Becoming Nature Podcast

I sit down with Ruth Allen and we talk about her journey to writing 'Weathering', her insights into eco psychology, and the importance of relationality in therapy. We explore the complexities of nature connection, the role of language in articulating experiences, and the expectations surrounding nature therapy. We get into the need for humility in understanding our relationship with nature and the significance of staying present in both human and ecological relationships. We also get real about the act of commitment, the concept of weathering, and the relationship between decay and personal growth. Ruth shares how rocks can serve as a metaphor for understanding our own lives and the importance of being present in the moment, the challenges of facing decay and loneliness, while also emphasizing the value of commitment to living fully and authentically. And we dwell on the interconnectedness of life, death, and the natural world, encouraging listeners to embrace the complexities of existence. About Ruth Allen Ruth is a writer/author, embodied psychotherapist and writing facilitator and mentor. She has written two books Weathering (Penguin Random House, 2024) and Grounded(Hachette, 2021) and is currently writing her third book publishing with PRH in 2027. She also writes and illustrates zines which she self-publishes to explore ideas and preoccupations that arise 'between book projects' and which push the boundaries of genre and form. Combining her doctorate in geology with innovative body-based and creative techniques drawing on a multitude of psychological teachings and influences, she offers therapy, mentoring, workshops, classes and adventure retreats – all practical, slow magic – designed to help others connect with their bodies, their words, and the rest of nature through depth-full enquiry and practices that extend our capacity to listen and nurture deep resonance with the world around us.

In this episode of the Becoming Nature podcast, host we sit down to talk about the fifth volume of the Elementals series with editors Gavin Van Horn and Nickole Brown. We explore the themes of kinship, belonging, and the urgent need for awareness of the elemental forces that shape our lives. The conversation delves into the indifference of the elements, the cultural shifts needed to respect them, and the importance of community and gratitude in our relationship with nature. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of light and an invitation to engage more deeply with the natural world. Takeaways The Elementals series emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. Community plays a crucial role in navigating environmental challenges. Gratitude is essential in our relationship with nature. The elements can be both life-giving and destructive. Cultural shifts are necessary to foster a deeper connection with the elements. Poetry serves as a powerful medium to express elemental experiences. The urgency of climate change calls for immediate action and awareness. We must learn to love and respect the elements as vital forces of life. Engagement with nature can lead to a sense of purpose and belonging.

In this conversation, Leora and I discuss the Earth Elementals volume, exploring themes of inheritance, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of life. Leora shares her journey as a geographer and poet, emphasizing the importance of understanding our relationship with the earth and its elements. The discussion highlights the diverse contributions of various authors, the intimacy of storytelling, and the significance of memory and history in shaping our future. They reflect on the power of poetry and the need for cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.We speak to the profound perspectives that emerge from the contributions to the Elementals volume. NOTE: THE SOUND IS AT TIMES A BIT 'CLICKY' DUE TO A FAULTY MICROFON. THIS COULD NOT BE FIXED DURING EDITING. WE DECIDED TO KEEP IT, AS LEORA HAS SO MANY VALID INSIGHT AND THOUGHT. Thank you for listening. Takeaways Inheritance is complex, involving responsibility and creativity. Research should focus on recovering relationships with nature. The earth is a living entity that teaches us about life. Storytelling creates intimacy and connection with the earth. Each author's voice in the volume offers unique perspectives. Understanding history is crucial for survival and thriving together. Indigenous knowledge holds valuable lessons for contemporary issues. Poetry can change consciousness and perspective. Cooperation is essential for learning from the earth.

This episode is the second of our podcast special, in a collaboration special with the Center for Humans and Nature. It is series that celebrates the Center's series 'Elementals' as well as a celebration of the many voices that contributed to the series. It is a great honor to finally shares these episodes with you. In this episode I'm joined by writer and friend Nicholas Triolo. We explore the multifaceted nature of air represented in the volume. We discuss its significance in both personal and societal contexts. We delve into the concept of air bars and the economic implications of commodifying air. The role of air in communication and connection. The discussion also touches on environmental justice, the importance of breath in existence, and the power of language and poetry to convey the essence of air. We speak to the profound perspectives that emerge from the contributions to the Elementals volume. He reads from his essay as well as Ross Gay's poem 'A small needless fact'. This was a rich conversation.

This episode is the second of our podcast special, in a collaboration special with the Center for Humans and Nature. It is series that celebrates the Center's series 'Elemental' as well as a celebration of the many voices that contributed to the series. It is a great honor to finally shares these episodes with you. Writers Lyanda Haupt and Hannah Close join me in a conversation about water. We go with the flow of it all, moving through thoughts on how water is essential for various life forms, emphasizing its role in sustaining ecosystems. Lyanda shares her story of the American dipper, a bird that thrives in aquatic environments. The dipper's health is directly linked to the quality of the water and the presence of salmon, which provide nourishment. Hannah expands on this idea by discussing the concept of Eros, describing how water is a unifying force that connects all life. She states, "Without the ocean and without the unifying integrative force of Eros, there would be no life." They both share insights into their work, which blends, poetry, creative non-fiction with scientific perspectives, emphasizing the importance of honor and wonder in connecting with the more-than-human world. Tune in to discover the profound perspectives that emerge from their contributions to the Elementals volume and to hear how water shapes our understanding of nature and ourselves. They both read from their work as well as share their perspectives on the importance of looking at the world through the lens of the elements. And please don't forget to subcribe, share and leave a review. Thank you.