I used to feel separate from nature until I started to consume mushrooms regularly and experienced a paradigm shift that made me see how nature is everything including myself. The earth is a living thing that I am a part of.
Thanks for this writing. I totally agree with you, and grieve the slow destruction around me here in rural New Mexico. Since Covid (and better internet), there have been many people moving in from cities, building homes they spend a few weeks a year in, mowing their 'lawns', and irreparably changing the face of this area where we can still, sometimes, see large herds of elk, deer and the occasional mountain lion. I feel they are making this area into what they left, without a moment's consideration of where they are.
I felt this way when I lived in Seattle and there was a huge influx of people from elsewhere. There seemed to be this total disconnect. Rural New Mexico is such a beautiful place, I hope that people can somehow learn to let it be what it already is.
I'm delighted to discover your stack, and look forward to reading more of your writing. Plus your book. Do you have a publisher, and if so when is it due out? I'm a plant ecologist, restorer of nature nearby and author of a bunch of books. Formerly a full-time freelance writer, now working on a new book. Northwest Wyoming's sagebrush sea is the home of my heart; I live outside Santa Fe in northern New Mexico. Blessings to you!
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for these encouraging words. My publisher is Grove and my book is supposed to come out next summer, although the pub date has been pushed back several times. Crossing my fingers, though. I am going to check out your books! You live in one of my very favorite corners of the world <3
Nature has been such solace during grief, and I've slowly come to terms with the fact that I don't believe in an interventionist deity that will save us from ourselves. But I do believe in nature as god. I recently wrote about a project that explores violent language in gardening plants which has given me a lot to think about. Bayo Akomolafe also wrote about how we ARE plastics which is such a reframe:
For many of us, nature is the only true reverence. In every breath we take, in every movement we make. The essence of all religious or spiritual practice, the commonality, is that which gives and supports life. It is infinitely creative. I am humbled by the reflection of nature that am in the Pacific Northwest. Congratulations on your book! Well done.
I can not wait to read this book! I hope it is successful, not only because I wish that for you personally, but also to make people aware of their environment, and our impact in it. So happy for you that you are fulfilling a dream!
I used to feel separate from nature until I started to consume mushrooms regularly and experienced a paradigm shift that made me see how nature is everything including myself. The earth is a living thing that I am a part of.
Oooh I love that so much. Mushrooms and fungi are so amazing- we have a lot in common with them!
Thanks for this writing. I totally agree with you, and grieve the slow destruction around me here in rural New Mexico. Since Covid (and better internet), there have been many people moving in from cities, building homes they spend a few weeks a year in, mowing their 'lawns', and irreparably changing the face of this area where we can still, sometimes, see large herds of elk, deer and the occasional mountain lion. I feel they are making this area into what they left, without a moment's consideration of where they are.
I felt this way when I lived in Seattle and there was a huge influx of people from elsewhere. There seemed to be this total disconnect. Rural New Mexico is such a beautiful place, I hope that people can somehow learn to let it be what it already is.
Thanks. I keep hoping that the challenges of rural life will lose its luster... It is hard to see a beloved place change.
I'm delighted to discover your stack, and look forward to reading more of your writing. Plus your book. Do you have a publisher, and if so when is it due out? I'm a plant ecologist, restorer of nature nearby and author of a bunch of books. Formerly a full-time freelance writer, now working on a new book. Northwest Wyoming's sagebrush sea is the home of my heart; I live outside Santa Fe in northern New Mexico. Blessings to you!
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for these encouraging words. My publisher is Grove and my book is supposed to come out next summer, although the pub date has been pushed back several times. Crossing my fingers, though. I am going to check out your books! You live in one of my very favorite corners of the world <3
Grove should be a good home for your writing, and I hope that the pub date doesn't slip more. That's frustrating! Be well....
Nature has been such solace during grief, and I've slowly come to terms with the fact that I don't believe in an interventionist deity that will save us from ourselves. But I do believe in nature as god. I recently wrote about a project that explores violent language in gardening plants which has given me a lot to think about. Bayo Akomolafe also wrote about how we ARE plastics which is such a reframe:
https://986st.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/mr/sh/1t6AVsd2XFnIGBoc3pxoFZ1INOZUHN/x1O1tGiRuiK1
Leila, thank you so much for linking this. It's incredible. And thank you for your beautiful reflection.
For many of us, nature is the only true reverence. In every breath we take, in every movement we make. The essence of all religious or spiritual practice, the commonality, is that which gives and supports life. It is infinitely creative. I am humbled by the reflection of nature that am in the Pacific Northwest. Congratulations on your book! Well done.
Beautifully said, Linda. And thank you!
I can not wait to read this book! I hope it is successful, not only because I wish that for you personally, but also to make people aware of their environment, and our impact in it. So happy for you that you are fulfilling a dream!
Me too, Teri, and thank you so much for saying this.