset, with a grassy foreground and trees in the middle ground.

Close-up of a white flower with a purple center, growing among dried leaves and green plants on the forest floor.

A woman crouching in a small stream surrounded by rocks and green foliage in a wooded area.

A close-up of a large, pale yellow mushroom growing among pine needles and forest debris, with trees and green foliage in the background.

Small orange mushrooms growing on soil and surrounded by green moss and small plants.

Yellow mushroom growing on forest floor surrounded by green plants, moss, and twigs.

Close-up of green and brown lichen on a rock surface.

A man with a backpack walking in a forest next to some large rocks and fallen leaves.

Close-up of a colorful mushroom with a yellow stem and orange cap with red and white patches, growing among fallen leaves and twigs on the forest floor.

A scenic view of rolling green hills under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A dense forest with numerous tall, thin trees and a forest floor covered in pine needles and fallen branches.

A shirtless man wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, standing in a forest with green leaves and trees in the background.

A landscape view of rolling green hills and dense trees with a mountain in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Sun rays breaking through clouds over a hilly landscape with trees in the foreground.

Sunset over mountain ridges with clouds in the sky.

Close-up of a mushroom with a broad, tan cap that has ridges along the edges, growing among leaves and grass on the forest floor.

Layered mountain ranges seen through trees with mist, in a hazy sunrise or sunset lighting.

Yellow mushroom growing among fallen leaves and twigs in a forest.

Close-up of a tall, green flowering plant with a long, upright stalk filled with small clustered buds or flowers, set against a landscape with trees and a sunset sky in the background.

Close-up of green leaves and stems of a plant growing among grass.

A landscape photo taken at dusk or dawn showing trees silhouetted against a sky with a crescent moon and a faint planet or star visible.

Sunset shining through a dense forest with tree branches and leaves, with some fallen branches and foliage on the forest floor.

Close-up of a yellow wildflower blooming amidst grass and dried twigs.

Close-up of a small orange mushroom with white spots growing on a forest floor covered with wood chips and leaves.

Close-up of green ivy leaves and stem with tendrils, with a black garden stake among the foliage.

A close-up photo of tree branches and green leaves with a cloudy sky visible in the background.

A scenic view of a forested mountain landscape with rolling green hills, distant mountain ridges, and a partly cloudy sky.

Person feeding donkeys near a fence in a wooded outdoor area on a sunny day.

A person feeding a group of donkeys in a grassy enclosure, with some donkeys eating carrots from the person's hand.

Scenic view of layered mountains and rolling hills at sunset, with a sky filled with soft pastel clouds and a foreground of green trees.

Sunset shining through a dense forest with tall trees and green foliage.

A man hiking in a forest with a small dog in his backpack, the dog sticking its head out and panting.

Sun shining through dense green leaves in a forest with a large, gnarled tree at the center.

Person with a backpack touching a large, old tree with sprawling branches in a lush green forest.

A large tree with a thick trunk and expansive branches in a forest with dense trees and green foliage, sunlight filtering through the leaves on the ground.

A mountain landscape with forested hills, mist or smoke rising from the slopes, under a partly cloudy sky.

A dirt trail running through a forested area with green trees and bushes on either side. There are two small stone structures, one on each side of the trail, and a fallen log on the left side of the path. A plastic water bottle is seen on the ground

A view of a mountain with a lightning storm in the distance, framed by trees and vegetation in the foreground.

Silhouette of tall pine trees against a cloudy sky.

Close-up of an orange mushroom growing on mossy forest floor surrounded by green leaves and trees.

A forest floor covered with brown, wet leaves, with several greenish rocks clustered together in the center. Tall trees with green leaves surround the scene, and a fallen branch stretches across the background.

A small creek with clear water flowing through a forested area, surrounded by green plants, moss-covered rocks, and fallen tree branches.

Close-up of moss growing on a fallen log in a forest with trees and green foliage in the background.

Close-up of moss-covered tree trunk and branches with sunlight shining through the trees in the background.

Close-up of moss-covered tree logs in a green forest with tall trees and scattered sunlight

Colorful bracket fungi growing on a dead tree trunk in a forest, with layers of green, red, pink, and orange.

Fungi growing on decaying tree trunk with green moss, fallen leaves, and small plants around.

Small brown mushroom growing among green moss and decaying wood in a forest.

A view of a lush green forest with trees in the foreground and rolling hills and mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Scenic view of a lush green landscape with trees and shrubs in the foreground, rolling hills or mountains in the background, and a partly cloudy sky above.

Dark cloudy sky over a green, hilly landscape with a leafless tree on the left.

Close-up of white mushrooms growing on a moss-covered tree trunk in a forest.

Group of people outdoors during sunset, with one woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a colorful poncho, and two other individuals, one man and another woman, standing around a table with desserts and beverages.

Close-up of a purple and white thistle flower with spiny green leaves, set against a blurred green forest background.

A pink thistle flower with spiny green leaves in a forest setting, with a blurry background of trees.

Cluster of orange coral fungi growing among pine needles and fallen leaves on a forest floor.

Cluster of wild mushrooms growing among fallen leaves and twigs on the forest floor.

A fungus growing on the forest floor among leaves and sticks.

Person lying in a lime green and beige hammock, looking up at the tall trees and blue sky in a lush forest.

Yellow Wildflowers growing in a wooded area with trees and green foliage in the background.

Sky during sunset with dark clouds and silhouettes of trees and hills in the foreground.

A small red mushroom with a yellowish stem growing among wood chips on the forest floor.

Close-up of a yellow wildflower with a small insect on one of its petals, in a field of similar yellow flowers and green foliage.

Silhouetted trees against a pastel-colored sky during sunset or sunrise.

A small wooden toy piano set outdoors in a wooded area, placed on a red and orange patterned mat, with a blue mug filled with water and a hand resting on the mat.

A person driving a utility vehicle near a large tree in a forest.

A person's hand holding a small branch of a plant with pink and orange berries, and green leaves in a natural outdoor setting.

Five women sitting cross-legged on a couch with eyes closed, meditating, in a wooden yurt or similar structure, with papers, mugs, and a towel on the floor.

Close-up of a branch with green leaves and small, ripening apples.

Three purple mushrooms growing on a fallen log in a forest, surrounded by dry leaves and small plants.

A small forest creek flowing through a mossy forest, surrounded by trees and green foliage.

A small stream flowing through a lush green forest with moss-covered rocks and dense foliage.

A lush green forest with sunlight filtering through the trees, a small creek running through the ground, surrounded by moss and plants.

A close-up of a red flower with narrow, elongated petals and green leaves, growing near a small stream or muddy water area.

A close-up of a yellow flowering plant with green leaves and grass in the background.

A purple wildflower with multiple small flowers on a tall stem, growing in a forest with green trees and a leaf-covered ground.

Tall trees in a dense forest with sunlight filtering through the green leaves.

A close-up of a small evergreen plant with dark green leaves featuring light green or white central veins, growing amidst leaf litter and small twigs on the forest floor.

Close-up of moss and lichen growing on damp forest ground among fallen leaves and twigs.

Person holding several ripe, partially eaten persimmons with orange flesh visible inside.

Close-up of a young tree trunk growing from mulch ground with small wood chips and bark, surrounded by soil and debris.

A large tree with a twisted trunk and expansive branches in a forest clearing, with a utility vehicle underneath the tree and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Sunset over rolling hills and green fields with trees in the foreground.

View of a mountain landscape with tall brown grasses in the foreground, trees, distant mountains, and a partly cloudy sky.

Autumn forest with red and orange fall leaves on a branch in the foreground, trees with colorful foliage in the background.

Person with curly hair taking a photo or looking through binoculars in a grassy field with rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background.

People practicing yoga outdoors in a forested area during autumn, sitting on yoga mats with fallen leaves and trees in the background.

A dirt path winds through a forest with colorful autumn leaves in red, yellow, and green.

People working on an archaeological dig in a forested area, excavating and clearing a circular area in the ground with shovels, tools, and wheelbarrows.

A small fire pit made of medium-sized rocks, with charred wood and logs inside, on a patch of grass and dirt, with a wooden chair nearby.

A black bowl containing cooked mushrooms and herbs in a broth, placed on a ground covered with dry leaves and twigs.

A forest scene with tall trees and colorful autumn leaves in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green.

A forest with trees displaying vibrant fall foliage in yellow, orange, and red colors.

Person standing barefoot on mossy stone ledge overlooking a small rushing stream with fallen autumn leaves on the rocks and water.

View of a forest seen from inside a camping tent, with trees displaying fall foliage in orange, yellow, and green, and fallen leaves on the ground.

A group of people sitting in a circle on a forest floor covered with fallen leaves, engaging in a discussion or activity, with trees and autumn foliage in the background.

A forest in autumn with trees displaying orange, yellow, and green leaves.

A person and a dog on a wooden platform outdoors at sunset. The person is leaning over, feeding the dog, which is sitting and reaching up. The landscape has trees and a setting sun in the background.

Three people standing in a grassy field near trees, with blue sky and clouds overhead, one person pointing toward the horizon.

People practicing yoga outdoors in a wooded area during autumn with a large tree and a blue sky.

A person holding a heart-shaped green leaf in a forest setting, with dry leaves and branches on the ground in the background.

A close-up of a white mushroom growing on the forest floor among brown leaves, twigs, and pine needles, with green foliage and trees in the background.

Close-up of a person's hands holding soil or compost over a wheelbarrow.

View of the sky with clouds, surrounded by tree branches with some leaves and some bare branches.

A man dressed in outdoor clothing, including a beanie and sunglasses, sitting cross-legged on the forest floor with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees with mostly bare branches, under a clear blue sky.

Person with backpack taking a photo of a mountain landscape with trees and clear blue sky.

A leafless tree with a few remaining leaves standing in a field under a bright blue sky with the sun shining, distant hills in the background.

Sunlight filtering through trees over a rocky, wooded hillside with fallen leaves on the ground.

View looking up at a rocky cliff with trees and branches above, some leaves changing color, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Looking up at tall trees with mostly bare branches against a bright blue sky, some trees have a few green leaves.

Sun shining through leafless trees in a forest, casting light on the brown fallen autumn leaves covering the ground.

Close-up of green ferns growing on a forest floor with fallen leaves, a fallen log, and sunlight shining through trees in the background.

Three men work on installing a ladder across a large fallen tree in a wooded area, with tools and equipment nearby.

View of a person's feet inside a circular wooden structure with an opening at the top, allowing sunlight to shine through.

A person holding a delicate light purple and white wildflower with a green forest background.

Close-up of purple flowers with yellow stamen and green leaves in soil.

A person standing outdoors in a forested area during sunset, with the sun shining through tall trees and a beam of sunlight extending across the image.

A lit canvas tent with a conical shape, illuminated from inside, standing in darkness at night.

People sitting around a campfire outdoors during dusk or night, with trees in the background.

Group of six people standing outdoors in a wooded area, some carrying green cushioned seats, and one person gesturing with their hand, while another is speaking, under a clear blue sky.

A white mug filled with water and floating pink flower petals on a wooden surface.

Four people sitting on the ground in a wooded area with leafless trees, a blue sky, and a small white tent in the background.

A metal bowl containing a salad with green leafy vegetables, diced potatoes, and pink edible flowers.

A white bowl containing sliced chicken topped with a creamy green herb sauce, sprinkled with herbs and garnished with purple flowers. The bowl is on a wooden table with a can of green-labeled food nearby.

A large bowl filled with a frothy, pinkish drink, with a person holding a metal straw, wearing a colorful shirt and a plaid garment in the background.

A forested outdoor area during dusk with tall trees, a dirt path, a string of colorful prayer flags hanging between trees, and a small building with a lights.

Pink flowering branches in front of a sunlit forest with a wooden structure in the background.

Stack of cut logs in a wooded forest area during sunset.

A hammock with a pink and orange geometric pattern hanging between two trees in a wooded area during sunset.

Yellow and black butterfly perched on a brown rock outdoors with dry leaves and green plants in the background.

Young fiddlehead ferns emerging from a leaf-covered forest floor in early spring.

Solar panels installed on the ground in a wooded area with trees and blue sky in the background.

A smiling woman and man taking a selfie in front of a colorful prayer or meditation altar on a wooden floor. The woman holds a yellow rose, and the altar is decorated with candles, flowers, tarot cards, and various fabric-covered objects.

A circular arrangement of items and colorful cloths on a woven round rug, with a centerpiece of flowers and candles, in a room with wooden floors and yurt-like walls, featuring a woman sitting behind a display of spiritual or cultural objects.

Man sitting cross-legged on floor with hands in prayer position, in a room with wooden wall and flowering plant in foreground.

Two people sitting cross-legged on the floor with various objects, including a framed picture, flowers, and musical instruments, in front of a colorful, patterned tapestry with the words 'You Are the Universe' and 'All Form' displayed.

Group of people gathered outdoors in front of a yurt, holding flowers, smiling.

Five people standing behind a picnic table outdoors, smiling, with food and supplies on the table, trees, and a cloudy sky in the background.

A wooded outdoor scene at sunset with tall trees, pink flowering trees, and a white tent among the trees. Wooden chairs are in the foreground on the ground.

A forested area with leafless and some budding trees under a cloudy sky with sunlight peeking through.

Two people sitting on a blanket around a campfire in a wooded area with a woman speaking and a man listening, surrounded by trees and outdoor camping gear.

Close-up of icicles hanging from a rock face with snow on the ground and tree branches in the background under a clear blue sky.

A woman smiling outdoors in a wooded area, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, a backpack, and a bandana around her neck.

A human hand touching light green and blue lichen growing on a rock surface surrounded by darker moss and small fallen leaves.

Group of people sitting on the floor in a circle around a display of flowers, surrounded by candles and decorative items, in a cozy room with wooden floors and yurt-style walls.

Two people embracing inside a yurt, one with long hair wearing a black beanie, and the other with a gray beanie and a striped blanket or shawl.

Group of people standing in a forest clearing, participating in a ceremony with a small mound of soil, with a yurt in the background.

A group of people sitting cross-legged outdoors in a forest clearing, with a man in the foreground speaking or leading a discussion, using a wooden box or instrument on the ground. The scene is sunny with lush green trees in the background.

A woman in a knit hat and colorful jacket placing a wrapped gift or memorial item into the ground in a wooded area, surrounded by several other people, some children, and a tent in the background.

A young woman with long brown hair and earrings is kneeling in a forest, holding a decorated drum with a colorful hummingbird illustration. She appears to be in a meditation or ceremonial pose, with eyes closed and a calm expression. An individual in

A man in a green polo shirt and denim overalls raises his arms with palms facing forward in a forest setting, eyes closed, appearing relaxed or meditative.

A woman with a beaded bracelet gently touches the forehead of a man with his eyes closed in a peaceful setting.

A smiling man stands outdoors in a forest, holding a large cooked potato. He is wearing a black T-shirt with a beaded necklace and black pants, with trees and green leaves in the background.

People gathered in a lush, wooded outdoor setting with tents and booths, participating in a social or community event. One woman in a red top and patterned skirt is leading or speaking with her arms raised, while others are listening, talking, or tak

People participating in an outdoor yoga class in a forest, with a woman in the foreground performing a yoga pose on a mat and others in the background practicing yoga.

People gathered around a flower and candle memorial on a circular woven rug, decorated with pink and white roses, yellow flowers, candles, and various natural objects, indoors with wooden floor and seating in the background.

People practicing yoga outdoors in a forest, standing with arms raised, eyes closed, and hands together in prayer position.

A scenic landscape with a view of rolling hills and a partly cloudy sky, framed by leafless trees in the foreground, during sunset or sunrise.

A white tent set up in a wooded area with tall trees and pink flowering branches in spring.

A group of people gathered outdoors on a grassy field during sunset, some holding drinks and musical instruments, with a scenic background of trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.

Interior of a yurt with a circular wooden floor, cushioned chairs around the perimeter, and a central arrangement of decorative items and singing bowls. The ceiling is conical with wooden beams and ceiling fans, and windows around the walls allow nat

A woman with blond hair holding a large, circular hand drum with a tree shadow cast on its surface during an outdoor event.

Three people cooking outdoors under a canopy. A woman with blond hair and a colorful blanket holds a white mug, a man with a beard is cooking food, and a young person in a blue t-shirt is preparing food on a wooden table with a small portable stove.

A group of three people outdoors, with two men and one woman, hugging and smiling. One man is wearing an orange cap and a pink shirt, and the woman is wrapped in a colorful woven blanket. The third man is wearing glasses, a hat, and a dark shirt, and

A group of people sitting in a circle on colorful mats around a fire pit in a forest, participating in a gathering or workshop, with trees and tents in the background.

Group of people gathered outdoors in a wooded area, listening to a woman wearing a large hat and colorful blouse, possibly on a guided nature walk or outdoor class.

A person lying on a bed inside a triangular tent with red and white fabric, with luggage and personal items around.

Two men hugging inside a yurt, with several people sitting in the background, during a celebration or gathering.

A metal spiritual figure with four heads and multiple arms attached to a tree trunk in a wooded area.

A slice of cheesecake topped with red fruit sauce, a dollop of raspberry, edible flowers, and mint leaves, on parchment paper

Your Guides

James Bala Yancey, Founding Steward

Certified Forest Therapy Guide & Meditation Teacher

I believe that nature doesn’t just heal us. It reminds us who we are.

My journey began with trails and rivers, working on mountain paths in New Mexico, guiding canoe expeditions in the wilderness of Minnesota. But it was a spiritual awakening during meditation in 2017 that changed everything. I had a vision of a forest for healing - not just as a refuge, but as a living community for remembrance, and return.

That vision became Just Love Forest.

Rooted in the teachings of Ram Dass and the lineage of Neem Karoli Baba, I now serve as Founding Steward of this 716-acre sanctuary in Poetry, Georgia. Here, I guide others through forest therapy, nature-based retreats, spiritual discovery, grief rituals, and green burial. But more than anything, I listen to the land, to the moment, and to what’s ready to unfold.

Whether you come to this forest to breathe, to heal, to celebrate, or to say goodbye, it is my honor to welcome you, just as you are.

Nivay sahaye, head steward

Student of the Land

I did not choose this work lightly. My name carries a call to fearless service, and the forest has taught me what that requires.

Through my direct, lived experience - living with the seasons, tending the earth, and cultivating stillness over time. I steward the land, the community, and the Green Burial Ground as one living practice, responsibility, and remembrance.

My role is rooted in long-term care: protecting what has been entrusted, honoring those who came before, and ensuring the land remains whole and nourishing for those yet to arrive.