Emergence Magazine Podcast

We are in need of stories that can help us navigate the complexity of our moment: both the unfolding ecological catastrophe and the love we feel for our burning world. This second talk in a series given by Emergence executive editor and Sufi teacher Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee at our Song of the Seasons retreat on Whidbey Island explores how the story of birth, growth, decay, and death told by the seasons, regardless of where one is in the world, invites us into a space of reverence that offers a container for holding love and loss amid the vast ecological changes reshaping our Earth. Read the transcript.  Discover our latest print edition, Volume 6: Seasons.  Artwork by Thoth Adan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an introduction to the themes within our latest print volume, Seasons, we’re sharing a series of talks over the next few weeks given by Emergence executive editor and Sufi teacher Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee at our Song of the Seasons retreat on Whidbey Island. This first talk explores the cyclical nature of the seasons, and how when we devote our attention to these cycles over time, their continuous variation reveals itself, unfurling like a spiral that draws us deeper into kinship with the Earth. If we find the courage to remember ourselves not as impervious to the rhythms of the seasons, but as profoundly connected to them, we can begin to open to their sacred invitation.    Read the transcript. Discover our latest print edition, Volume 6: Seasons. Artwork by Thoth Adan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maya Pace, a writer and facilitator with deep insights into California’s environmental challenges, dives into the complexities of loving a harsh and scorched land. She discusses how the 2020 fires revealed the hidden truths of California's ecology and shares memories from her commune upbringing that shaped her understanding of water management. Maya also reflects on lessons learned from drought in Utah, the implications of water scarcity, and the importance of surrendering to nature's realities rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.

Ersin Han Ersin, creative director of Marshmallow Laser Feast, merges science and art to unveil ecological ties. He discusses how imagination can illuminate the invisible connections between humans and nature. Ersin highlights their work in Colombia, using technology like LiDAR to explore a Caponuri tree's life. He emphasizes the emotional aspect of art, fostering empathy and shared experiences. Through immersive installations, he encourages a deeper connection with other species, inviting awe and urgency in caring for our environment.

Join nonfiction writer Stephanie Krzywonos as she delves into the vivid histories of iconic pigments like ochre and lapis lazuli. She explores how these colors, intertwined with colonialism and capitalism, reflect stories of both beauty and exploitation. Discover the emotional connections of ancient artworks, the colorful legacy of dyes like cochineal, and the controversies surrounding modern pigments like Vantablack. Through engaging narratives, Stephanie invites listeners to see how our use of color is a tapestry of history, identity, and culture.

Annabel Howard, an art historian and writer, explores the haunting possibilities of food scarcity in the coming decades. She intertwines personal anecdotes—like pruning dandelions with her child—with deep philosophical questions about the apocalypse. Drawing inspiration from Botticelli’s Mystical Nativity, Annabel discusses how endings can lead to new beginnings, emphasizing the need to rethink our relationship with nature. Her reflections challenge us to confront the uncertainty of our times while finding beauty in cycles of destruction and renewal.

Joanna Macy, an eco-philosopher and Buddhist scholar, shares her profound insights on reconnecting with the natural world. She emphasizes nurturing our 'ecological self' to combat the climate crisis and highlights the interplay between grief and activism. Drawing from her childhood on a farm and her experiences with Tibetan refugees, Joanna reveals how nature fosters spiritual growth and interdependence. The conversation beautifully intertwines poetry, prompting reflections on transformation and the essential connections we share with each other and the planet.

In a world overwhelmed by artificial light, the discussion delves into the beauty and necessity of darkness. Listeners are taken on a journey to embrace the night sky, fostering a cosmic connection amidst environmental challenges. The importance of gazing at stars prompts reflections on our place in the universe. Engaging with nightfall becomes a practice of wonder, allowing for a deeper appreciation of nature and an invitation to reconnect with the mysteries that lie beyond the glow of civilization.

Dive into the transformative power of listening without judgment. Discover how the sounds of nature, like those in the Hoh Rain Forest, can deepen your relationship with the environment. Engage in guided exercises that help you notice both noise and silence, enhancing your awareness of the landscape. Explore mindful writing practices that encourage a deeper connection to the earth. This practice emphasizes the value of both sound and silence, inviting a fresh perspective on our surroundings.

David G. Haskell shares the concept of listening to the language of birds as an original form of augmented reality. He invites listeners to engage deeply with the birdcalls around them, fostering a stronger connection to nature. Through mindfulness and reflection, participants can explore the ecological rhythms that bind us to the environment. This practice encourages a sense of belonging as it weaves human and avian conversations into a shared experience.