Putting A Bear To Bed: Making Connections with The Magic All Around Us with Dr Susan Eirich
Putting a bear to bed may sound impossible to most people for for Dr. Susan Eirich, it's all part of the rhythm of life at Earthfire Institute and illustrates how we can all connect.
This story, along with the story of a wolf who took a cab, the energy healing of two of their animals and the simple pleasure a little snail named Speedy provided her are all part of "the magic that is all around us" that Susan shares in this very special episode for anyone who feels that tug to slow down and make stronger connections with their people, their pets, others around them and the beauty of nature that we're surrounded by, no matter where you live.
"There is wonder absolutely everywhere," she says.
Some of the things she helps everyone understand in this episode include Susan's Ways to Slow Down to Tune In:
1: Harness the Healing Power of Nature. Slowing down allows us to reconnect with our bodies and minds, tapping into the natural world’s ability to calm, nourish, and support healthy development. Whether it’s taking a slow, mindful walk or simply observing the rhythms of nature, this connection can have profound benefits for mental and physical well-being.
2: Develop Meaningful Connections with the Environment. Returning to a special spot in nature—whether it’s a tree, a pond, or a quiet creekside—offers solace and a sense of companionship. These regular visits deepen our bond with the environment and provide mental clarity. Visiting sanctuaries and wildlife preserves provides another opportunity to engage with nature while learning about and appreciating the creatures that share our planet.
3: Foster Growth and Joy with Small, Everyday Interactions. Susan suggests simple ways to integrate nature into daily life, such as starting a small garden or welcoming a pet or plant into your home. Even small actions, such as starting a garden or welcoming a pet or plant, can bring joy and meaning. Susan’s own experience of finding delight in the simple movements of a snail in her goldfish bowl exemplifies how everyday interactions with nature, no matter how modest, can spark inspiration and a sense of wonder.
About Susan B. Eirich
Susan B. Eirich, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, biologist, and author of “Whispers from the Wild: An Invitation,” a collection of startling stories demonstrating why deeply understanding wild animals can heal the trauma that humans, animals, and our Earth are currently experiencing.
Dr. Eirich has taught psychology at universities around the world, worked in maximum-security prisons, developed a university counseling center, directed a Nature Conservancy Preserve and lived in remote corners of Nepal, the Mid- and Far East, the Northwest Territories and the Amazon rainforest. She believes it is urgent to inspire the global community to expand wildlife corridors in a network throughout the continents, and works to preserve her local Yellowstone to Yukon wildlife corridor, the last intact wildlife mountain corridor in the world.
Her book is available as hardcopy on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLPF4QJX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
And as an e-book here: https://susanbeirich.com/cart/
Her website is https://susanbeirich.com/ and Earthfire Institute's website is here: https://earthfireinstitute.org/
Subscribe to the e-newsletter here: https://earthfireinstitute.org/subscribe/
And submit your stories of connection with nature for Susan's next book by sending an email to office@earthfireinstitute.org
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