Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

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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
 
 
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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
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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
 
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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.
 
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In this episode from our archives, we explore the profound connection between humans and the natural world through the lens of place-based education, hunting, and relational awareness. Guest Joel Pontius shares his insights on cultivating respect, gratitude, and deep relationships with land and animals, emphasizing how these practices can transform our understanding and care for the Earth. When we did this interview, Joel was an educator, and we discussed in detail his thought-provoking approach to place-based education. The conversation considers how we might teach and form the young people in our lives so that they might better love and care for the planet.
Joel’s Info
Essay: Hearts Like This in Christ & Cascadia
Mentions:
Goshen College Merry Lea Environmental center & ecovillage
Goshen College sustainable farm
canoeing on the Elkhart river 
Lake Michigan
toxic forms of masculinity 
Key  Topics
Place-based education and its impact on ecological understanding
The role of hunting in developing respect and gratitude for animals
Practices for building relational awareness with land and creatures
The importance of humility and reverence in environmental stewardship
The intersection of science, art, and spirituality in understanding nature
How relational practices can foster hope and agency in climate action
The significance of gratitude and apology in human-nature interactions
The influence of childhood experiences on environmental values
Keywords
place-based education, ecology, hunting, gratitude, relational awareness, sustainability, natural history, spiritual connection, environmental education
 
Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple