Rewilding

September 30, 2019
Mortali, director of the Kripalu Schools for yoga-based education, argues in this mystical work that connecting to nature has inherent benefits. “Rewilding is... a journey of self-realization,” Mortali writes, and “the practice of mindfulness is essential” to it. Mortali offers projects aimed at getting readers to get outside to “BRFWA”—breathe, relax, feel, watch, allow—the core methods of how he believes one can truly “awaken to nature”; included among them are walking meditations, listening exercises, and day hikes. However, some of the ideas he proposes, such as building and sleeping in a debris hut (“both a shelter and a sleeping bag in one”), may be more than some readers wish to take on. Mortali draws on personal experience, an eclectic mix of spiritual traditions (though primarily Buddhism), and modern research into the positive effects of exposure to natural environments (particularly its stress- and anxiety-reduction benefits) to make his case. While focused primarily on how the natural world benefits human beings, Mortali’s conclusion turns to how nature also fosters “dedicated care-takers” and “active ambassador for the more-than-human world.” Those looking to bring more intention or spiritual connection to their engagement with nature will enjoy this actionable guide.

November 15, 2019

According to Mortali (founder, Kripalu Sch. of Mindful Outdoor Leadership), both individuals and the planet itself will benefit if people can connect with their wild primal energy and awaken their innate bonds with nature. The author presents recipes for doing this through an array of meditations (e.g., guided smoke meditation, fire meditation, and entering the wild meditation), in addition to simpler practices such as walking with awareness and giving thanks. Mortali harkens back to Henry David Thoreau and his search for meaning in the human experience, similarly finding it in nature.

VERDICT A helpful resource for anyone looking to activate their primal self. Also an excellent companion to Gary Ferguson's The Eight Master Lessons of Nature.--Deborah Bigelow, Director Emerita, Leonia P.L., NJ

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