Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

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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.


Guest: Victoria Loorz
Center for Wild Spirituality
Wild Church Network

Takeaways

• Victoria shares her personal journey of caregiving and its impact on her work.
• The shift in worldview is essential for creating a new narrative in spirituality.
• Community is vital for those feeling disconnected from traditional church settings.
• Edgewalkers play a crucial role in exploring new spiritual paths.
• Restoring sacred relationships with nature is fundamental to wild spirituality.
• Fear and resistance often hinder creativity in faith practices.
• The concept of othering is prevalent in both culture and spirituality.
• The church has a significant role in addressing the climate crisis.
• Love is the foundation of stewardship and ecological care.
• Practicing wild spirituality involves intentionality and openness to new experiences.

Keywords: wild spirituality, edgewalkers, sacred relationships, community, climate crisis, love, stewardship, othering, church, worldview shift, Newell, wild church, seminary of the wild

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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.

Christine’s website, Godspacelight
Book: Celtic Advent: Following an Unfamiliar Path

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.

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.

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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

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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.

Mentions 

John Philip Newell’s website Earth & Soul
Iona
Findhorn Ecovillage
Victoria Loorz
Celtic Spirituality
Thomas Berry
Nan Shepherd
Edwin Muir 

Takeaways

• 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.
• Political discourse challenges our ability to see the light in others.
• Restoration of betweenness is crucial for understanding and compassion.
• Faith is more about experience than mere belief in doctrines.
• Childlike wonder can reconnect us to the sacred.
• Edgewalkers can help envision a reimagined spiritual community.
• The divine exists within each of us.
• New beginnings in spirituality require openness to transformation.

Key words: nature, spirituality, healing, connection, divine, pilgrimage, political discourse, faith, edgewalkers, sacredness, Wild Church, Edwin Muir, Victoria Loorz, Thomas Berry, Nan Shepherd

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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.

Mentions 

John Philip Newell’s website Earth & Soul
Iona
Findhorn Ecovillage
Victoria Loorz
Celtic Spirituality
Thomas Berry
Nan Shepherd
Edwin Muir 

 Takeaways 

• 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. 
• 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

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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

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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

 Guest: Dr. Norman Wirzba – Duke Divinity School
o   Author of Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land
o   Editor of The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays of Wendell Berry 

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 Genesis 2:7
Earthkeepers’ interview – Farming Heals Us: Yeawa Asabi and Ray Williams of Black
Farmers Collective and Yes Farm
Injustice for migrant farmworkers
“Dark night of the soul”
God inviting mankind to work in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:4-17
God delighting in creation in Genesis 1:31 – 2:3
The fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-26 

 Keywords: agrarian, interconnection, microbiome, soil, body, political, economic, social, food, agriculture, coercive labor, environmental justice, social justice, spirituality, descent, humility, prayer, generosity, embodiment, mystery, hope 

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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.

Leah Kostamo’s website and counseling service

Leah’s work at A Rocha

Mentions

A Rocha Canada

Your Brain on Nature (book and website)

Bill Plotkin, Animas Valley Institute

Human-Nature Counselling Society

Takeaways

·      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.

·      Parents can support their children who are struggling with climate despair by listening and learning from them.

·      Being present in nature and practicing mindfulness can help cultivate a deeper connection with creation.

·      The church can play a role in mediating nature and providing opportunities for people to connect with creation.

Keywords: Leah Kostamo, counselor, spiritual director, A Rocha, Christian environmental organization, conservation, creation care, shared meaning, hope, encouragement, healing power of nature, self-care, psychology, guides, reconnect with nature, nature, climate despair, hope, parenting, listening, learning, presence, church, creation care

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
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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.

Guest: Liuan Huska 

• Website 
• Twitter 
• LinkedIn 

Mentions: 

• Au Sable Institute 
• Liturgies of Restoration 
• Hurting Yet Whole book 

Keywords: faith, worship, creation care, spirituality, embodiment, illness, chronic illness, pain, bodies, climate crisis, church, ecology, future, children, responsibility, anger, community, indigenous, liturgies, counter liturgies, stories, relationships, God, fear, news, habits, restoration, creativity, progress, joy, purpose, pleasure, goodness, stewardship, hope, Au Sable

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple