Eco-Poetry & Climate Hope
Eco-Poetry & Climate Hope
U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón's 'You Are Here' Project
U.S. Poet Laureate and fellow meditator Ada Limón joins me today on Our Mindful Nature to chat about her Signature Project, 'You Are Here, Poetry in Parks.'
Y’all, this was a dream conversation for me - full of presence, hope and truth. Full of poetry and beauty even as we discuss climate crisis and environmental activism.
Together, we delve into the origins of ‘You Are Here: Poetry in Parks’, its deep connections between nature and poetry, and its aim to foster mindfulness and presence. Ada shares thoughts on the power of small actions amid climate crises, the inclusivity of the project's installations in national parks, and the importance of everyday nature. We also talk about the power of realizing that You. Are. Here.
“'You Are Here: Poetry in the Parks' aims to deepen our connection to nature through poetry,” said Limón. “I believe the way we respond to this crucial moment on our planet could define humanity forever. In conceiving of my signature project, I wanted something that could both praise our sacred and natural wonders and also speak the complex truths of this urgent time. Above all, this project is about rising to this moment with hope, the kind of hope that will echo outwards for years to come.” - Ada Limón
At the end, as a mini practice, Ada reads her stunning poem Sanctuary.
The Methow people were the first people to hear the sounds of Methow Valley, Washington that are included in today’s episode.
**Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s soundscape, sound design, mixing and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support.
A Poem: Sanctuary
Written & Read by Ada Limón
Grab your journal, pop in some headphones and join me! After listening to this poem, take a few minutes to write in response to the landscape around you right now.
Big News: Monday Night Meditation is BACK!
Starting on Monday, September 9, Monday Night Meditation returns to EVERY Monday night for the rest of the year.
If you have missed having a meditation community or would like a little added support for the rest of the year, please consider joining us for these live, virtual classes!
Mondays
7:30 - 8:15 p.m. ET
*all of the content shared in my podcasts, newsletters & meditations is written by me {Meryl Arnett} without the use of AI. If you catch a mistake or typo, I hope it makes you smile knowing a real person is behind every word published 💛