Embracing Biophilia: Healing Through Nature Connection

In this podcast episode, Rachel Lang hosts Rachael Cohen, author of "Self-Care for Eco Anxiety," to discuss the psychological impact of environmental degradation and ways to cope. Rachael shares her personal connection with nature and how it led to her book, offering insights into biophilia and the importance of a reciprocal relationship with the Earth. They explore self-care practices, the role of somatic exercises, and the spiritual evolution related to environmental consciousness. The episode also includes practical exercises for connecting with nature, specifically through birds, and emphasizes validating feelings related to eco-anxiety. Rachel concludes by thanking Rachael and promoting their member community. In This Episode: 00:00:04 - The introduction. 00:01:26 - The healing power of nature. 00:03:01 - Introduction to Rachael Cohen. 00:04:14 - Rachael's journey with succulents. 00:11:21 - Nervous system and nature. 00:18:02 - Children and nature. 00:19:34 - Biophilia hypothesis and human connection to nature. 00:21:58 - The cognitive dissonance. 00:23:08 - Radical acceptance. 00:25:12 - Personal and structural change. 00:26:40 - Recognizing powerlessness. 00:29:02 - Impact of small actions. 00:30:29 - Inspiration for the book. 00:33:24 - Nature connection and self-care practices. 00:37:01 - Spiritual growth and connection to nature. 00:40:35 - Earth's consciousness and hope. 00:41:48 - Gratitude and impact of self-care. 00:45:24 - Cosmic call to action Notable Quotes [07:36] "After the birth of my second daughter, I dealt with a lot of anxiety... and I found a therapist who suggested 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron to help me." [09:33] "When I would sit with the plants and make art, my brain inside was just like this beautiful chorus of no thought, just presence, just flow." -Rachael [16:25] "The plants working with the plants and the expansion I felt brought so much curiosity and joy into my life that I started learning more about energy work and crystals and the chakra system."-Rachael [24:16] "We already have the knowledge, the technology, and a lot of the actual will to change things for the better."-Rachael [27:39] "I do have power within my little home, within my little space, and that matters." -Rachael [:45:44]"Noticing what it feels like in your body when you see wildlife enjoying the spaces you've created for them, like for the birds or the monarch caterpillars, my heart gets so full and soars so much." -Rachael ['00:47:43] "If you are feeling anxious, enraged, depressed, or disempowered, there's nothing wrong with you. It's actually a sane and valid response to the situation at hand."-Rachael [48:13] "Eco-anxiety is a perfectly valid response to the situation at hand, and I just want you to know that you're not alone if you feel this way."-Rachael Resources and Links The Rachel Lang Show  The Rachel Lang Show Rachel Lang Website LinkedIn Rachael Cohen https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-cohen-397261262/ Mentioned Book: Self-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature