Whether you are a proponent or a critic of the Tree of Life and its founder, Gabriel Cousens, there is no denying that the Center has had an impact on the town of Patagonia over the last 25 years. Suspension of operations at the Tree of Life, which will take place on November 4, will no doubt have an effect on the town, as well.
“It’s time to put my fuller energy into humanitarian programs,” Cousens said in a recent interview. He cited an increase of funding for his global programs, his wife’s difficulty with the heat in Southern Arizona, his belief that the Center had “achieved all its goals,” and his need for more time to concentrate on his writing and speaking engagements. “I could no longer be tied down by the daily responsibilities and program production that required my continued presence at the Tree of Life Center,” he stated.
Programs at the Tree of Life have focused on diabetes prevention and management since 2008. Cousens claims that the 21-day program that includes fasting and a vegan diet, can cure diabetes. Although the public program will end in November, the center will be used for a research and clinical trial of his methods, according to Cousens. He expects that the 35 full and part time employees will continue to work at the center for the next two years. Although he is hoping to expand awareness and acceptance of his program with these clinical trials, he is not seeking acceptance by the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Diabetes Association.
Cousens has had his troubles with the AMA in the past. He had his medical license revoked by the state of California for “excessive prescribing” in 1994, “but based on a form of plea bargain this revocation was stayed for three years’ probation… New York also required him to return his license. Cousens’ license in California was later reinstated, but not in New York. Because of this, he is not eligible for a medical license in Arizona,” according to Wikipedia. He practices as a Holistic Physician, Homeopath, Psychiatrist, Family Therapist, Ayurvedic Practitioner and a Chinese Herbalist.
When Cousens established the Tree of Life Center in 1993 as a federal tax- exempt religious organization, there was some concern amongst townspeople about his intent.
“There was a perception that we were radically different and somehow a threat to Patagonia,” he said.
At the time that Cousens was setting up shop in Patagonia, a spiritual commune in Oregon was making news for its attempts to poison residents in an effort to take over local government.
“They cast a shadow on us,” Cousens said. “We chose to be low-key. We had no interest in the political side of the town. We didn’t want to tamper with that at all. We’re just doing our thing. People say, ‘You’re not one of us.’ Well, we’re not.”
Cousens defines himself as a creative artist who spends his free time writing. He is the author of several books, poetry and scientific papers.
He points to the hundreds of people who have visited his Center over the years as having had a positive economic impact on Patagonia. He also credits several of his former employees who have chosen to stay in the town for their contributions to the to the community. “They are good people,” he said.