Episode 68 - Julie Jensen

In this episode, host Stephanie Romero speaks with guest Julie Jansen, a somatic movement teacher, meditation practitioner, and forest therapy guide, about the deep connections between embodiment, nature, and mindfulness. Julie shares formative childhood memories of nature—fireflies, wildlife, and moments of awe—that shaped her lifelong relationship with the natural world, even without a nature-centered upbringing. Her path eventually led through yoga teacher training, meditation practice, and motherhood, which deepened her commitment to embodied awareness and presence. Julie also discusses founding Earth Body Presence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to foster community through mindfulness, movement, and relational presence. The conversation explores somatic practices as tools for emotional processing, emphasizing that emotions are experienced in the body and supported through movement and walking. Julie introduces forest bathing and forest therapy, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku and informed by her training with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, highlighting their role in regulating the nervous system, reducing stress, and restoring connection to the natural world. A central theme of the episode is “remembering”—reconnecting to the understanding that humans are not separate from the Earth but part of it. Julie frames forest therapy as a practice of remembering our “earth bodies” and living in reciprocal relationship with the natural world. The conversation also touches on relational mindfulness, the practice of listening without agenda, and how slowing down can serve as both healing and quiet resistance in a productivity-driven culture. Julie closes by recommending Love Letter to the Earth by Thich Nhat Hanh. Key themes: Somatic awareness and emotional processing through the body Nature-based mindfulness and forest therapy Nervous system regulation through time in nature “Remembering” our connection to the Earth Relational mindfulness and presence in communication Slowing down as resistance to extractive culture Resource mentioned: Love Letter to the Earth by Thich Nhat Hanh Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com) Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting. The Awaken Collaborative supports Awaken Pittsburgh! Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.