The Ecological Self: Creating a Reciprocal Relationship with Nature with Chloe Parsons [Ep. 9]
Here’s what you can expect from this episode:
Today is perhaps the most Mary Oliver-esque episode yet. Before sitting down to have this conversation, today’s guest shared the poem “Pink Moon - The Pond” from Mary Oliver’s Devotions. I highly encourage you to check it out because it really gets to the heart of what our conversation was all about.
Chloe Parsons is a watercolor and floral collage artist based in Texas with deep interests in ecology and literature, and a fascination with what is happening in unseen places—both the underground and the subconscious. Her work focuses on the intimacy of ecological relationships and the interdependent narratives they shape between humanity and the living world. Chloe paints, exhibits, teaches, and writes with the intent to welcome people into belonging to the ecologies around them, and to inspire them to collaborate toward restorative climate justice for all species.
If you’re feeling lonely, listen to this episode. If you’re feeling doom and gloomy about climate change, listen to this episode. There are so many stories that we tell ourselves everyday from the time that we’re young. Things like “don’t touch that mushroom, it might be poisonous” to “people are sinful and not to be trusted.” The narratives around human beings and their relationship to the natural world have become very…unhelpful. But with people like Chloe here to remind us how interconnected we all are, it gets a little bit easier to remember who we are. One day, we’ll all end up in the ground. And hopefully, we get to decide to actually return to the soil instead of keep ourselves locked in a box.
There is real abundance to create and pour from. We don’t have to continue guarding resources and extracting them without regard for the ecosystem we’re taking from. If you listen to this episode, hop in my DMs and let’s chat about it because I’m craving a continuation of this conversation! Hear the Spotify playlist that accompanies this pod HERE!
resources Mentioned:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
Chloe’s Decomposition Playlist
Chloe’s meaningful song: Out of Line by Olive Klug
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More about Wild Geese:
Wild Geese aims to bring together the creative entrepreneurs, community organizers, and shadow artists coming into the light to cheer each other on in carving a new path. I’m your host, Anna Corinne - a NYC based podcast strategist and actress. Think of this as your little plot in the woods where you can lay down a picnic blanket, gather with your friends, and gab!
Every Thursday, I’m sitting down with community organizers, creative entrepreneurs, writers, and generally fascinating people. I want listening to Wild Geese to feel like night in a fluffy chair, cat purring at your feet, warm light creating a glow, and all of your friends in one room together.
