In this episode of Embodied Pathways, I had the immense pleasure of welcoming two remarkable guests: John Seed, a pioneering figure in the Deep Ecology movement, and my dear friend, Karin Raven Steininger, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker and Deep Ecology facilitator. Together, we explored the profound connections between humanity and the natural world, delving into the themes of activism, grief, and the healing power of nature.

We began our conversation by discussing how John and Raven found their way into activism. John shared his unexpected journey, which began in a Buddhist community in northern New South Wales, where a call for help from a neighbor ignited a lifelong passion for environmental protection. Raven spoke about her deep connection to the Earth through Paganism, emphasizing that activism is an inherent part of her spiritual life.

A significant portion of our discussion focused on the experiential Deep Ecology Workshops that John and Raven have been facilitating. These workshops aim to heal the myth of disconnection between humans and the natural world, allowing participants to listen to their own wisdom and the wisdom of the Earth. Raven described the workshops as collective experiences that create space for grief, anger, and empowerment, while John emphasized the importance of feelings in driving ecological identity and action.

We also touched on the concept of embodied knowing, which aligns with the podcast's theme of "Embodied Pathways." Both John and Raven agreed that our bodies are primary routes to consciousness change, and that reconnecting with our ecological identity is essential for meaningful activism. They highlighted the need for ongoing practices and rituals that remind us of our interconnectedness with the Earth, drawing parallels with Indigenous ceremonial life.

As our conversation progressed, we explored the role of gratitude in Deep Ecology, with Raven articulating it as an invitation to recognize the abundance of the Earth. John shared a fascinating perspective on the ancient cycles of partnership between humans and the natural world, illustrating how our very existence is intertwined with the life processes of our planet.

We concluded the episode by discussing the importance of awe and joy in our connection to nature, and how these emotions can empower us in our activism. Both John and Raven are currently engaged in exciting projects, including upcoming workshops and conservation efforts, which reflect their commitment to fostering a culture of connection and healing.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, the necessity of ritual, and the joy that comes from reconnecting with the Earth. I hope you find inspiration in our conversation and feel encouraged to explore your own relationship with nature.

John Seed online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnseed.deepecology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnseed_deepecology
Substack: https://substack.com/@johnseed
Podcast links, essays, music, films etc. and occasional blog posts at https://johnseed.net/ and https://rainforestinfo.org.au/johnseed.htm
Thinking Like a Mountain text: http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/deep-eco/TLAM%20text.htm

Deep Ecology workshop with John Seed , Karin Raven Steininger and Brother Tenzin, Bellingen, NSW, Australia, April 25-27 2025: https://events.humanitix.com/deep-ecology-with-john-seed-k

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Peter Cow, a passionate advocate for nature connection and community living. Peter's work integrates permaculture design, rewilding, and the wisdom of the Eight Shields model, emphasizing the importance of both human and nature connections in our lives today.

We began our conversation by reflecting on our shared experiences during the environmental protests of the 1990s, particularly the successful campaign to save an ancient woodland from development. Peter shared vivid memories of living in a tree-house at Lyminge Forest, highlighting how that experience ignited his passion for nature and community living. He described the profound sense of purpose and connection that emerged from living in such a vibrant, purpose-driven community.

Peter then talked about his time at the Steward Community Woodland, where he deepened his understanding of permaculture and the importance of living sustainably. He emphasized the need for humans to recognize their integral role within nature, advocating for a shift in perspective that sees us as part of the ecosystem rather than separate from it.

We explored the principles of permaculture, which focus on creating positive impact living by observing and mimicking natural ecosystems. Peter explained how these principles can be applied not only in agriculture but also in social structures and community living.

The conversation also delved into the Eight Shields model, which offers a framework for human optimization based on the practices of indigenous cultures. Peter described how this model can help us cultivate attributes such as happiness, empathy, and connection, ultimately fostering a more supportive and compassionate community.

As we wrapped up, Peter shared his insights on the importance of play in nature connection and the need for cultural support to nurture our relationships with the natural world. He provided listeners with resources to connect with his work, including his year-long Nature Connection course and the Nature Culture Network.

Overall, this episode was a rich exploration of how we can reconnect with nature and each other, drawing on the wisdom of past experiences and indigenous practices to create a more harmonious and regenerative future.

Peter's inspiring journey reveals a fundamental truth: we are part of nature, and human culture can be intimately woven into nature connection.

More about Peter's work:
An introduction to the Eight Shields course starts on January 29th: Nature's Blueprint

• Nature Culture Network Camp
• Livingincircles.com
• https://natureculturenetwork.org
• https://bringingithome.life/ecological-homecoming/
• https://www.tinosecolodge.gr/news/permaculture-design-course-may-2025/

Join the Nature Culture Network newsletter: http://eepurl.com/du0h05

At Autumn Equinox I attended the final workshop of a year long process called Seasonal Alchemy. The weekend included nature connection, meditation, ritual, breathwork, dance and teaching about the Wheel of the Year. I was already familiar with most of these aspects but I was struck by how they were woven together. I was also reminded of the richness of the Wheel of the Year. I’ve been working with the seasonal Wheel for many years but had forgotten its depth and power: I’ve found it hard to hold onto my practice without the support of community.

Seasonal Alchemy brings together several of the embodied pathways of connection and I’m delighted to bring you this interview with the team who create it: Lydia Campbell, Hamish Mackay-Lewis anf Jed Hamilton-Shaw.


Hamish Mackay-Lewis is a nature guide, leadership coach and facilitator, eternally committed to the wisdom and gift of the moment-to-moment experience. He has a varied and international background having served in the armed forces before going into the field of human development.
A perennial student of personal transformation, for the past 12 years he has guided groups and individuals to bring a spirit of adventure into their lives, to look inwardly and honestly and to experience the mutually restorative relationship between land and people.
At the heart of his work are the practices of presence, nature connection and breathwork.
www.hamishmackaylewis.com

Lydia Campbell is a teacher, mediator, leadership consultant, coach and mother. She has been immersed in the fertile edge of transformational leadership and healing for the past 20 years in her own life firstly, and externally in delivering retreats across Africa, India and Europe for thousands of attendees.
Her work rests on three main pillars: ancient wisdom and shamanic healing arts, facilitation and modern leadership approaches, and a healthy dose of heartful, no-bs, real life grit.
www.lydia.ie

Jed Hamilton-Shaw is a Ritualist, Facilitator, Coach and DJ. He began his nature connection journey in 2021, when the pandemic highlighted a profound need for entering into a deeper relationship with the wild world.
He has trained for a number of years with WildWise, a Devon based hub for outdoor education and has worked on the Woods for Wellness project at Dartington Hall as a nature connection facilitator and with Journeyman, a UK charity, mentoring school age boys to help them transition to a generative masculinity.

He is also a magical practitioner, DJ and space holder: working in these ways as part of a wider transition to cultural rewilding of this land.
You can find him on the paths and ancient byways across his beloved Somerset and beyond.

More information about Seasonal Alchemy:
https://www.seasonalalchemy.space