ReGeneration Rising S2E9: Thinking Like a Mountain with John Seed & Skye Mandozay
Jul 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Renowned environmental activist John Seed and deep ecology practitioner Skye Mandozay discuss deep ecology, reconnection with nature, rituals like Council of All Beings, embracing grief for the world, nature's rights court case victory, poetry on interconnectedness, and resistance against institutions like the World Bank in this thought-provoking podcast conversation.
Deep ecology challenges human-centered notions, advocating for an ecological identity and community therapies.
Gratitude and grief rituals facilitate ecological awakening by acknowledging personal and planetary interconnectedness.
Activism involves shifting perspectives towards collective ecological stewardship and leveraging legal frameworks for protection.
Deep dives
John Seed's Journey into Deep Ecology and Activism
John Seed recounts his entrance into forest activism in 1979, leading to a lifetime dedicated to protecting rainforests. Realizing the limitations of conservation actions, he delves into the philosophy of deep ecology to address the root psychological and spiritual issues enabling environmental destruction. Deep ecology challenges the human-centered notion, advocating for an ecological identity and community therapies to heal the illusion of separation.
Skye Manderze's Transformation through Deep Ecology Workshops
Skye Manderze narrates her profound journey from the Peruvian Amazon to deep ecology workshops facilitated by John Seed. Transitioning from animist beliefs to deep ecological practices, she grapples with personal and global grief, finding solace in grief rituals. Skye emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal and planetary grief, leading to a transformative pathway into the ecological self.
Rediscovering Identity in Nature: John and Skye's Shared Experience
John and Skye delve into their experiences of transcending the human-centered perspective to identify with the natural world. John describes a moment of unity with the rainforest, recognizing his evolutionary connection and the immense intelligence present. Skye echoes this sentiment, highlighting a deep exhale and remembrance of interconnectedness, expressing a profound sense of homecoming.
Economics as a Modern Religion: John's Critique and Alternative Path
John critiques modern economics as a religious system, emphasizing its unsustainable pursuit of infinite growth on a finite planet. He contrasts consumerism with fulfilling connections, promoting community-centered experiences over material consumption. By aligning with the ancestral wisdom of indigenous cultures and nature, John advocates for a shift from economic reliance to ecological consciousness.
Healing through Grief and Renewing Life: Skye's Spiritual Practice
Skye explores the transformative power of grief and gratitude practices in reconnecting with life and nature. By navigating the 'gates of grief' and embracing gratitude as a profound opening to love and interconnectedness, she emphasizes the healing potential in acknowledging personal and collective sorrows. Skye advocates for creating spaces of permission to express grief, fostering deeper connections and ecological awareness.
Empowering Environmental Activism and Rights of Nature Advocacy
John highlights his environmental activism efforts, including successful actions to protect the Ecuadorian rainforest based on the rights of nature. Through non-violent direct actions against ecological degradation, John advocates for recognizing humanity's inherent ties to nature. He underscores the importance of shifting conversation perspectives toward collective ecological stewardship and leveraging legal frameworks for environmental protection.
In this episode, Daniel and Philipa discuss the practices that can help us reconnect with the living world with renowned author and activist, John Seed, and deep ecology practitioner, Skye Mandozay.
John Seed is the founder and director of the Rainforest Information Centre in Australia. Since 1979 he has been involved in the direct actions which have resulted in the protection of the Australian rainforests. He has written and lectured extensively on deep ecology and has been conducting Councils of All Beings and other re-Earth ing workshops around the world for 25 years. With Joanna Macy, Pat Fleming and Professor Arne Naess, he wrote "Thinking Like a Mountain - Towards a Council of All Beings"(New Society Publishers) which has now been translated into 12 languages. He is an accomplished bard, songwriter and film-maker and has produced 5 albums of environmental songs and numerous films.
Skye Mandozay is South African born, now living on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne Australia. She is an Animist, Deep Ecologist, Grief Ritualist and Folk Medicine practitioner who is passionate about facilitating people through journeys that assist in the reclamation of Living Earth Perception, Ecological Awakening, Mythic Imagination and Ritual Rhythms.
Reduced Fellowship offer:In celebration of the launch of Regeneration Rising, we're offering a special promotion for listeners to join our global community of RSA Fellows. Our Fellowship is a network of over 31,000 innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs committed to finding better ways of thinking, acting, and delivering change. To receive a 25% discount off your first year of membership and waived registration fee, visit thersa.org and use the discount code RSAPOD on your application form. Note, cannot be used in conjunction with other discount offers, such as Youth Fellowship. For more information email fellowship@rsa.org.uk.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
