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Our relationship with the land in modern life is complicated at best. Most of us live in concrete boxes separated from the 'more than human' world and we often see ourselves as owners rather stewards of the Earth. What happens when we have a relationship with land that spans generations however? Elmore Court has been in Anselm Guise's family for several hundred years and inheriting that kind of legacy can come weighted with expectations and traditions. However, as an ex-raver and dance festival promoter, Ans was always going to do something different. Ans is also a spiritual seeker and shamanic student, so when he decided to rewild a huge part of his ancestral estate, it wasn't without controversy. This is a story of bucking the modern narrative, reconnecting with the land in a deep way...and in doing so, coming home to our own true nature. In this episode we talk about: Ans' journey from partying hard in Ibiza through the Origin Festival to rewilding Elmore Reimagining what an ancient home can give to the wider world Why it's worth the effort to stop thinking and start feeling How being an ecologist and a raver at the same time can work How to reconnect with the land around you What we can learn from ancient beliefs and eternal wisdom How to make decisions from your heart and gut The importance of working with and listening to the land Looking forward with an open attitude towards change for the better Key Quotes "'Rewilding' is a relatively new term that means returning things to the wild.. to be feral again. A state of mind perhaps[...] it is a process. One where you allow nature to do its thing without us humans interfering... "[We have taken] A block of wild land with native hardy herbivores roaming freely without chemicals, fertilisers, worming tablets or anything else artificial to frustrate the magic. And it is magic. We have lost sight of what nature can do."About this week's guest: Anselm Guise is the current owner of Elmore Court Estate, one of England oldest family homes dating back to the mid 13th century. Rather than conforming to the status quo however he spent is early adult life travelling the world, organising raves and playing techno music. Through this is exposure to alternative culture and different ways of thinking he has brought a great deal of that to what he is doing at Elmore Court, which is a place for celebration and parties of course but also using the wisdom of others and his own experience to create an example of how an English Country Estate could be in the 21st century with strong values that include authentic sustainability, connection to nature, trusting natural processes and more.Social linksElmore Court - FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTERAnselm Guise - INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

If you are like me, when you hear phrases like leadership, change management and team building, you think offices or other concrete boxes, not the forest. Yet, the pandemic has driven most of us out of offices...and into Nature. Nigel Berman founded the School of the Wild in Sussex originally as a way to help himself and others reconnect with nature. However, pretty soon he started taking companies and leaders into the woods and discovered that profound progress and transformation happens quite 'naturally'. In this episode we talk about how leadership is changing, and how Nature really is the best container for transformation, collaboration and relatedness in business. Nigel is very humble when he talks about his journey and the shift of focus. However, what is clear is that he is intensely curious and open to learning, which for me has been the key to his success. Imagine just how much better business would be if it was conducted in the forest! In this episode we talk about: How teams can reconnnect by just sitting around a fire Synthesising spirituality into modern life How to create a business that takes you to all the places you love to hang out Using a limited selection of senses to connect with nature How using nature as a container can facilitate change and development How connecting with nature together can lead to different paths and outcomes Remembering that it’s not all about US Connecting with your vulnerability - as a man About this week's guest: Nigel Berman founded School of the Wild to combine a love of being in nature with experiences that bring teams and organisations together. Nigel is passionate about meaningful conversations that inspire change and has facilitated team and leadership sessions for a variety of digital agencies, NGO's and corporates. Nigel has spent 25 years leading businesses that communicate different ways of seeing the world. School of the Wild is his way of doing more to help fix the relationship between people and the planet.Social links Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

How do you do take holistic heart-centred environmental action AND collaborate with the planet? So many activists are eco-warriors who burn out fighting the good fight. Equally many big business are embracing things like net-zero carbon emissions, but take a distinctly analytical and technological approach, meaning caring for the planet becomes just another thing for the to-do list. Either way, activism is often something we do TO the Earth. Lilith Flanagan contends that there is another way - a way where we dialogue with the Earth to create collaborative cohabitation with the planet. Rooted in coaching, purpose and process work, Lilith works with activists and leaders to get the input of the Earth into what to do to serve the planet. This leads not only to a wider perspective, but also to all kinds of creativity and innovation in our activism. It also means that we are operating from heart as well as head. I love what Lilith is up-to in the world, so much so that we co-created a holistic activism programme together. Wise, compassionate and visionary, Lilith has played a huge role in my personal growth and I am delighted to have her share her wisdom with us. On this podcast, we talk about: Why so much activism is ineffective Seeing our selves as part of the ecosystem rather than separate from it increases the effectiveness of our action Doing so, also prevents burnout Techniques for diving into your own unique activist calling How dialoguing with the Earth and members of the natural world can open up avenues of actions that we may not have considered The benefits of taking a heart-centred approach to activism And so much more! About this week's guest: Lilith is the author of the Environmental Coaching methodology and founder of Evolution Coaching Academy.   Lilith integrated her ICF MCC credential with MSc Holistic Science, MBA and MA Economics in Banking and Finance. She worked in senior leadership roles with ING and FUJITSU (formerly ICL).  She coached individuals and teams in global organisations including IBM, Orange, Groupon, Coca-Cola, AVIVA, RWE as well as NGOs, schools and local communities.  She supported the coaching profession in ICF leadership roles in multiple countries and serves as an ICF Assessor.Social links Coaching courses | Dialoguing with the Earth | The Living Earth Programme

Many of us walk through life constantly searching for the "answer" or the next thing to make us feel better, only to feel disappointed when our problems don't go away. Laura Adrian has walked this path, and found a way to make it work for her. Through working with Nature to support her personal healing and growth, Laura now teaches the importance of embodiment and being grounded. Grounded in mindfulness, meditation and yoga, Laura now teaches nature connection and takes people into the wild so that they can gain perspective and transform how we they see themselves and our participation in the world. In this podcast we talk about: How your individual eclecticism can show you where to go next Recognising what keeps you grounded The benefits of being guided through nature to discover yourself Discover how to open your heart to the benefits of nature How to stay connected to nature when you live in a 'concrete jungle' Example visualisations for grounding How and why to go out into wild nature About this week's guest: Laura Adrian is a yogini and meditator who finds beauty, awe, and inspiration by directly connecting to the Earth whether in a city park or wilderness expedition. She offers retreats and expeditions where she shares her adventurous spirit with seasoned adventurers or nature curious folks. Through these experiences, she has encouraged hundreds of women to develop wilderness skills, challenge themselves, and develop a more beautiful relationship with the natural world.Social links Website | Instagram Check Laura out on @wholelifeelevation and www.wholelifeelevation.com

The 4 elements are the basics foundations upon which many earth-based spiritual traditions are based. Yet they form a framework and language for anyone to deepen their connection with nature. In this episode, my friend and renowned spiritual writer Ivo Dominguez Jr introduces up to the 4 elements, giving wisdom and practices that truly allow us to connect with each element in a very practical sense. Ivo is a queer- and eco-activist, a Wiccan elder and spiritual teacher of many years. More than anything though, he is a community builder who brings people together to celebrate their connect with nature. He truly makes the esoteric accessible. In this conversation, we talk about: What it is to form a spiritual connection with a particular place or land How just being outdoors changes our physiology, biology and senses Why the 4 elements are a way to deepen your connection with nature, and also your own nature When you connect with the elements, you connect with a different form of time The simplest way to observe and experience each element A really quick practice using the element of water to reconnect and calm stress A whistle stop tour of the 4 elements Exercises and practices to explore each of the 4 elements About this week's guest: Ivo Domínguez, Jr. is a visionary, and a practitioner of a variety of esoteric disciplines. He has been active in Wicca and the Pagan community since 1978, has been teaching since 1982. Ivo was a founding member, and a past High Priest, of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the first coven of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel a Wiccan Tradition. He currently serves as one of the Elders of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, a Wiccan syncretic tradition that draws inspiration from Astrology, Qabala, the Western Magickal Tradition and the folk religions of Europe. His techniques and insights are rooted in a synthesis of traditional metaphysical teachings, modern science, and memories from past lives. He has taught at many gatherings, conferences, and venues across the United States and abroad. Ivo is also a professional astrologer who has studied astrology since 1980 and has been offering consultations and readings since 1988. Ivo has been published in numerous periodicals and is the author of The Four Elements of the Wise, Keys To Perception: A Practical Guide to Psychic Development, Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans: Using the Planets and the Stars for Effective Spellwork, Rituals, and Magickal Work; Casting Sacred Space: The Core Of All Magickal Work; Spirit Speak: Knowing and Understanding Spirit Guides, Ancestors, Ghosts, Angels, and the Divine; Beneath the Skins and more in forthcoming.  He is also one of the creative forces behind Awakening the Dream, A Dream Whose Time Is Coming, and Dreams Sung True three chant CDs that are fundraisers for the New Alexandrian Library Project. Social links Twitter | Instagram

Sometimes Life really does conspire to bring someone into your life and that is exactly what it did for me with Diana Frajman, my 'witchy sister' from British Columbia. Diana is the walking example of a Crone - a vibrant Wise Woman, full of life, magic and healing. In a world obsessed with youth, Diana celebrates the wisdom and power that comes with age. Diana works as a mentor and intuitive guide to post-menopausal women, who for the first time in their life,have the time, space and resources to follow their own heart. She teaches them how to find their power and share their wisdom. She also mentors younger women to be more self-accepting and self-loving. As a person, Diana is deceptive! She might look warm, caring and charming (and she is!), but she is also an absolute powerhouse - perceptive, sagacious and courageous. She regularly holds my feet to the fire...and I couldn't be more grateful to her if I tried. In this conversation, we talked about: Gaining the confidence to believe in yourself Putting yourself first again Getting past the social expectations of being female Journeying into the 'me first' stage of your life Recognising the signs when they stare you in the face Valuing and celebrating the Crone What the Crone can offer younger women Can mentoring be a valuable 360 degrees experience? Wisdom for women coming into their Cronedom

Sonia Choquette is probably the biggest single influence on my spiritual journey of the last 15 years. She is an internationally renowned Spiritual Teacher, Intuitive Guide and one of Hay House's biggest authors. Of course, when I started this podcast, I couldn't wait to get Sonia on here. And it turned out to be a real treat! Recorded in late 2020, we talked about why we are all being called back to Nature and why COVID19 is so pivotal in our spiritual development as human. As a person, Sonia is beautifully warm and radiantly alive. She truly walks her talk. As a teacher, Sonia is fierce, inspirational and eminently practical. To her, everyone has a beautiful spirit, a divine birthright and soul-level gifts. In this conversation, we particularly cover: Why Nature is so important for the human spirit How to recognise the difference between your mind and your spirit How to retrain your ego mind Learn what nature and the divine mother can do for you How fear and anxiety have a different signature to inner guidance What vibration actually is and how it shows up Why COVID has actually accelerated our spiritual growth and development Who the post-COVID game changers are going to be Sonia's revised version of Ask Your Guides mentioned in the podcast is now out and available here.

As both a leadership coach and intuitive guide, one of the questions I hear most from clients is "what is my life purpose?". However, it is one thing to know it, it is another thing to LIVE it. However, that is exactly what Transformational Teacher Aloise Surfleet-Middleton teaches people to do. Following a spiritual awakening in her late 20s, she built on a successful career to really listen to inner knowing, discover her true gifts and build a business that helps people build a live in alignment with their soul. One of Aloise's gifts is to take spiritual principles and make them extremely grounded, accessible and practical. In this episode, she gives us the low down on not only how to discover what your life purpose is, but to truly start to live it in the world. In this conversation, we particularly talk about: The reality of what a spiritual awakening is like Why everything in your life is preparing you for your purpose, even if you don't realise it! Why you need to focus on the what and forget the how How your mess is your message Why who you surround yourself with is crucial The three elements that make up your dharma How to take aligned action to activate your life purpose The role of karma and how to deal with negative blocks and restrictions You can find out more about Aloise and what she does at: Website - https://aloise.life​ Akashic Record Readings - https://aloise.life/akashic-records/​ Youtube - https://youtube.com/c/TheDharmaLife​ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aloise.life/​

Sam Gravestock aka 'Man of Tanith' online isn't a big teacher, author or guide. He is just a regular husband, father and Care Manager who happens to have a very deep connection, passion for and reverence of nature. Although started in childhood, Sam's connection with nature really deepened after a nervous breakdown. He found that nature played a huge role in his healing and has been his way of dealing with stress and staying resilient ever since. What I love about Sam is that he is a passionate advocate about the healing power of nature, yet there is nothing pretentious about him. He has a profound and deep connection with the Earth, and yet he is completely humble. For those of us who are just 'regular folks' there is a lot to learn from this very wise man. In this conversation, we talk about: Why a connection with nature makes Sam a better husband and father The role of nature in mental health recovery and well being The link between practical bushcraft, intuition and spirituality How nature has a healing effect on us on multiple levels Why "only the wilderness is pure truth" How to work with nature to reset and destress Why real bushcraft is more about a relationship with nature than conquering and surviving nature How to use your intuition to connect with the natural world The role of a rite of passage in personal growth How to deepen your relationship with nature Where to learn more about bushcraft and nature connection Sam's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/man_of_tanith/

Intuition is a superpower that is common to everyone, not just the chosen few. Even the most analytical person will sometimes follow their gut feel while, for others, intuition is the gateway to a much bigger spiritual world. Sara Wiseman is an Author and Intuitive Teacher in the latter space.  A near-death experience almost 20 years ago opened her up to the world of Spirit, guides and clairvoyance.  However, living what she calls a “very mundane life” means that she has an incredibly grounded and accessible approach to intuition. In this week’s episode we get into the nitty-gritty of how to work with and develop your intuition, what is going on in the world from an energetic perspective and how synchronicity can really mess with your head! Sara has a deceptively gentle and quiet presence which belies just how wise and insightful she is.  She is quick to laugh and I am always impressed with how she makes spirituality so accessible.  This was a really joyful conversation to be part of. In this conversation, we talked about: Why intuition and spirituality are relevant to “normal” people Why intuitive guidance can come from unexpected sources How to work with synchronicity What energy of the current situation of the world is all about How to take care of your energy and state of being in a rapidly changing world Why your life purpose may not be what you think it is What intuition really is and how to develop it A very simple technique to really tap into your intuition How to learn to trust your intuition

What rituals do you have in your life? Rituals are used by many cultures to define a sense of purpose, create transformation and to mark important times of transition. Yet, in western cultures, this is something we largely lack and we are definitely missing something for it. Increasingly though, many of us are feeling a deep calling back to the power of ritual and ceremony. In this week's episode, I have a deep and touching conversation with nature guide and ritual facilitator Rebecca Card about the impact of the lack of ritual on our daily lives, our emotional well being and psyche. Rebecca is immensely soulful and thoughtful person who invites inquiry and reflection rather than giving advice. I felt profoundly moved at certain points in the conversation and Rebecca's quiet yet powerful presence really facilitates transformation. In this conversation, we talk about: The current political situation and how this stems for a lack of deep inquiry and soul searching in society Nature as a guru and teacher The call and opportunities of the time of the pandemic The transformational power of self-generated ceremony...and why we are drawn to it How to bring the power of ritual into your day-to-day life What a Vision Quest is, and why you might want to do one How we have forgotten how to be in relationship with nature You can find out more about Rebecca and her work at https://naturewisdom.life.

Welcome to 2021! I am sure that after all the craziness, weirdness and restriction of 2020, the thought of more FREEDOM in this year will appeal to you. Micah Mortali contends that one of our biggest pathways to freedom and growth is through nature. As an author, outdoor guide and director at Kripalu, his life’s work is reconnecting modern people with the restorative powers of nature through mindfulness in the great outdoors. In this episode we discuss why technology drives our need to connect with the ‘more than human’ world, how Covid19 actually drew many people back to nature and why spending time in nature has so many tangible benefits. We finish off discussing tools and practices that Micah teaches in his book - Rewilding – that we can use, even if we live in cities, to find freedom through nature every single day. You can find out more about Micah and his work at https://micahmortali.com.

In the first ever episode of the Sacred Wild Podcast, I explore how to live with the cycles of nature by interviewing author and psychologist Philip Carr-Gomm. As a Druid and the former Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, Philip knows more than a few things about the Solstice, earth-based spirituality and the cycle of the seasons. In fact, he has spent over 50 years exploring Nature as a spiritual path and guiding others to do the same. In this episode we discuss our deep human need for nature, the relevance of ancient wisdom in the age of technology and how more and more people are exploring Druidry and other earth-based traditions. We finish off by talking about how anyone can get closer to nature, the significance of the Winter Solstice and how to make the most of this powerful time of year. You can find out more about Philip and his work at https://www.philipcarr-gomm.com.