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
