Imagine trees as teachers, as mentors, guides, and elders – offering hope, right there in front of you, in your local neighborhood, in your part of the world! Not metaphorically – but tangible and impactful!
Our ability to connect with the more than human world is vital for our ability to thrive and live well. More than ever, we need to acknowledge that we are bio-spiritually bonded with Nature and it’s a world full of medicine, learning, and kinship.
This week my wonderful guests are Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy, and together we explore why trees matter not just ecologically, but spiritually, emotionally, and culturally.
Both Beth and Leah have spent years working with ecology, spirituality, theology, environmental and organisational development, and gift us with their deep experience and life-long relationship with trees.
Beth and Leah share how their collaboration grew from a course they taught into a book, why trees feel like elders and teachers, and how reconnecting with trees can shift how we live, lead, and love. Their unique partnership has produced the book “Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees” that invites us into a gentler and deeper relationship with the natural world. The book is a 2026 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner in "Body, Mind & Spirit" Category and an incredibly beautiful read!
In this episode you will learn about:
# Trees as teachers, mentors, soul friends, and elders who model reciprocity, generosity, steadiness, and deep time. How trees beautifully model seasonal living, rest, waiting, surrender and release as well as pure life-force.
# The difference between environmental concern rooted in fear or scarcity and a more relational approach grounded in love, kinship, and interbeing.
# Many spiritual traditions have significant trees with life lessons to share, cultural and spiritual practices. Lessons on leadership, activism, mutuality, wonder, joy, and the call to participate more fully in life are all around us.
Resources:
What is The Human Greenhouse?
What if you’re not alone and definitely not crazy for longing for a healthier world? What if your tribe is out there also searching for ways to navigate this tumultuous time in history? This podcast is for people looking for wisdom and courage to take a stand and plant seeds of change – with purpose and joy.
Come join us as we explore the rich web of life and our being – who we are and what we wish to become. We humans are gardeners; creators and guardians of life, of connections, of stories, and of the change we wish to see in the world. Step inside the Human Greenhouse to get inspired and nourished, so you can shine your unique light on this precious Earth – we need you!
The Human Greenhouse podcast is hosted by Tatjana Harttung and graced by wonderful humans with something on their mind and in their hearts to share.