Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

Send us a voice note
In this engaging conversation, Tyler Mark Nelson and Allison discuss her journey from childhood experiences in nature to her current studies and work in ecotheology. They explore the importance of community in environmental discussions, the role of Circlewood in promoting faith and ecology, and Allison's upcoming participation in the COP climate conference. The dialogue emphasizes the need for accessible eco-theological resources and the significance of fostering conversations around faith and environmental stewardship. In this conversation, Allison and Tyler explore the complexities of communicating environmental concerns within Christian contexts. They discuss the importance of authentic communication, the challenges of addressing climate change, and the need for a shift in perspective towards creation care. The dialogue emphasizes the integral role of non-human creation in biblical narratives and the significance of engaging the senses in earthkeeping practices. Through thoughtful questioning and reflection, they navigate the nuances of faith, ecology, and community engagement.
For more from Allison, check out her recent work for The Ecological Disciple, Circlewood's online journal. https://www.ecodisciple.com/author/allison/
Yale Divinity School
Joint Degree in Religion and Ecology
Yale School of the Environment
The Graduate Conference in Religon & Ecology
UN Climate Change Conference—COP 31
Christian Climate Observers Program--CCOP
BTS Center
Associate Director Job Opening at Circlewood
 
Takeaways
Allison's childhood experiences in nature shaped her connection to God.
She faced challenges in discussing climate change within her church communities.
Academic pursuits in eco-theology helped her articulate her beliefs.
Circlewood aims to make eco-theology accessible to a broader audience.
Her internship at Circlewood involved diverse roles and responsibilities.
Engaging with undergraduate students was a highlight of her internship.
Community and freedom of expression are vital in environmental discussions.
COP serves as a platform for global climate conversations.
Allison is excited to bring back insights from the COP conference.
Circlewood fosters a global community through various media platforms. The value of a good question can guide our journeys.
Authentic communication is crucial for reaching diverse audiences.
Finding the right language for climate discussions is challenging.
Inauthentic communication can damage trust and credibility.
Timing is essential when discussing climate change.
Genesis narratives offer different perspectives on stewardship.
Non-human creation plays an active role in biblical stories.
Jesus' life exemplifies a deep connection with the earth.
Engaging our senses can enhance our relationship with nature.
Learning alongside others fosters a richer understanding of ecology.
Keywords
 ecotheology, faith and ecology, Circlewood, environmental studies, community, COP 31 conference, Christian Climate Change Observers, accessibility, nature, spirituality Christian engagement, environmental concerns, authentic communication, climate change, creation care, stewardship, non-human creation, biblical perspectives, earthkeeping, Yale Divinity School, Yale Religion and Ecology, Yale School of the Environment, BTS Center
 
Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

Send us a voice note
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Forrest, Jason, and Christine explore the transformative power of breath work, sharing their personal journeys and insights. Unlike automatic, everyday breathing, breathwork involves actively changing the depth, speed, frequency of the way we take air in and out of our lungs. Jason—founder of Adventures in Recovery and author of the book True Grit—and Christine, author and host of the Liturgical Rebels podcast—teach approaches that also encourage an awareness of the interconnection between breathwork and the natural world. Christine discusses her recent experiences with breath work following her husband's passing, while Jason shares how breath work has helped him regulate his emotions and connect with his spiritual self. Jason describes his work with men in recovery, focusing on the importance of community and shared experiences in the healing process. For Jason and Christine, nature has everything to do with personal wellness, spiritual wholeness, and healing. They discuss how intentional breathing can enhance our awareness, foster deeper connections with ourselves and others, and help us overcome resistance in spiritual practices. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of being present and the communal aspect of breath, linking it to emotional and spiritual health.
 Takeaways
Breath work is foundational for emotional regulation.
Personal experiences shape our understanding of breath work.
Breath work connects the mind, body, and spirit.
Cold water immersion enhances the breath work experience.
Nature plays a crucial role in personal transformation.
Breath work fosters a sense of community and connection.
The practice of breath work can lead to greater autonomy.
Understanding breath work can deepen spiritual practices.
Breath work helps in managing anxiety and impulsive behaviors.
Experiencing discomfort in nature can lead to growth. Breath work fosters deeper, meaningful conversations.
Being in nature enhances our breath work experience.
Breath is a communal act that connects us to creation.
Intentional breathing can help regulate our emotional state.
Many religious practices incorporate rhythmic breathing.
Resistance in teaching often stems from traditional beliefs.
Breath work can alleviate panic and anxiety.
Awareness of breath can improve overall health.
Breath pulls us into the present moment.
We are interconnected through our shared experiences. 
Keywords
breath work, personal transformation, cold water immersion, cold plunge, addiction recovery, labyrinth, spiritual practices, mental health, community, mindfulness, recovery, nature therapy, emotional regulation breath work, nature, connection, intentional breathing, spiritual health, emotional health, resistance, mindfulness, community, personal growth
 
 
Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

Send us a voice note
In this conversation, Abram Bicksler shares insights into his work with ECHO, a Christian nonprofit focused on sustainable agriculture and food systems. He discusses the organization's core values, the importance of creation care, and his personal connection to nature. Abram elaborates on the concept of sustainable agriculture, the significance of agroecology, and how these principles are applied in real-world contexts, particularly in Southeast Asia. 
The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of food systems, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Forrest and Abram discuss the transition from traditional agricultural practices to industrialized farming, highlighting the negative impacts on communities and the environment. Ab shares inspiring stories of communities that have returned to sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of diversity and co-creation in agriculture. They also explore the concept of ecological community development, the significance of watersheds, and the interconnectedness of caring for creation and neighborly love. Bicksler advocates for a holistic approach to community development that includes both human and ecological needs, framing creation care as a vital aspect of the gospel.
 Keywords
Abram Bicksler, Echo, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, creation care, environmental science, Christian nonprofit, food systems, global impact, community engagement agriculture, sustainability, community development, agroecology, watershed management, creation care, food systems, environmental health, local farming, ecological community, A Rocha, Plant with Purpose
Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

Send us a voice note
In this episode, cohosted by Forrest Inslee and Stephanie Vander Lugt, Julie Brams discusses the profound connection between nature and mental health, emphasizing the importance of re-rooting our minds in the natural world to foster healing and wholeness. The proposition at the heart of this conversation is, that humanity’s fundamental separation from nature is at the heart of so many of the mental health struggles prevalent in society today. Julie Brams, has carefully and gracefully sought to make this case in her new book, The Nature Embedded Mind: How the Way We Think Can Heal Our Planet and Ourselves.  Drawing on her own process of discovery as a mental health practitioner, Julie makes a compelling case for a profound shift of thinking needed at this point in history, especially in light of the suffering of this planet brought about by humankind.
Links:
Julie Brams website: Elemental
The book: The Nature Embedded Mind
Stephanie Vander Lugt
Stephanie’s community: Kinship Plot
 
Key  Topics:
The concept of the nature embedded mind and its importance
How Western culture has separated humans from nature and the effects
Practical ways to foster relationship with nature in therapy and daily life
The role of language in shaping our relationship with the environment
Resistance within the mental health field to ecological approaches
The collective stories that shape our worldview and how to transform them
The importance of playfulness and curiosity in reconnecting with nature
The scientific basis for the interconnectedness of mind, body, and earth
Keywords: eco-psychology, nature-based therapy, mental health, relationship with nature, language, healing, wholeness, cultural stories, environmental psychology
 
Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

Send us a voice note
In this Earthkeepers Essentials archive episode, Wes Willison shares his journey from political awareness to ecological engagement, exploring how faith, community, and practical actions like gun decommissioning serve as acts of hope and transformation. In particular, he and Forrest explore ways in which we can resist despair and practice grace for ourselves in a world fraught with really difficult and sometimes overwhelming problems. In that framework, they discuss the importance of sacramental practices in environmental and social justice work, and how surprise and resilience shape our response to a challenging future.
 Information: 
Wes Willison
Shane Claiborne
The Simple Way community
Key  Topics
o   Wes Willison's background and journey into earth care
o   The role of seminary and the Farminary project in ecological understanding
o   The significance of sacramental practices in environmental work
o   The process of decommissioning guns as a symbol of hope and transformation
o   The impact of political shifts and generational perspectives on climate anxiety
o   Coping mechanisms for depression and anxiety related to climate change
o   The potential for surprise and new hope in political and ecological contexts
o   The importance of community, faith, and practical action in shaping a sustainable future
 
Keywords
ecology, faith, social justice, gun decommissioning, community, hope, sacrament, environmental activism, mental health, generational change, depression, self-care, Princeton Farminary, compost theology, Norm Wirzba
 
Some Takeaways
Sacramental practices can serve as powerful acts of hope and transformation in social and ecological justice.
Engaging with the earth through work like composting and farming reveals God's presence in creation.
Decommissioning guns and repurposing their parts into art and tools symbolizes hope and healing.
Surprise is a key indicator of the Spirit's activity and a source of hope in dark times.
Coping with climate anxiety involves intentional practices of rest, community, and engagement.
 
Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple