Emergence Magazine Podcast

Marcia Bjornerud, an author and geologist, captivates listeners with tales from Earth’s deep past. She discusses how rocks serve as archives of evolutionary stories, highlighting the contrast between ephemeral oceanic crust and enduring continental formations. Bjornerud critiques the Newtonian lens in science, advocating for a Darwinian perspective that embraces complexity. She warns about the dangers of simplistic views on climate change and emphasizes the need for 'deep timefulness' to connect with our planet's rich history and inspire sustainable practices.

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, a Sufi teacher and author, explores the mystical dimensions of timelessness and our connection to love and nature. He discusses the deep interplay between our inner and outer worlds, emphasizing that time transcends mere numbers and schedules. Vaughan-Lee critiques modern civilization's disregard for the environment, urging a return to sustainable practices rooted in love. He advocates for a holistic understanding of time and a closer relationship with nature, reminding us of life's rhythms that support both existence and the planet.

Join award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield, whose verses intertwine the mystical with the physical. She delves into the elusive nature of time, exploring how Zen influences our understanding of existence. Through poetry and personal reflections, Jane discusses the kinship with the Earth, emphasizing empathy in the face of climate challenges. She also reflects on the timeless role of women in spiritual poetry and their struggles, while advocating for compassion and mindfulness as responses to ecological despair.

Explore the rich interplay of time, love, and kinship through the lens of spiritual ecology. Discover how letting go of mechanized time can enrich our connection with nature. Delve into the significance of ancient wisdom in understanding our relationship with the Earth. Experience a shift from intellectual understanding to deeper emotional engagement with the environment. Finally, find joy amidst ecological grief by celebrating the beauty of nature and fostering meaningful relationships with the world around us.

Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, a Sufi teacher and executive editor of Emergence Magazine, explores the intricate relationship between time and place. He highlights how understanding this connection can help us foster ties with the Earth. Vaughan-Lee emphasizes love as a fundamental element that weaves through our experiences of time and space. He calls for a deeper communion with nature, encouraging listeners to embrace the cycles of life to rediscover their kinship with the environment and nurture their identities in today's fragmented world.

Discover the transformative talk that redefines our understanding of time, inviting a shift from linear to cyclical perceptions. Delve into the interwoven essence of love, urging listeners to reconnect with nature's rhythms. Explore the mystery of connection, addressing humanity's bond with the earth, while highlighting the importance of humility. Embrace the magic of love as a unifying force that fosters transformation. Engage in meditative practices to awaken love, deepening the relationship between breath, heart, and the natural world.

Kalyanee Mam, a Cambodian-American filmmaker, discusses her spiritual connection to her native land in her latest work. She shares her first ‘land-taste’ of Battambang oranges, illustrating how flavors evoke memories of her family's struggles during the Khmer Rouge. Through vivid storytelling, she emphasizes the significance of food as a bridge to heritage and identity. Mam reflects on her journey of self-discovery while exploring Cambodia's landscapes and ancient temples, emphasizing the enduring power of stories in a changing world.

Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed scholar and author, delves into the intersections of history, culture, and environmental issues. He discusses his latest work, highlighting the insidious belief that the Earth is inert, which has fueled violent colonial projects and capitalism. Ghosh emphasizes the importance of storytelling in recognizing the Earth as sacred and alive. He critiques modern myths of independence from nature, connects colonial legacies to today’s environmental crises, and advocates for inclusive narratives that foster a deeper relationship with our world.

Lydia Millet, an acclaimed American novelist and Pulitzer Prize finalist, discusses her poignant short story "Thylacine". The narrative intertwines the profound grief of a man mourning his mother and his unexpected connection with the last Tasmanian tiger in a declining zoo. Millet explores themes of loss, compassion, and the lingering pain of colonization in Australia. With powerful imagery, she reflects on solitude, emotional complexities, and the urgent need for connection and care amidst overwhelming sorrow.

In December last year, Cambodian-American filmmaker Kalyanee Mam’s short film Lost World screened at our Shifting Landscapes exhibition in London. Kalyanee’s films tenderly document the changing cultural and ecological landscapes of her homeland, and in Lost World she shares the story of a community in Koh Sralau whose livelihoods are threatened as the mangrove forests they depend on are ruthlessly mined for sand to build an “eco-park” in Singapore. In this conversation, recorded live at the exhibition, Emergence executive editor Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee speaks with Kalyanee about her years-long process of creating the film, and the intimate relationships she holds with people and land that allow her to tell powerful, and often heartbreaking, stories of changing landscapes from a place of humility and connection. Read the transcript Watch Kalyanee’s short film Lost World and read her companion essay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices