Craig Foster, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for My Octopus Teacher, discusses his profound connection with nature and marine ecosystems. He emphasizes the critical interdependence between humans and all forms of life, advocating for a mindful immersion in the wild. Topics include the transformative power of cold water, the history of human-animal connections in rock art, and the urgent need to preserve biodiversity. Craig's mission with the Sea Change Project aims to foster curiosity about the ocean and the importance of empathy towards our natural world.
Developing intimate relationships with nature fosters an awareness of our interconnectedness and challenges the illusion of separation from the wild.
The ongoing loss of species significantly impacts biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action to protect our ecosystem.
Deep dives
The Connection with Nature
Developing a deep relationship with nature allows individuals to experience a sense of unity with the environment. This interconnectedness can be felt when one immerses themselves in nature, leading to moments where the boundaries between self and the wild seem to dissolve. Craig Foster illustrates this by describing how he learned to think like an octopus, developing intimate knowledge of its behavior and habitat. Such experiences highlight the need for humans to recognize that they are part of a larger, living ecosystem, challenging the illusion of separation created by modern society.
Sensitization Through Repeated Exposure
The practice of daily underwater observation fosters heightened awareness and sensitivity toward marine life. Craig Foster explains that by quietly moving through the water and adapting one's behavior to align with the natural rhythms of the sea creatures, a deeper understanding of their lives emerges. This process requires patience and the willingness to adjust actions based on the needs and reactions of the animals. Over time, this connection allows for moments where one can predict animal behavior, reinforcing the bond between human and nature.
Overcoming Fear in Wild Environments
Feelings of fear in the presence of wild animals can create a disconnect between humans and nature. Craig discusses the challenge of this inner conflict, noting that many people carry the instinctive memories of living in harmony with nature but face modern fears stemming from a lack of experience. He emphasizes the importance of gradually reacquainting oneself with the natural world, starting with familiar surroundings and less intimidating creatures. By building these connections, individuals can reclaim their inherent comfort with wild environments, slowly overcoming their fears.
The Importance of Biodiversity and Extinction
The loss of species can significantly impact our collective consciousness and the intricate web of life that sustains us. Craig highlights the critical role biodiversity plays in our survival, serving as the 'mother of mothers' that supports all life on Earth. He emphasizes that each extinction represents a loss of a part of this life support system, leading to far-reaching consequences for the ecosystem. As we face an alarming rate of species loss, he calls for greater awareness and action to protect the delicate balance of life that we depend on.
All of the myriad forms of life on our planet, whether plant or animal, predator or prey, contribute to our survival. And when any one of the fragile threads of the web of life begins to fray, all of us are threatened. Craig Foster—the Academy Award–winning creator of My Octopus Teacher—has since the age of three spent his life intimately connected to the natural world, in particular the Earth’s endangered marine ecosystems such as the Great African Seaforest. In this podcast, Tami Simon speaks with Craig about his ongoing mission to reawaken humanity to our interconnectedness—and our interdependence—with each and every living being, seen and unseen.
Tune in now to a fascinating conversation about: the community of activists behind the Sea Change Project; being part of the Great Mother; the extraordinary biodiversity we depend on; attuning to the “forest mind”; establishing a comfortable connection with the wild of nature “that your whole being is craving”; balancing the tame and the wild aspects of ourselves; getting to know the natural environment through places close to home; therianthropes and other mind-boggling images enshrined in the rock art of Indigenous peoples; the healing power of the cold; underwater tracking and learning “the oldest language on Earth”; staying relaxed in dangerous natural settings; a new understanding of the impacts of species extinction; appreciating the vast intelligence and awareness of the creatures who share our world; what nature can teach us about death and dying; the great potential for rebirth and regeneration at this time; and more.
Note: This episode originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
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