How to Commune More Deeply with Nature (Maria Rodale)
Nov 27, 2024
auto_awesome
Maria Rodale, former CEO of Rodale, Inc. and a champion of organic farming, discusses her profound experiences connecting with nature. She delves into shamanism, sharing how nature communicates with us and the healing power of gardening. Maria emphasizes the ecological importance of creatures like mosquitoes and bats, urging respect for all life forms. Transitioning from corporate to environmental advocacy, she reflects on the wisdom gained from embracing our role as 'earth keepers,' ultimately inviting listeners to re-evaluate their connection to the earth.
Maria Rodale highlights the importance of balancing respect for nature to address environmental issues and create healthier ecosystems.
Through shamanic journeying, Rodale illustrates how personal transformation and deeper connections with nature can enhance our understanding of life.
Deep dives
The Call to Respect Nature
Maria Rodale emphasizes the necessity of respecting and living in harmony with nature, a lesson conveyed through her interactions with various plants and creatures. She asserts that the primary message from nature is about balance and respect, which can significantly contribute to solving environmental issues. This perspective is rooted in her extensive background in organic gardening, cultivated through a family legacy in the organic movement initiated by her grandfather. Rodale’s belief is clear: re-establishing this balance can lead to healthier lives for both humans and the planet.
Personal Journey into Shamanic Practices
Rodale’s exploration of shamanic journeying reveals a personal transformation and a means to connect with nature on a deeper level. Through her experiences, she communicates that anyone can embark on similar journeys without the need for substances, focusing instead on intention and meditation. She shares insights on how shamanic practices have guided her in addressing both personal and professional challenges, providing her clarity throughout her life’s transitions. The journeying process has proven invaluable, allowing her to listen and learn from the natural world around her.
Lessons from the Garden: Embracing Weeds
Rodale’s experience with mugwort illustrates a shift in perspective about what is typically seen as a weed. Initially viewed as a nuisance in her garden, mugwort conveyed a significant message about coexistence and understanding rather than eradication. This transformed her approach to gardening, where she began to appreciate the purpose and value of all plants, even those traditionally considered weeds. The journey prompted her to stop trying to control every aspect of her garden, leading to an abundance of growth and a richer connection to nature.
Interconnectedness of Species and Climate
Rodale discusses the intricate relationships among various species and how they play essential roles in the ecosystem. She highlights examples like mosquitoes and bats to showcase the importance of all creatures, which contribute to maintaining ecological balance—even when they are viewed as pests. This interconnectedness extends to the impacts of human actions on the environment, emphasizing that our understanding and respect for nature can mitigate climate change. Ultimately, learning to live harmoniously with nature is key to fostering a healthier planet for all.
Maria Rodale is the former CEO of Rodale, a longtime (and award-winning) advocate of organic regenerative farming, a lifelong learner, a self-described “crazy gardener,” and the author of Love Nature Magic, Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden (to name a few titles). She shares how she learned to journey shamanically (and what this does and does not mean)—and the incredible messages she’s received from nature, the world, and herself in the process.
See more about this episode and guest on my Substack.