The Earth Sea Love Podcast

013- Writing on Leaves with Niveen Kassem

Dr. Niveem Kassem is a PhD holder, tutorial assistant,  trained mentor,  editor,  innovative and successful interpreter/translator.  Currently Assistant Teaching Fellow in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures and a member of the Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Durham University, her research spreads  across interdisciplinary strands, including cultural studies and heritage, memory, identity and trauma. As part of this, she tries to understand how the past shapes the collective and individual identity in the present. Niveen has also worked with Newcastle University as part of a research program introducing the North East’s Syriac community to the World Heritage site of memory, The Gertrude Bell Archive. Niveen finds in the vast and elegant landscapes a home for her inspiration where some of her best creations are developed/ born or even fermented while being out and about exploring the mysterious giant universe. More importantly, the natural world opens up her imagination and inspires her to translate her observations and feelings into creative narratives, writing lyrical prose and short stories. Although she trained and works as an academic, she's a life-long learner in this rollercoaster of life.In this episode we talk about:Covid-19 and lockdownUrban green spacesDr. Kassem's working life and teachingHidden histories and bringing them to lightThe Middle East, particularly Syria's landscapeChildhood relationship with natureBeing a Black write in residence in natureThe internal landscape reflected in the external landscapeSeeking solace and support in natureWriting on leaves  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

012- Swimcaps and hair and power with Sheree Mack

In this final episode of the month of October 2020, Sheree shares with you her recent sea swim as well as part of her hair story. She shares the plans going forward for the podcast as season one draws to a close in December and how we have more amazing women of colour signed up for season two in 2021.If you're listening and a woman colour with some kind of relationship with nature, then please get in touch and be part of The Earth Sea Love Podcast.Contact us through the email: sheshemack(@)gmail(.) comWebsite: https://earthsealove.comInstagram: @earthsealoveTwitter: @earthsealove1 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

011 - Exploring the dark night of the soul and nature with Makeda Pennycooke

While we got comfortable over a a pot of tea, this conversation was a gem  to be part of as Makeda shares the details of her journey that brings her to the present day being service to people who are navigating through changes in their lives. She will hold space for you to discover the answers and wisdom which lies within you. What you’ll hear us talking about in this episode is:social media hiatusthe power within our nameswhere we are situated physicallywhat Makeda does to support people going through changesthe dark night of the soulunravelling in lifereligion v spiritualitychildhoods spent in Jamaicathe energy from the treesbelonging v ownershipintellectual v embodied experienceleaning into pleasure and joyhow nature teaches us to besensuality and sexa gratitude practicecoaching offering for BIPOCMindset and Empowerment Coach, Makeda Pennycooke is a speaker, teacher, and workshop facilitator with over two decades of experience in leadership and personal development. After navigating multiple major life and career changes, she firmly believes fear is temporary, but regret is permanent. She uses the lessons she’s learned to support women who are facing a crossroads in their life, find their brave and rise into their greatness.Her genius is in creating a safe space for her clients as they navigate the chaos of the in-between, the space between what was & what is not yet. Makeda specializes in tools and strategies for dealing with your negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, and the fears that keep you stuck living a life that’s less than the one you are capable of living.She believes the ocean is magic, chocolate makes everything better, and life should be filled with moments that make your heart sing. She’s a city girl through and through who found unexpected healing in Mother Nature’s sanctuary.  Makeda Pennycooke lives in Charlotte, NC, United States.Website Link: https://makedapennycooke.com/Social Media: IG: @makedapennycooke See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

010- Talking about sexual reparenting and trauma with Betsy Perez

This episode has been moved up the queue so once you’ve listened to it you can jump onto Betsy’s offering happening Sunday 18 October 2020. Celebrate the Origins Workshop, where you’ll get the opportunity to learn how to listen to our bodies an discover your own unique origins stories from the carnal to the cosmic. Go check it out via the link above. Betsy has also just started a podcast called Sexually Reparenting Myself. Here are some of the things we talk about:* We check on in on the current situation which has warranted some time and space for reflection without guilt* What is a sexual reparenting and intimacy guide?* Dominican Voodoo* Adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma* Embracing the joy and pleasure through out bodies* Connecting with nature for a holistic way of healing* Black women’s bodies and shame* Inviting the body onto the page* African-Cuban spirituality* Plant healing* Getting in touch with our bodies physically* Sensual liberation*****Trigger warning: This episode along with the last one does mention and discuss childhood sexual abuse and trauma.*** Apologies for the sound quality on this episode also. Betsy Peréz is a Sexual Reparenting and Intimacy Guide, Creative Wellness educator, writer, and performer who advocates for the overall health of Black adults whom experienced childhood sexual abuse. She marvels in the liberation that sensuality, creativity, holistic sex education, spirituality and compassionate witnessing birth through creative expression, and encourages other adults to begin their sexual healing process by sharing hers. She is currently providing private and communal support via her practice, Papaya Om, and new podcast, Sexually Reparenting Myself. IG: PapayaOm/mybodyofwordsEmail: papayaominfo@gmail.comWeb: BuildingBizzy.blogspot.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

009 - Personal Narrative pt.3 with Sheree Mack

In this episode, Dr Sheree Mack talks about October being full of birthdays, the wounded inner child, connecting with her body, walking to school and wanting you, Dear Listener to find the gems within all the conversations from this growing podcast to take into your life and live and learn and grow from. Trigger warning: This episode along with the next one does mention and discuss childhood sexual abuse and trauma.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

008 - An Intimate Conversation with Olwen Wilson about Visual Journaling and Claiming Joy

I found myself laughing along and nodding my head while listening back to this episode while editing it. I love Olwen as she is such an inspiring woman who isn’t afraid to tell you what’s on her mind; the good and the bad. And she doesn’t suffer fools either. She hasn’t got time for any white tears.Here are some of the things we talk about:Where we are situated nowExploring Creative ConnectionVisual JournallingHerb gardensStorytellingReminding people to connect with themselves through yoga and creativitychildhood connections to natureIceland Creative RetreatsChronic illness and natureFuture dreams and planning Olwen Wilson is a healing & creative facilitator who helps people who are drawn to making visual art but they don't feel like they have enough talent or time. She helps them figure out how to make it a part of a regular practice in a way that helps them clear their mind (even for a moment), get better at making decisions and take action.Having taught self-care practices for over a decade, Olwen's practiced everything from yoga to energy healing, drumming to meditation. But the one she keeps coming back to the most is visual journaling. It helped her learn to trust herself again after suddenly getting diagnosed with a chronic illness so that she could stop wasting time waiting and worrying about what other people think and go after what's important in life.Website: https://olwenwilson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olwen.wilson/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

007- Reconnecting with Nature for Mental Health and Healing with Shirley-Anne Bingham

"Nurturing something else into life has really helped my wellbeing – gently caring for something helped me learn to care for myself." Mind.org.ukWe laugh and share our joys. We explore what we have to do in life in comparsion to what we really want to do. All the time Mother Nature being our constant companion leading and nurturing us with her wisdom and support.What you'll hear us talking about in this episode is:self-care during lockdowntaking care of our mental health during challenging timesreconnecting to our inner childgardening and weedsbattling with our calling in lifebeing with nature to aid healing during cancer treatment, post-natal depression, anxiety, depressionchildhood connection to growing plants and campingconnecting with nature for ourselves and othersthe healing powers of nature for everyone. Shirley-Anne Bingham was born and raised on  the North Eastern coast and has never lived too far from the sea. Recently, she has made the move to rural Northumberland, with her husband, 2 teenage sons and 3 dogs. Where once were seagulls, seagulls and more seagulls now she watches woodpeckers, swallows, squirrels, pheasants and foxesIn her work life, she is a wellbeing coach and counsellor specialising, in cancer care, bereavement and workplace issues. Her work is her passion, but can be emotionally draining as well as life affirming and rewarding.She has always, although sometimes subconsciously, used both writing and her connection to nature to support her mental well being."There is nothing like getting your hands dirty with soil, watching the natural world unfurl with each season. It is one of the greatest joys of life."   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

006 - Coming back: we’ve been building our power

Our last episode was released July 27. Two months later, we bring you the next instalment of the podcast with an intimate and vulnerable monologue from Sheree Mack as some way of explaining our absence.There's the mention of the Summer holidays, losing her voice, break downs and break ups.  But all explored within the framework of gaining clarity and power to move the podcast forward.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

005 - An intimate conversation with Hiranya de Alwis Jayasinghe exploring nature and spirituality

Hiranya de Alwis Jayasinghe, London/Hertfordshire.Hiranya is a British Sri Lankan women with a lineage of farmers, gardeners and zoologists. She is best known for her 2018 hike around the Welsh coastline. Her love for nature is deeply imbued within her spirituality. Hiranya finds meaning within life’s cycles.  She integrates this practical spirituality into her everyday life. She dreams of keeping chickens, herding cows and walking drover routes.  Her vision is connecting women of colour with their own creativity, body and spirituality in nature.Website: www.lifemovesincycles.com/blog See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

004 - Personal Narrative from Sheree Mack, pt.2

Dr. Sheree Mack is the Project Coordinator for the National Heritage Lottery Funded project, Wayfinding: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Great Outdoors,  where she works with Northumberland National Park Authority, Durham Wildlife Trust,  the Northumberland Wildlife Trust,  and Harehope Quarry Ltd. to offer opportunities to People of the Global Majority (PGM) communities in the North of England to spend time outdoors to develop and deepen their relationship with nature.Sheree’s practice manifests through poetry, storytelling, image and the unfolding histories of black people. She engages audiences around black women’s voices and bodies, black feminism, ecology and memory and facilitates national and international creative workshops and retreats in the landscape, encouraging and supporting women on their journey of remembrance back to their authentic selves. She is currently writing a mixed-genre memoir around a black woman's body with/in Nature. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.