“Nature is not outside of us. It is within us, sustaining us, guiding us, and reminding us who we are.” – LoriAnn Bird Welcome to The Zen Den, a space where we explore how to find real inner peace in the middle of life’s chaos.In this episode, I talk with my dear friend LoriAnn Bird, an educator, author, and plant wisdom guide, about the sacred reciprocity between humans and the natural world. LoriAnn shares her story of reclaiming ancestral teachings, her deep passion for native and medicinal plants, and how our relationship with nature impacts not only our physical health, but also our sense of peace, purpose, and belonging.Together, we explore how caring for plants restores balance in our lives, how nature heals our nervous systems, and why cultivating reciprocity with the Earth may be the key to finding our inner Zen.In this episode, you’ll discover:How practicing reciprocity with plants brings peace, purpose, and a sense of legacyThe role of native and medicinal plants in supporting ecosystems and human wellnessThe calming and restorative effects of birdsong, trees, and plant frequencies on the nervous systemSimple daily rituals that connect us to nature: walking barefoot, touching trees, and tending plantsHow to build meaningful relationships with the plants in your homeWhy respect, reverence, and reciprocity are essential teachings for modern lifeThe hidden benefits of “weeds” like dandelion, chickweed, and purslaneHow forests model collaboration, generosity, and kindness for humansTimestamps:00:00 - Episode Snippet03:04 - Witnessing the loss of birds and habitat05:30 - Emotional impact of diminished plant life07:17 - Nature heals us09:08 - Reciprocity with plants12:25 - How to find inner peace through nature and stillness15:03 - How nature activates all our senses20:07 - Reclaiming cultural foods and medicinal plants23:18 - Plants as teachers of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness27:24 - Closing meditation: Gratitude for plant life and EarthAbout LoriAnn Bird:LoriAnn Bird is an Indigenous Métis herbalist and educator who shares the wisdom of wild, medicinal, and edible plants in our everyday spaces. Her work invites us to reconnect with the living world, restoring relationships with Indigenous plants, reclaiming true local foods and medicines, and fostering ecological healing. Connect with Laurieanne Bird:Website: https://loriannbird.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthandcompany/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Revered-Roots-Ancestral-Teachings-Medicinal/dp/0760393257 About Maggie Calder:Maggie Calder is a former Buddhist nun and spiritual guide who has traveled the world with Eckhart Tolle and led a healing retreat center in Chicago. She helps listeners find their Zen state, a place of calm and presence, by sharing her wisdom on mindfulness and inner peace.Connect with me:Email: thezenden.world@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiecalder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
