Sharon Blackie, an award-winning writer and teacher, dives into the rich intersection of psychology, mythology, and ecology. She discusses her concept of 'bodyfulness,' promoting a deeper connection with the physical world. The conversation also emphasizes the power of ancestral wisdom in reconnecting with nature and crafting personal narratives. Blackie shares her unique calling and transformative storytelling, as well as her journey to overcome her fear of flying by learning to pilot a Cessna. Expect a blend of insightful reflections and captivating tales!
Embodiment enhances our awareness by connecting our physical existence with the sensory world, fostering a symbiotic relationship with nature.
The concept of bodyfulness encourages a deeper engagement with the physical realm, promoting a sense of flow and interconnectedness with life.
Reconnecting with ancestral roots is vital for reclaiming wisdom and fostering belonging while maintaining a relationship with the present environment.
Deep dives
The Essence of Embodiment
Embodiment plays a crucial role in our lives as it connects our physical existence with the surrounding world. Traditional psychology often limits the understanding of embodiment to internal processes, neglecting the significant influence of the sensory and physical environment. Engaging with the world through our senses enhances our awareness of ourselves and the environment, fostering a symbiotic relationship. This perspective emphasizes the need to reconnect with both the body and the natural world to address contemporary challenges effectively.
The Concept of Bodyfulness
Bodyfulness is introduced as a deeper understanding of our relationship with the body compared to conventional mindfulness practices. Unlike typical practices that focus on internal thoughts and emotions, bodyfulness encourages individuals to engage with their bodies and the physical realm around them. This approach fosters a sense of flow, blurring the lines between the self and the environment, allowing for a more profound connection to life. The idea is to perceive experiences through sensory engagement, such as the scent of flowers mingling with our being, bridging the gap between self and the world.
Understanding Enchantment
Enchantment is redefined away from superficial magical notions towards a grounded engagement with the world. This notion holds that enchantment is about recognizing the interconnectedness between ourselves and the natural world, fostering deeper relationships with other beings. It involves an appreciation of the wonders around us, such as observing and contemplating the symbolism of animals or plants. By breaking free from a purely human-centric worldview, individuals can embrace enchantment as a means to understand and appreciate the richness of all life.
Reconnecting with Ancestral Wisdom
The importance of reconnecting with ancestral roots is highlighted as a means of reclaiming lost wisdom and fostering a sense of belonging. Many seek to tap into their heritage to address feelings of disconnection from nature and their history. However, this journey should not replace the need to engage with the environment where one currently resides. Emphasizing both ancestral knowledge and present relationships enables individuals to cultivate a strong identity grounded in both historical and contemporary contexts.
The Role of Calling in Life
The concept of calling suggests that each individual has a unique purpose and gifts to contribute to the world. This notion instills a sense of responsibility as people navigate their lives, encouraging them to embrace their challenges, including the fear of failure. Calling is distinct from vocation, emphasizing personal growth and the impact individuals can have on their surroundings, whether through small acts of kindness or larger life endeavors. Ultimately, individuals are encouraged to pursue their calling with commitment and sincerity, trusting that their contributions matter even if the outcome is uncertain.
Oh friends, this is such a rich conversation that I’m thrilled to share with you. I (Erin) had the great pleasure of speaking with award-winning writer, Dr. Sharon Blackie, whose written work and online courses I’ve adored over the past several years. She’s the author of several books including If Women Rose Rooted, The Enchanted Life, and her latest, Foxfire Wolfskin. She’s an internationally recognized teacher whose work sits at the interface of psychology, mythology, and ecology. You can find out more about Sharon’s work including her new online membership program called This Mythic Life, and sign up for her enchanting newsletter and podcast at https://sharonblackie.net
In this conversation we explore such rich territory including embodiment, Sharon’s use of the word “bodyfulness” (as distinct from mindfulness), myth, story, becoming available to the dreaming of the Earth, restoring and restory-ing our landscapes, connecting with ancestral traditions, being in relationship with our calling (distinct from our vocation) and so much more, including Sharon’s challenging her fear of flying by learning to pilot a Cessna! I also asked her to tell us a story and she reads one of my very favorites from her recent book, Foxfire Wolfskin, which left me with goosebumps and clapping loudly. I am so excited to share it with you!
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