Rev. Lanny Kuester is a writer, poet, pastor, speaker, and community leader. He has traveled extensively and has studied with spiritual elders from around the world. Lanny works as an ordained minister in the Minnesota area and currently serves with Mendota Heights United Church of Christ. There, he helps host bimonthly “Meditations for the Earth” nights, as well as community events that draw upon the wisdom from Native American Medicine Wheel traditions to foster personal reflection and connection with the natural world. Lanny’s publications include Secrets of the Grand Canyon: A Spiritual Journey, and The Story of the Little Turtle. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• 3:37 – How Lanny’s connection with nature developed throughout his life
• 10:50  – What roles nature has played in Lanny’s sense of spirituality
• 15:01  – Experiences and people that have helped strengthen the bridge between nature and faith, connecting to the environment through writing and poetry
• 23:30 – Lanny’s experience starting the Spirituality & Environment nights at UCC Mendota Heights
• 28:44 – Lanny’s learning with Medicine Wheel traditions and the four elements 
• 35:45 - Seeing the natural world as a source of energy and beauty
• 40:12 – How art helps heal and deepen Lanny’s relationship with the earth
• 43:43 – A question that Lanny is asking right now
• 47:47 – What gives Lanny hope right now: a powerful gift given by a tiny bunny

Lanny’s Book: Secrets of the Grand Canyon

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CC Megan Reich
Podcast Artwork: Alex Reich
Music: Kai Engel, "Scenery" (CC-BY)