Emergence Magazine Podcast

In honor of the recent passing of the eco-philosopher, Buddhist scholar, and dear friend Joanna Macy, we return to our interview with her from 2018. In this conversation, she traces the ways a life-long heart connection with the living world cultivated a resounding ecological awareness within her work and spirituality; and explores how we might return to an “ecological self” as a way to be of service amid the climate catastrophe. Joanna was also a seminal translator of Rainer Maria Rilke’s poetry, finding his contemplations on the entwinement of grief, beauty, and spiritual life deeply resonant. You can hear Joanna recite, alongside Anita Burrows, a selection of their translations in our audio story Be Earth Now.  Read the interview transcript. Photo by Adam Loften. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Dive into the beauty of trees and their role in our lives. Experience a guided practice that fosters a deeper connection to nature. Reflect on how old-growth forests and backyard trees invite mindfulness and appreciation. Discover the intricate ecological bonds that tie us to these living sentinels, encouraging a renewed awareness of our shared biosphere.

Dive into a unique audio journey that connects you with the Earth's historical narratives. This guided practice invites you to reflect on the passage of time, encouraging a deeper awareness of your surroundings. Explore the ancient memories etched in the landscape while envisioning both the past and the distant future. Imagine the stories held within ecosystems and topographies as you cultivate a richer relationship with the land.

Dive into the intriguing world of time as the podcast explores the contrast between Chronos and Kairos. Discover how embracing 'kairos time' can transform your everyday experiences. Engage in reflective practices designed to help you recognize the beauty of spontaneity and the present moment. Learn how to balance structured schedules with the unpredictability of life, allowing for more meaningful participation in the world around you.

Explore the art of walking as a meditative practice that reshapes your experience of time. Journey through nature while connecting with the surrounding rhythms. Reflect on physical movement and deepen your awareness of the present moment. Engage in a holistic experience that invites both inward reflection and awareness of the outer world. Discover how simple walking can transport you to a timeless state and foster a profound connection with the environment.

Discover how rethinking our relationship with time can transform our connections with each other and the Earth. Delve into audio practices that emphasize natural rhythms over mechanical clocks. Experience the magic of 'kinship time' and enhance your sensory awareness. This journey fosters a deeper bond with the environment and the beings around you, encouraging a richer understanding of our interconnected existence.

In this engaging conversation, Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi botanist and author, explores the profound connections between ecology, culture, and spirituality. She reflects on the afterlife of cedar trees, suggesting that death is merely a transition in nature's cycles. Kimmerer invites listeners to consider how these insights can reshape our understanding of our own afterlife, intertwining vivid imagery of decay and renewal with philosophical reflections. This journey emphasizes the sacred interconnectedness of all living beings and our relationship with the Earth.