Emergence Magazine Podcast
A Small King – by Nicholas Triolo
May 13, 2025
Nicholas Triolo, a writer deeply influenced by Christian mystic Thomas Merton, embarks on a captivating journey along the Rio Côa in Portugal. He reflects on the divine feminine presence in nature and the concept of rewilding. Triolo discusses the challenges faced by endangered species like the Iberian lynx and how spirituality intertwines with ecological wisdom. He emphasizes the need for communal efforts in conservation, exploring the balance between human connections and the wilderness, ultimately seeking liberation and connection in a world often marked by despair.
45:25
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Quick takeaways
- Nicholas Triolo's journey along the Rio Côa highlights how Thomas Merton's ideas foster a deep relational connection with nature.
- Rewilding is presented as a complex interplay of ecological restoration and community engagement, bridging environmental and social dimensions.
Deep dives
The Mystical Perspective of Nature
Thomas Merton's writings offer a profound view of the divine presence in the natural world, suggesting that all elements of nature are interwoven with God's divinity. He perceives this divine feminine essence as a profound connection in the living world, inspiring love and reverence for all beings. Merton's insights led Nicolas Triolo on a journey along the Riacoa in Portugal, allowing him to experience the spiritual and ecological implications of rewilding. As Triolo walks through landscapes marked by agriculture's impact, the words of Merton guide him in fostering a deeper relationship with the land and its inherent vitality.
