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What is NVC? A consciousness, a mindset, way of being Compassion and connection Pactical tool- listening, open questions Clear and simple structure to help us communicate with curiosity and compassion Marshall Rosenburg talked about it as a spiritual practice A choice a way I live life Ahimsa- sanscrit- non-violence - a=absence of -violence NVC a tool of social change NVC being used in Bosnia, Palestine, Israel, Prisons, Rwanda. National group - nvc trainers for conflict within NVC community Restorative justice Conflict brings a message, not everyones needs are met, is natural and normal, NVC for Connection and change Links mentioned in this episode www.sarahludford.co.uk www.nvc-uk.com www.cnvc.org PEACE (peace, empowerment and cultural emergence) Course - https://applewoodcourses.com/uk_courses/peace-retreat-2022/ The Art of Mentoring UK- https://artofmentoring.life/ Please support us on patreon here- www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Join the connection matters podcast mailing list here. I love to connect with people on my personal instagram here https://www.instagram.com/connection.matters.leona/ Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://www.soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Sarah is a certified trainer of Nonviolent Communication and works with individuals, families and organisations to increase compassion, understanding and connection. Sarah was a founder member of the NVC UK Conflict Transformation Weave, and draws on her lived experience of co-creating a restorative system in a large cohousing project in the North of England. Website: www.sarahludford.co.uk 

Things we talk about in this episode Everyone has what it takes inside them to become a song sharer The realisation that everyone can sing including me Singing needs to be for everybody Vision for a world in which everybody sings What a singing circle is like The voice- X factor gives us the idea we are or not a singer The power of the effect on children Sense of unity thats created by groups Word magic in song Sue Heart- Baka Beyond- singing alive-complex rhythms No Baka person ever said I can’t sing Survival skills- singing Singing helps in rehab centres- activities in healing- mental health and wellbeing programmes Research on the benefits of singing Taking parts of songs and putting them together creates something unique. Would we survive without singing? Mental health crisis- Cali White- The burning times- witches - we keep ourself small Tamara Jade- Song Links mentioned in this episode To find out more about Singing Mamas click https://www.singingmamaschoir.com/ To get more info on Live Wild Soul Sounds Singing in Nature Retreat click https://www.livewild.org.uk/live-wild-soul-sounds-singing-retreat/ Please support us on patreon here- www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast I love to connect with people on my personal instagram here https://www.instagram.com/connection.matters.leona/ Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://www.soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Kate Valentine is founder and network director of Singing Mamas CIC Kate is a registered nurse who has grown and developed the Singing Mamas movement for over a decade, reaching thousands of women. She is gifted in nurturing people, noticing the unique gifts in each woman, teasing them out, allowing people to feel their worth, find their voice and take their place as a leader. Kates passion for singing and for songs continually deepens as the years roll on.. she feels that she is meerly scratching the surface of the treasures.. if the natural state of voices, songs and singing were woven into the fabric of our human experience.. we would recognise singing truly is for our survival.  

Things we talk about in this episode The Journey from disconnection to nature connection Pivotal moments of change and how they show up The Art of Mentoring Eight Shields Community a culture of nature connection Mentoring Conscious Eldering- James Stark- living from deep compassion and joy Our struggles to be human beings Regenerative Design in Nature Awareness RDNA Weaving Earth School Deep nature connection Cultural elements Rites of passage, Grief tending, Ancestors, Fire Quests How to be in relationship Integration Sacred Fire Jon Young Gratitude Ceremony Forest Therapy Guide Training People who have had a healing connection in nature and want to bring that to others. The long Journey of coming home to self The pain of living in a disconnected culture when you've had a vision of how things can be different Culture can shift in our life time Links we mention in this episode Information about all of my events is here Please support us on patreon here-https://www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast To find out more about the yearlong deep nature connection and culture repair program Bringing it Home (based on the 8 shields model) visit here You can also find out about the lighter touch 8 Shields course Ecological Homecoming here, which focuses on the core routines of deep nature connection that are mapped onto each of the 8 directions, also co-hosted by Sky and Peter. For more resources on the 8 Shields there is a free video mini series you can sign up for here here, there are carousel images for each direction on instagram, and you can watch free sample videos of Jon Youngs/the 8 Shields Institute 512 project here The training program Sky talks about its here- https://weavingearth.org/about-us/ https://www.facebook.com/WeavingEarth/community Our website is https://www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast I love to connect with people on my personal instagram here;  https://www.instagram.com/connection.matters.leona/ Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://www.soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Sky- Maria Buitenhuis has extensive experience supporting people to deepen their connection to nature, including our own inner nature as part of the larger natural landscape. She is the co-founder of GIFT (Global Institute of Forest Therapy) and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Aswell as designing and directing the organizations training programs, she has personally trained and mentored 100s of people to follow their passions of becoming forest therapy guides. She is currently the co-host for the Bringing it Home program, a yearlong journey of deep nature connection and culture repair based on the 8 Shields model. As a nature connection guide, she draws on her trainings as a Work-That-Re-Connects (as founded by Joanna Macy) and an 8-Shields (a pan-cultural model for deep nature connection and cultural repair) facilitator as well as many other influences and her own on-going personal journey of remembering and embodying her most enlivened natural state of being, and continues to actively learn from indigenous cultures and wisdom-keepers,.As a facilitator, her passion is to offer people the experience of 'coming home', that is remembering that as a human we are embedded in this complex and infinitely diverse web of life on our beautiful planet Earth. She is deeply moved and nourished by supporting and witnessing others having this embodied, innately human, experience of returning home to wholeness. Within her nature connection work she also has a deep passion for supporting women's journeys of returning to the wisdom of their bodies through teaching fertility awareness/natural family planning and womb wellness. Sky loves to get elemental! What makes her feel most vital is communing with the Earth in various ways, such as wild-crafting with her hands, tracking animals, wild swimming and sitting quietly and listening out on the land. She really enjoyed getting her Level 2 Track & Sign cybertracker evaluation with the San people in Namibia. She also loves to dance, to sing and catch songs, and reading and writing poetry.

Links mentioned in this episode Helpers Mentoring Society Links https://www.helpersmentoringsociety.net/ https://www.instagram.com/helpersmentoring/ https://www.facebook.com/helpersmentor https://helpersmentoringsociety.mykajabi.com/bisonproject Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/connection.matters.leona/ Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Salvatore has 30 years of mentoring and delivery of nature-based therapies and wellness practices. He has expert knowledge and experience in both ancient indigenous and modern therapies. His focus is on techniques which increase well-being for individuals, families, and communities. He has created a codified therapeutic method drawn from experiences and knowledge. Salvatore has designed and taught over sixteen courses based on this methodology and has presented these courses and seminars in 12 countries, to over 27 different cultures.Salvatore Gencarelle is the founder and current director of Helpers Mentoring Society, an international organization dedicated to supporting the revitalization of humanity’s relationship with hope and purpose, so that all life thrives. 

Things we talk about in this episode The Womens mysteries Jane Hardwick Collins- Moon Song Birth as a portal- rites of passage  How we as women manifest things Blood mysteries Welcome at the thresholds. Women In Power- Predator within Wild Power Cycles of life Working with the current Honouring and recognising the potency to take time to process, dream, vision. Working with the energies Mothers and Daughters Initiations Wounded past Samsara tanner- Doula-grandmother The beauty of initiation Moon Lodge Menopause the mother of all reckonings Its anti-carcinogenic to have a hot flush! Di we know this is an essential process? Min mya- under the quandong tree- aboriginal wisdom Autumn women, harvest queen The red school- learning to work with the menstrualone cycle Take one's own being as a place of study Links mentioned in this episode https://www.findingself.co.uk/ https://janehardwickecollings.com/ https://www.redschool.net/about https://www.consciousbirthing.co.uk/users/samsara-tanner Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography I am the mother of three lovely and very energetic children. I’m grateful to be living in a loving and supportive community where I find nourishment for my dreams and vision. I am passionate about nourishing our connection to inner wisdom and natural energy. I have more than seventeen years experience as an acupuncturist which you can read about here - www.acupuncturesussex.co.uk. This website is to share with you my path working with practices that serve the renewal of connection to life, inspired by my training with teachers from diverse contemporary and indigenous traditions. I am truly grateful for my years of study with Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese medicine and movement practices as a pathway to a lifelong interest in healing and an exploration into what that really means. The first thread that took me from working exclusively with acupuncture and bodywork and beginning to explore honouring rites of passage and recognising the value of attending to our cycles was working with birth as a doula.  This was a real doorway for me and a personal initiation into finding out more about my vision in life. 

Things we talk about in this episode Why are there certain groups who are not connected? Jon's story about family and connection observations Research project- Tom Brown jar- Apache teacher San Bushmen of the Kalihari- oldest Culture on the planet- the cradle of connected culture Common Elements of connection Gratitude Customs Connection Practices Creation of The Art of Mentoring Connection is a different pathway to cognitive development/learning 64 Cultural Elements of connection Ingwe- Master /Elder Acomba- Bushmen Jen Wolfe Embodied experiences Looby's way into People and Permaculture Is there enough of us? One person can do so much Small actions big outcomes Activating hope Cultural Emergence Effective Design (CEED) Links mentioned in this episode https://cultural-emergence.com/ https://www.jonyoung.online/ https://loobymacnamara.com/ https://applewoodcourses.com/ https://artofmentoring.life/ http://8shields.org/ Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson Ray Johnson Biography Jon YoungJon Young is the founder of the 8 Shields Institute. He is an acknowledged expert on mentoring especially with respect to deep nature connection and culture. Jon was mentored himself by numerous Native Elders from traditional cultures of Europe, Africa and North America. He is also an inspirational storyteller who has been invited all over the planet to share his vision of a truly regenerative and peaceful world. Jon is author of What the Robin Knows, and co-author of Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature. .www.8Shields.org Looby MacnamaraLooby Macnamara is a pioneer of permaculture and co-founder of Cultural Emergence.She is an author, facilitator, designer, gardener, mother. She has written 4 books; Cultural Emergence, People & Permaculture, 7 Ways to Think Differently and Strands of Infinity.Looby has been deeply immersed in the permaculture movement since she came across it in 1999. She has been a trustee and chair of the Permaculture Association and is a senior diploma tutor. She has been teaching since 2002 and has run many courses including a dozen teacher trainings.In 2016 Looby set up the Applewood Permaculture Centre with her family, where they run courses and grow food.Looby is also part of the Mother Nature project - to support mothers in their process of personal transformation. Jon and Looby Jon and Looby have been collaborating since 2016. They have been working together to emerge new tools and wisdom with the Cultural Emergence toolkit. Looby also mentored the 8 Shields Institute in design. Jon and Looby have taught many courses together including Cultural Emergence Leadership Training, an online Cultural Emergence Design course and both the Activating Cultural Emergence (ACE) and Peace Empowerment And Cultural Emergence (PEACE) courses.

Things we talk about in this episode How we are educated out of connection with the other than human world. The way language separates us Connective language Connective practices to deepen our relationships Relationships need to be tended Why we would want to open the channels of connection to plants and other beings Multi dimensional world St Johns Wort and traditional knowledge Links mentioned in this episode http://klaudia.co.uk/ www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson Ray Johnson   BiographyKlaudia grew up at the edge of a village in the south of the Netherlands, considering the fields her playground. An urge to garden led to creating several small gardens around the house. Doing a degree in Environmental Science after moving to the UK and having two daughters, brought things together and she realised she couldn’t think of anything better to do than work for the environment she loved and has continued to do ever since. In addition to the degree, she did many trainings in the fields of business, permaculture, education & teaching, facilitation, management, sustainability skills and personal development. She gathered many skills through training and practical experience: gardening, preserving, foraging, basketry, living willow structures, strawbale and cob building, bushcraft, herbal medicine and more. Once she started on the permaculture path, she got hooked and also started teaching and consulting on permaculture. This led to a particular social permaculture interest. In recent years she’s been involved with Extinction Rebellion, mostly focussing on regenerative cultures and deepening her curiosity for ceremony, herbal medicine and plant connection.

Links mentioned in this episode https://www.globalsocialleaders.com/ www.future-foundations.co.uk #gslfest #gslgoals #smallactions #bigimpact Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Future Foundations’ mission is to inspire young people to achieve their full potential and become leaders in their lives and within society. Our vision is a society where all organisations are led by socially conscious people, with every young person making the transition into adulthood with the foundations they need for their future. Amy is a proactive person motivated by the desire to empower people to be able to develop the capacity and control over the direction of their lives. This lead to her studying for a Masters in Social Anthropology and the impact of different influences on how we construct meaning in our lives. Amy works to build the capacity of young people and communities here in the UK and overseas.

Things we talk about in this episode The benefits of meditation for the different stages and ages of your family How and when to introduce meditation to kids The number one tool to come into the present moment and build mental and emotional wellbeing Discover how to respond versus react so you can become more present and engaged with your children The five parts to emotional overwhelm and triggers and how to unravel them so your needs get met and you take others off the hook How to build a safe emotional container and discover the gift in the centre of your difficult feelings Links mentioned in this episode Support us on Patreon- www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Contact Keli- https://TheOtherSideofAverage.com Keli's YouTube channel Keli on Facebook Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ Email Leona at practise- connectionmatterspodcast@livewild.org.uk The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson Ray Johnson Biography Keli is no stranger to mind, body and spirit awareness. She first started practising transcendent meditation at the age of six, when her mother took her to learn Transcendental Meditation® (TM®), she was re-certified at 25. Keli is a Chopra Center certified Transcendent Meditation (PSM®) instructor, Forgiveness Coach and Breathwork Practitioner. Keli was recently featured as a guest speaker for The Embodiment Conference where I shared how meditation supports families and relationships to move closer to true fulfilment and happiness. Her commitment to maintaining her practice has allowed her to raise 3 beautiful children with mindfulness, overcome limiting self-concepts, heal her body of disease, accomplish pain-free childbirth and experience unity consciousness, yet Keli will be the first to attest that the practice is the path,fulfilment not the achievements. Keli’s goal as a transformational coach is to help aware souls learn and master the three most essential tools that help align you with your soul’s purpose — your essential nature and the truest expression of yourself — all whilst healing and transcending past resentments and stories that have kept you stuck and in pain. It is then that you experience the miracles and fulfillment of life in every moment (especially during life’s inevitable obstacles). Keli is passionate about coaching women, youth and families all over the globe to feel confident, empowered and strong in the way they live their lives.  

Things we talk about in this episode How such words of clarity and insight come through Where the journey to a more spiritual perspective began Seeking connection and meaning Ingspacka- community- a place of seekers, healing, inspiring journeys, singing together sense of home. I’m not weird any more, people who are similar to me Finding a place where I was inspired welcome, home, a place personal discovery The feeling of coming back to ‘real life’ after feeling being in a connected community- feeling challenged by parents, society, everything The journey of coming home to self When the Songs started to come First song- Shedding skins The awakening journey Personal practices Life as a sensitive person Creating ceremony to manifest.- beauty-offerings- listening- gratitude The power of physically planting a seed and watering it. Trusting that all the forces are working in our favour The importance of putting the energy into what we create. Giving humility respect joy- If it is it in my highest good Devotee of the goddess Nordic folklore nordic shamanism - connected to the land Bringing our gifts to the world is a responsibility Fia's music tracks in this episode  Shedding Skins - Made of Stars Time for Greatness- Waterfall of Wisdom Pheonix- Waterfall of Wisdom     Links mentioned in this episode Support us on Patreon - www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray    THIS IS FIA INTRO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_GoHtN66bM    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MqfYdygGLnHjhmXc9yDeH    Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/fiasmusicofficial    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisfiamusic    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisfiamusic/    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisfiamusic?source=h5_m    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnwes0uIL9yIobUL5Jo6Aew    Website: https://fiasmusicofficial.com/ The spiritual healing centre Fia mentions in the podcast- https://www.angsbacka.com/ Biography Based in the countryside north of Stockholm, Fia Forsström (known mononymously as Fia) is a folk pop singer/songwriter who with her inspirational lyrics, empowering songs, and catchy melodies quickly enchanted hearts all over world with the release of her solo debut ”Made of Stars” in 2016 which was crowdfunded together with her fans. Building a solid platform through social media and word of mouth, Fia took her place as one of the leading voices on the motivational music scene with ”Legacy of Light” (2017) and ”Waterfall of Wisdom” (2019), both of them recorded and released with the help of her loving listeners.Fia was born in 1994 in Kista, Sweden. She began playing the oboe and writing songs at the age of 10. During her teenage years she picked up the guitar and piano being part of different ensembles while attending the music program at Westerlundska High School. She released her solo debut ”Made of Stars” in 2016 independently with the support of fans, and in 2017 Fia garnered even more widespread acclaim with the follow up ”Legacy of Light”. At this point Fia was a known name in the personal development community and her star continued to rise with ”Waterfall of Wisdom” released in 2019 which wrapped up the acoustic album trilogy.In 2020, her music was featured in a meditation app developed by the University of California Santa Barbara Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, bringing her songs to high school students all over the US.

Things we talk about in this episode Activating Cultural Emergence Eight Shields and Jon Young People and Permaculture Challenge and Awaken Connection Practices Move and invigorate There is no bin Disrupting patterns Challenge our conditioning to shift mindset. Designing for life from consciousness Who is this work for? What are the practical applications of it  and outcomes when people start moving to this way of thinking and being? Links mentioned in this episode https://loobymacnamara.com https://applewoodcourses.com/ https://cultural-emergence.com/ Support us by going to  www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography I am a permaculture teacher, designer and writer. Permaculture came into my life in 1999 and awakened in me a creative life force. I have found it to be full of inspiration, magic and common sense. Permaculture has allowed me to meander on my own path supported by like-minded people, a sense of purpose and a belief that together we are bringing about positive change in the world. One of the beauties of permaculture is that we can all use it in unique ways to enhance what we are doing already and to take us in new directions. To guide people in doing this I have written a book People & Permaculture which is the first permaculture book to look at how we can use the principles and design of permaculture in all aspects of life. The book emphasises how focusing on caring and designing for people can lead to greater and more effective planet care and repair. In 2014 I published my second book 7 Ways to Think Differently. A concise and potent guide to shifting our personal and cultural thinking patterns towards more healthy regenerative ones. I live in Herefordshire with my partner and two daughters. We have a stunning 20-acre smallholding – Applewood permaculture centre which is an education and demonstration centre. Most of my courses are run here. We have indoor accommodation and teaching spaces, as well as many diverse habitats including orchard, pasture, woodland, lake, gardens. Our home is also home to an abundance of birds including ravens and a parliament of owls that talk across the valley. Since 2016 I have been working closely with Jon Young (founder of 8 Shields Institue) on the Cultural Emergence Project – finding news ways to facilitate cultural change. I have just released my latest book Cultural Emergence (available from https://cultural-emergence.com/)   

Things we talk about in this episode Remembering our ancestors and the rich tapestry that has gone before us. What practices support us when times are hard. How do people manage to uphold dignity and connection in times of extreme hardship Jordan hall, Jaimie Wheal -Self-organising networks Jem Bendel- We are in Climate crisis What is resiliency and how do we create it and maintain it in self and in society What is generosity of spirit Powerlessness, separation and scarcity- Miki Kashtan- Non-Violent Communication Gratitude  Embracing power, leadership, integrity and opportunity NOW To be the right person, in the right place, at the right time I am the hollow bone Daniel Smatenburger- Rebel Wisdom- The first generation with the capacity for species self extinction Rivalry is the problem- we need cooperation, compassion. Politics- Same bus different driver- We need a new bus. We are facing extinctions How do we find our personal sovereignty Be more pirate - How to be more pirate Accidental God programme Links mentioned in this episode Manda's  Website - https://mandascott.co.uk/ Manda's Podcast and Programme - https://accidentalgods.life/  Deep Adaptation Link- https://jembendell.com/  Reference to Jotrdan Hall and Jamie Wheal - https://medium.com/deep-code/situational-assessment-right-now-7d9856b562f5 Rebel Wisdom- Excellent Podcast - Daniel Schmachtenberger - https://rebelwisdom.co.uk/12-film-content/sensemaking-series/585-making-sense-of-sensemaking-daniel-schmachtenberger-jamie-wheal-jordan-hall Song link- FIA- Shedding skins - https://open.spotify.com/track/7KRXr3joGNEmGy5jBM5hlY?si=UAOPwP7yRO604N7vJc0W0g Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Born and raised in Scotland - and still a Scot at heart - Manda has been, variously, a veterinary surgeon, veterinary anaesthetist, acupuncturist (people and animals), crime writer, columnist, blogger, economist - and author.  In between, she teaches shamanic dreaming, creative writing and concept-based dog training. Poem Shared in the Intro A blessing for Leaders- John O'Donohue May you have the grace and wisdom To act kindly, learning To distinguish between what is Personal and what is not May you be hospitable to criticism. May you never put yourself at the centre of things. May you act not from arrogance but out of service. May you work on yourself, Building and refining the ways of the mind. May you learn to cultivate the art of presence In order to engage with those who meet you. When someone fails or disappoints you, May the graciousness with which you engage Be their stairway to renewal and refinement. May you treasure the gifts of the mind Through reading and creative thinking So that you continue as a servant of the frontier Where the new will draw its enrichment of the old, And you never become a functionary. May you know the wisdom of deep listening The healing of wholesome words, The encouragement of the appreciative gaze, The decorum of held dignity, The springtime edge of the bleak question. May you have a mind that loves frontiers So that you can evoke the bright fields That lie beyond the view of the regular eye. May you have good friends To mirror your blind spots. May leadership be for you A true adventure of growth. John O'Donohue  

Things we talk about in this episode How practices make a difference Breath embodiment, shamanism, How have practices changed during lockdown Life- No accidents, no blame, be with what is and let the wind blow through you and Many Paths to connection and relationship Products of our ancestors beliefs and world views How we stay in a space of non duality and connection The importance of presence and integrity Being present with self Those who look outside ........., those who look inside awaken Accepting all the parts of ourselves Forgiving ourselves What is breathwork Trauma and welcoming home the fragmented parts of ourselves Does this thought or action make me feel good, does it contribute to the whole We choose - Contraction and fear or openness and love Links mentioned in this episode www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast http://stephmagenta.com www.facebook.com/integrativebreath or www.instagram.com/integrativebreath email: lifealchemytherapies@gmail.com Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray   Biography Steph Magenta is Breathwork Facilitator and Teacher, licensed bodywork therapist and qualified shamanic practitioner. She has a background in research and development in relation to addiction and substance misuse. Her work has a strong focus on healing trauma using a wide range of somatic modalities, which she uses to guide each person or group she works with, to rediscover a strong sense of wellbeing and purpose in life. Her knowledge of detox and health is supported with over 20 years of running her own juice bars and healing centres. A mother of three grown up children, Steph is committed to raising healthy human beings who value conscious communication and integral ways of living. She has worked extensively with plant medicines, shamanism and the breath to create lifelong healing for herself and her clients. Steph’s practice upholds an embodied, grounded, and accessible approach to health and longevity. She has journeyed long and hard through many aspects of sexual and personal expression to return to the true wisdom of the heart. Steph is an international retreats and events leader, one to one and group work facilitator; currently based in Glastonbury, UK.    

Things we talk about in this episode The value of experiencing community and nature connection as a young adult USA- Interlocken- centre for experiential education Finding connection and healing. From lost teen to purposeful adult. Louise Chawla - Research on Significant life experiences Positive, meaningful and memorable experiences being a catalyst for change The importance of enthusiastic and significant adult mentors Collaboration as a driver for connection and community Having support/accountability but also autonomy The joy of writing childrens stories Links mentioned in this episode https://www.webekids.net/ www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Danny lives happily in the North of England with his partner and daughter. He spent a lot of his early adulthood living and working at a centre of Experiential Education in the USA where he discovered the power of community living, nature connection and experiential Education. Danny studied Outdoor and Environmental Education at Liverpool University and founded the Outdoor Education Project CommuniTree, directing it up until spring 2020. When Covid hit Danny and his partner Annie started a nature-based wellbeing project called We Be Kids and are currently working on this to bring free nature-based online resources to children and families to help them build connections and boost wellbeing. Danny is also a children's author, storyteller, poet, spoon carver, birdwatcher, ultra-marathon runner and homeschool Dad.   

Things we talk about in this episode Importance of politics in the whole of the idea of nature connection The journey from the indoors to the outdoors Last child in the woods The Collaboration of Outdoor Play Therapists conference Animal assisted therapy Children who show us the way.risk-averse Lessons from nature Ways to understand transitions and work through them Benefits of Risk Sanitisation of childhood - risk averse society When children roamed free Solitary play is important Children as teachers Links mentioned in this episode The collaboration of Outdoor Play Therapists https://cooptuk.com/ Email- cooptuk@gmail.com  Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal Instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Ali Chown is a Play Therapist, Supervisor, Trainer and qualified and experienced Specialist Teacher for children and young people with complex BESD. As a Play Therapist, Ali has worked with children and young people with complex behaviour, emotional and social needs (BESD), those who have experienced early childhood trauma and loss and have attachment difficulties and pupils with autism, language and communication and other complex special needs. She is an experienced trainer and supervisor and has presented on ‘working in nature’ at the BAPT Annual Conference and Romanian Institute for Play and Drama Therapy and lectured on trauma and learning to teachers from the MYME Mobile Education Project in Myanmar (Burma). Ali is one of the pioneers of play therapy in the outdoors. She has published two books, Play Therapy in the Outdoors (Kingsley, 2014) and The Practical Guide to Play Therapy in the Outdoors (Routledge, 2017). Ali also has two chapters in the forthcoming International Handbook or Play Therapy to be published this autumn. She is the director of Phoenix Play and the co-founder of COOPT which she now facilitates. Ali lives in Dorset where she loves being outdoors, connected to nature with sea swimming, just ‘being’ on the beach, walking, camping and gardening.  

Things we talk about in this episode Connection to our lineage and ancestors How to live a more intentional life Choosing how we want to feel and that energy we want to create rather than being fixed on specific ideas The importance of being able to notice and name your needs and longings How we can evolve from the paradigm of right and wrong into a culture of curiosity and everyone's needs matter. No one changes their mind just because you tell them they are wrong or they should Knowing thet there are many others changing the way they think and act brings hope The importance of surrounding yourself with good people and positive news How good coaching and mentoring can accelerate your personal growth exponentially Books mentioned in this episodeA guide to the good life- William B Irvinehttps://www.williambirvine.com/books Links mentioned in this episodehttps://bethcreedon.co.uk/Support us on Patreon- www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Beth worked in sustainable food for over a decade before starting and then selling an organic veg box delivery business with her husband.She has been coaching professionally since 2009 and loves being part of the hugely inspiring conversation around connection, powerful communication and deep gratitude for all that life brings.She has now created The Self Coach Experience. She teaches freedom seekers how to coach themselves, and enjoy their minds and lives. Beth has coached hundreds of people over thousands of hours. She coaches 1:1 and leads a three-month program called Mindcraft.

Things we talk about in this episode How do we create a nature connected culture Way of nature UK Free to learn- Peter grey The Visionaries- an organisation that creates nurturing school communities that support young people into healthy adulthood The way of council Adrian's old life living in London working towards having a porsh Engineering a village where he now lives in Tuscany Give up house and modern comforts for a simpler life Adventures Healthy community activities -Mens Groups, Womens groups, 5rhythms dancing, work sharing, community school The beauty of community the gifts of help, support The Net metaphor - everyone in community holds the net - when we need it the net can catch us and everyone else can hold it until you are well and able again. Need for digital detox Alternative primary school Mac Mcarthy The children fire More together than alone - Mark The riches and wealth to be found in the simple life Books mentioned in this episode More Together than Alone- Mark Nepo Free To Learn - Peter Grey The Children Fire - MacCartney Links mentioned in this episode https://www.evolvewellnesscentre.com http://wayofnature.co.uk https://thevisionaries.org.uk www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Adrian Kowal – Adrian lives off-grid in southern Tuscany, Italy, where he is growing an intentional community. He is the co-founder of Way of Nature UK and is impassioned by the alchemical reaction of combining deep relaxation processes with Rites of Passage nature connection practices. He has trained and assisted in facilitating programmes with John P. Milton, and has been leading wilderness programmes for 7 years. Adrian is also a co-founder of The Visionaries, an organisation that creates nurturing school communities that support young people into healthy adulthood. Adrian co-founded and runs Evolve, a centre for growth and wellbeing in London, for 10 years and has deep knowledge of both urban and nature-based wellness practices.

Things we talk about in this episode Journey into Nature Connection Thomas Schorr-Kon- Trackways Wilderness Awareness School The Art of Mentoring The power of long term mentoring The Forest School Associations-  Nature Premium Campaign FSC- Forest School Camps Red Squirrel Resources Links mentioned in this episode www.patreon.com/connectionmatterspodcast https://redsquirrelresources.co.uk http://www.cultivating-curiosity.co.uk https://www.naturepremium.org https://www.trackways.co.uk/home Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography Victoria has facilitated nature connection worldwide and brings her experience of working with the 8-shields model of regenerative design connecting people to themselves, to nature and to one another since 2006. Having been introduced to wilderness philosophy and survival skills at 12 years old, a passion for nature was ignited. With deep nature connection and mentoring being an ongoing thread throughout her teens, Victoria was lucky enough to do a variety of immersion trainings both in the UK and the USA.   “Through ancient scout experiences as a teenager, I was able to expand into my less dominant senses with extended blindfold drumstalks of over an hour moving towards the sound, feel into the edges of my awareness through stealth movement missions and become aware of how I could connect to source through a variety of practices including sweat lodges, sense meditations and the simple yet profound ‘sit spot’.”   In her early 20s she founded Cultivating Curiosity and developed long term nature connection mentoring programmes for both children and adults in Sussex. A few areas of particular interest are: the power of gratitude; natural fire lighting and conscious fire tending; and the role of questions and stories in pedagogy.  

Books Mentioned in this episode The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson Untamed by Glennon Doyle Links mentioned in this episode https://marthahunthandler.com/ Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcast Connect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/ My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/ The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionray Biography I see magic at work everywhere around me. I don’t believe in coincidences, only co-incidents: things that you hear, see or feel that help remind your soul of its path. I appreciate the phrase, “Grow or Wilt.” I think that’s what we’re all here for – to continually expand our hearts and minds as we navigate our way through the plethora of experiences we are presented with for this purpose. Raised in Northern Illinois, I began to see wolves in my dreams from a very early age. Always a nature girl, I spent my free time either swimming in a lake near my house or roaming around in the Enchanted Forrest near my home. It was here I first heard nature speaking to me; asking for my help while promising guidance in this endeavor. After earning a degree in environmental conservation at UC Boulder, I worked as an environmental consultant in D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles.         With my adult children now grown and flown, I’m able to focus on pursing those passions that most pull my heartstrings: wolves and writing. I spend weekdays in Tribeca, New York and weekends near the wolves in South Salem, New York.  My first novel, “Winter of the Wolf,” will be published by Greenleaf in July, 2020. 

Books Mentioned in this episodeThe Gift of Fear by Gavin De BeckerSigns by Laura Lynne JacksonUntamed by Glennon DoyleLinks mentioned in this episodehttps://marthahunthandler.com/Our website is www.livewild.org.uk/connectionmatterspodcastConnect with us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/livewilduk/My personal instagram is  https://www.instagram.com/leona.connection.matters/The music for this podcast is -Hermosa Dia by Ray Johnson https://soundcloud.com/visionrayBiographyI see magic at work everywhere around me. I don’t believe in coincidences, only co-incidents: things that you hear, see or feel that help remind your soul of its path. I appreciate the phrase, “Grow or Wilt.” I think that’s what we’re all here for – to continually expand our hearts and minds as we navigate our way through the plethora of experiences we are presented with for this purpose.Raised in Northern Illinois, I began to see wolves in my dreams from a very early age. Always a nature girl, I spent my free time either swimming in a lake near my house or roaming around in the Enchanted Forrest near my home. It was here I first heard nature speaking to me; asking for my help while promising guidance in this endeavor. After earning a degree in environmental conservation at UC Boulder, I worked as an environmental consultant in D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles.      With my adult children now grown and flown, I’m able to focus on pursing those passions that most pull my heartstrings: wolves and writing. I spend weekdays in Tribeca, New York and weekends near the wolves in South Salem, New York.  My first novel, “Winter of the Wolf,” will be published by Greenleaf in July, 2020.