The Earthkeepers Podcast promotes global connection among ecological-minded people who believe that earth care is an integral part of spiritual life. Through conversations about topics like ecology, climate change, gardening, farming, social enterprise, theology, environmental justice, outdoor recreation, conservation and community development, we aim to inspire a movement of ordinary earthkeepers who will help heal the world.
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119. Edgewalking: Finding New Vision in Wilderness (part I) with Victoria Loorz
Season 5 · Episode 119
Monday, December 9, 2024 • Duration 40:54
In recent past episodes you might recall hearing the term “edgewalkers”—and by that term, we mean those of us who have moved away from the center of conventional church and faith praxis, and moved toward the creative edges of the institutional church where new imaginings and alternate expressions of faith life are being explored. That includes, of course, new ways of thinking about and experiencing God in and through creation. In our interview with John Phillip Newell earlier this season, he described that mode as dwelling in the space between temple and the wilderness. In this episode, Forrest talks with a good friend and fellow edgewalker Victoria Loorz—cofounder of the Wild Church movement, and current director of the Center for Wild Spirituality, or Seminary of the Wild, as it is also known. In this, part one of their conversation, they explore the idea of what it means to practice prophetic critique of the mainstream church while still loving the church and seeking to be part of its reformation and renewal.
118. Welcoming Creation: A Celtic Advent Reflection, with Christine Sine and Brother Seán Aherne
Season 5 · Episode 118
Monday, November 25, 2024 • Duration 10:46
Toward the end of the year Earthkeepers podcast always releases a special holiday episode that breaks from the usual interview mode. In this episode, we’re gifting a passage from our friend Christine Sine’s book called Celtic Advent: Following an Unfamiliar Path Through Advent. Earthkeepers recommends this book because in it, Christine brings fresh, life-giving perspective on the conventional Western practices of advent. According to those Western practices, the advent season this year begins on Sunday, December 1—so why offer an advent reflection in November? In her book, Christine explains: “for Celtic and Orthodox Christians, advent begins the evening of November 15th – forty days before Christmas Day. Celtic Christians always prayed and fasted for 40 days in preparation for any major life event, whether it be the planting of a new monastic center, the beginning of a new adventure, as well as for preparation for Christmas and Easter.” Given the Celtic theme of the passage, it is read by Brother Seán Aherne, an Irish monk who is very familiar with the St. Kevin story that is featured in this episode.
Brother Seán Aherne ( born 1946 ) is a Celtic Christian monk living in a small monastery on outskirts of Dublin. He is Director & founding member of the John Moriarty institute for Ecology & Spirituality in Dingle, County Kerry. Together with Míchael W.Higgins he edited : Introducing John Moriarty In His Own Words. He is a passionate supporter of John Moriarty’s vision for a Christian Monastic Hedge School for Adults called Slí na Fírinne. Over the years he animated & directed many retreats on Celtic Spirituality & the Native Irish Wisdom Tradition.
117. Surviving and Thriving: Earthkeeping after the Election
Season 5 · Episode 117
Monday, November 11, 2024 • Duration 17:08
What are the prospects for the planet now that Trump has been re-elected? What are the implications of the recent election in terms of how we advocate and care for the earth? In this urgent no-frills episode, James and Forrest offer thoughts on how we might care for ourselves AND how we can persist and persevere in our calling as earthkeepers. They reflect on the recent election's impact on future progress in climate action and the emotional responses it has elicited in many. They discuss the importance of grieving without falling into despair, finding community support, and taking actionable steps towards environmental care. The dialogue emphasizes the need for resilience, the power of letting our actions speak louder than words, and engaging with nature as a source of healing and comfort.
Takeaways
Grieving is essential, but it should not lead to despair.
Finding community is crucial during difficult times.
Actions speak louder than words in climate advocacy.
We must define our beliefs and live them out fiercely.
Nature can provide solace and healing.
It's important to reach out to others who share your concerns.
Witnessing a better way can inspire change.
Taking action, no matter how small, is vital.
Look for the divine in everyone, even those with opposing views.
Keywords: climate action, grief, community, environmentalism, hope, divine presence, healing, sustainability, post-election, earth care, Trump, Inflation Reduction Act, global leadership, global warming, renewable energy
116. Pt. 2 The Great Search: John Philip Newell: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home
Season 5 · Episode 116
Monday, October 28, 2024 • Duration 34:54
In this episode James and Forrest continue with the second part of a conversation with John Philip Newell about his new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home. In this book, John Philip argues for a re-imagining of how we relate to creation, to each other, to God and even to ourselves. He advocates for engaging creation as the primary means of knowing God, of seeing the sacred in all life forms, and of loving all creation as we love ourselves. And because the conversation was so full of emerging truths and insights, we split the conversation into two parts. In this, the second half of the conversation, they pick up at a point in our conversation just after John Philip has explained how some religious teachings have made us forget how to fall in love with nature, and caused us to lose sight of the divine presence in everything, all around us. Here then is part two of the conversation with John Philip Newell.
Reimagining our relationship with creation is essential for healing.
Pilgrimage can take many forms, even in urban settings.
We must strive to see the divine in everyone, regardless of differences.
115. Pt. 1 John Philip Newell: The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home (Part One)
Season 5 · Episode 115
Monday, October 14, 2024 • Duration 27:54
James and Forrest have a conversation with John Philip Newell about his new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home. In this book, John Philip argues for a re-imagining of how we relate to creation, to each other, to God and even to ourselves. He advocates for engaging creation as the primary means of knowing God, of seeing the sacred in all life forms, and of loving all creation as we love ourselves. Because the conversation was so full of emerging truths and insights, the conversation is presented in two parts. Here then is part one of a conversation with John Philip Newell.
The urgency of accessing ancient ways of seeing in relation to Earth.
Many people are experiencing a moment of religious exile.
The book addresses nine great yearnings of the human soul.
We need to nurture our yearnings to allow for new beginnings.
The prophetic voice must be based on love, not just criticism.
We need to see the sacredness of Earth and every human being.
The center of the divine is everywhere, not just in religious institutions.
114. Uprooted: Refugee Trauma and the Healing Power of Art, with Hale Gencel
Season 5 · Episode 114
Monday, September 23, 2024 • Duration 33:00
Host Forrest Inslee discusses the profound impact of displacement on individuals and communities, particularly in the context of refugees. He speaks with Hale Gencel, a Turkish mental health professional and artist, who utilizes art as a therapeutic tool to help displaced individuals process trauma and build resilience. The conversation explores the importance of place and identity, the role of community in healing, and the creative approaches that can foster emotional literacy and hope among those affected by displacement. Hale shares her experiences working with refugees and the development of a curriculum aimed at training community healers to support their peers. The episode emphasizes the power of art and community in navigating the challenges of displacement and the significance of rootedness in one's identity.
Keywords: Türkiye, environmental care, displacement, trauma, refugees, art therapy, community healing, identity, emotional literacy, hope, earthquake, psychology, psychiatry, social work, community mental health, refugee transition country, garden, street kids
113. Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land with Norman Wirzba
Season 5 · Episode 113
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • Duration 01:02:01
In this archive episode Forrest and James talk to Norman Wirzba, professor and author of a book called Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land. In this book, Dr. Wirzba makes the case for a kind of spirituality that is grounded in deep awareness of creation. Among other things, this sort of humble, earthy spirituality that he encourages us to practice stands against the illusion of certainty and control that has made much of the church seem increasingly irrelevant these days—especially to younger generations.
You can also watch the video of this conversation by going to YouTube.com/@circlewood. Or navigate first to the general YouTube site and search for us using our handle: @Circlewood
Mentions: Circlewood Village in development The term “agrarian” The interconnectedness of life on Earth Earthkeepers’ interview – WhatYour Food Ate, with authors Montgomery and Biklé Humans as soil, animated by the breath of God in – Farming Heals Us: Yeawa Asabi and Ray Williams of and for migrant farmworkers “” God inviting mankind to work in the Garden of Eden in God delighting in creation in The fruits of the Spirit in
112. The God of Wild Places, with Tony Jones and Christine Sine
Season 5 · Episode 112
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 28:39
This is a different sort of episode from our normal format. Basically, it is a small book review followed by a conversation between that book’s author and Christine Sine. The book is called The God of Wild Places, by a chap named Tony Jones. It is a deeply honest account of the author's life, filled with stories of failure, self-doubt, and redemption. Jones also explores themes of nature, hunting, death, and the inevitability of mortality--all presented with a voice of vulnerability and relatability.
Points
The book 'The God of Wild Places' by Tony Jones is a deeply honest account of the author's life and explores themes of failure, self-doubt, and redemption.
The book delves into the author's relationship with nature, including his experiences with hunting and how it connects him to God.
Death and mortality are recurring themes in the book, prompting readers to reflect on their own mortality and the importance of living authentically.
The book's vulnerability and relatability make it a powerful read for those struggling with issues of faith, community, and personal identity.
The conversation between the author and Christine Sine provides further insight into the book and its themes.
Keywords: book recommendation, The God of Wild Places, Tony Jones, failure, self-doubt, redemption, nature, hunting, death, mortality, vulnerability, relatability, conversation, dones, church, divine, outdoors, God, Spirit, hope
111. How Nature Heals: Learning to be Present to Place, with Leah Kostamo
Season 5 · Episode 111
Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 54:58
Leah Kostamo, a counselor and spiritual director, discusses the ways in which her helping practices integrate and collaborate with nature. She emphasizes the shared meaning of caring for creation as a way of joining in God’s work and finding hope thereby. In her musings about self-care and creation care, she emphasizes the ways that nature can heal us. She also highlights the growing recognition in psychology of the role of nature in the healing process. Connecting with nature is, she points out, also a way for pushing back against climate despair.
Also, just a quick heads up: If you’d rather, you can actually WATCH this episode with Leah Kostamo on YouTube! Go to YouTube and search: "Earthkeepers podcast" or click the link HERE.
· Caring for creation is a shared meaning among Christians and a way of joining in with God's work.
· Nature has a healing power and can reduce stress and anxiety.
· There is a growing recognition in psychology of the importance of nature in healing and well-being.
· Guides are needed to help people reconnect with nature and learn to listen, receive, and connect again. Connecting with nature can provide a container for processing deep emotions and wounds.
110. Spiritual Practices for Creation Care: Becoming People of Restoration, with Liuan Huska
Season 5 · Episode 110
Monday, July 29, 2024 • Duration 24:14
Forrest talks with Liuan Huska, about her work with what she calls “liturgies of restoration.” Commissioned by the Au Sable Institute, Liuan has developed a workbook, which is now the basis of a course—one that helps people to explore how habits of thought and action shape our character, and inform the larger stories we tell ourselves—especially as they relate to our relationship with creation and our role as earthkeepers.
Keywords: Advent, Celtic Advent, creation care, Saint Kevin, spirituality, environmentalism, community, nature, God, reflection, Glendalough, John Scotus Eriugena, John Philip Newell, Christ of the Celts, Carmina Gadelica, Alexander Carmichael
Takeaways
· Celtic Advent begins 40 days before Christmas for preparation. · Creation is an expression of God, not a void of nothingness. · Our view of creation reflects our attitude towards God. · Saint Kevin exemplifies a deep connection with nature. · The incarnation of Christ emphasizes God's care for creation. · Recognizing God's concern for all creation is vital. · Engaging with nature can enhance our spiritual lives. · Reflection on creation can deepen our understanding of God. · Welcoming creation into our lives can be an Advent practice.
We can find sacredness in urban environments and everyday life.
Pilgrimage can happen in many forms, not just in nature.
The essence of every person is light, even those who seem lost.
Keywords: John Philip Newell, The Great Search, Earth consciousness, spirituality, exile, sacredness, human-earth relations, prophetic voice, transformation, eco-spirituality, Nan Shepherd, Edwin Muir, Thomas Berry, Celtic spirituality, edge walker, Iona, Findhorn, Wild Church
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