Business Photography

Have you ever had kombucha? Not just any kind of kombucha, but the kind brewed with intention and sound? I didn’t think so. Sacred Springs, located on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids Michigan has just that to offer you. I had the opportunity to speak with co-owner Geoff Lamden about his business and insights he has to share with the world. Lamden and his co-owner Joel Andrus brewed their first batch of mead together in 2013. Shortly after - December of 2018 to be exact, they saw the opening of their first taproom and that's when Sacred Springs was brought to the public. (https://www.sacred-springs.com/) Sacred Springs serves traditional mead, session mead, “meaducha”, (TM’d) kombucha beer, alongside non-alcoholic kombucha. All infused with sound + intention. There is something for everyone at this local business. When I say “sound,” I'm referring to the use of singing bowls, didgeridoo, and silent intention all integrated while brewing/fermenting the mead. “Sacred Springs believes in traditional consistency along with the constant of change. We ourselves have adapted to keeping our original brewing process." A reality as the size of fermenters grew from five gallons to one hundred gallons. When I asked Mr. Lamden what drove him to start writing intentions, he replied, “It started with meditation, [then] I found Dr. Masaru Emoto.” A renowned author and pseudoscientist, Dr. Emoto is most known for his claim that human consciousness could affect the molecular structure of water. (Wikipedia) “There is a lot of science behind intention.” I was immediately drawn in. Writing intentions, meditation, and simply growing is a journey I’m on currently. I knew I had previously met Mr. Lamden for a “reason.” Lamden made sure to include, “sacred is different from spirituality, [it] offers more. It means something personal, more important or connected to [you]. Anything has the capability of being sacred.” He continued, “intention is all about where [your] intention is focused.” He encouraged, “take time to not only discover, but be yourself.” In today's society, discovering and being your true authentic self is one of the most challenging ideals I have yet to accomplish. I have fought so hard to fit in, only to discover as of late, that’s not at all what I desire. Having a deep thirst for more information on how Mr. Lamden’s internal psyche operates, I asked; “what do you feel your personal alignment or purpose is?” A simple but deep reply, “it will make sense when it needs to, but also - to love.” Although I did not have the chance to meet Andrus (co-owner), Lamden describes him as being a “solid ground human being and the one that sells the experience.” “He brews in silence.” With that, I wanted to know the best piece of advice he had ever received. Lamden stated, “ahh, my grandpa asked me; what are you going to do with your life?...” It made me think, going with the flow never really seemed to work out for me… “ “Maybe that’s your problem,” His grandpa replied. “… With the desire for balance, that creates imbalance.” Honestly, I have not stopped thinking about our conversation ever since. I feel so pressured to figure everything out - NOW before my life comes to a conclusion. Yet to lean into the idea of wanting to figure something out so quickly, (I must remind myself) causes that imbalance. Holy shit. Was my meeting with Mr. Lamden predestined for this exact reason? In conclusion, I was asked only one thing; To ensure that Mr. Lamden’s son knew that he is the main inspiration behind his passion for brewing. Oh, and that “he loves the fuck out of you.” Please go visit Sacred Springs on Wealthy when you get a chance. There is nothing like supporting your local businesses. Sacred Springs has live events every week. P.s. Lamden also has a soft spot for all things charity. Don’t tell him I told ya so. Forever my pleasure Mr. Lamden.