
Lorena Saavedra Smith: Awakening Your Roots with the Medicine of Nature
From CIIS Public Programs by CIIS Public Programs
June 4, 2026 · 1h 4m
About this episode
Lorena Saavedra Smith discusses the importance of reconnecting with ancestral traditions and nature for personal growth and mental well-being.
Many of us feel disconnected from our family stories and traditions, which can create a sense of loss of home and belonging. Pacha philosopher and ecopsychologist Lorena Saavedra Smith believes reconciling with our ancestors’ traditions and weaving ourselves back into our history is a therapeutic endeavor that deserves to be embarked upon with respect and authenticity. * In this episode, Lorena is joined by Susana Bustos, faculty at CIIS’ Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research for a conversation on her book, Awaken Your Roots, which explores belonging through the medicine of nature, cultural connection, and ancestral wisdom. Lorena shares how to access tools to interweave your dreams with your deep roots. With a focus on ancestral wisdom and our relationship with nature, she offers a pathway to move through anxiety to rediscover your inner wisdom. * This episode was recorded during a live online event on February 19th 2026. You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. A transcript is available at ciis.edu/podcast. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on Instagram…
People in this episode
Guest: Lorena Saavedra Smith
Topics covered
- ancestral wisdom
- nature
- cultural connection
- belonging
- ecopsychology
- mental health
Keywords
- ancestry
- nature therapy
- cultural heritage
- mental wellness
- ecopsychology
- personal growth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CIIS
Books & works: Awaken Your Roots
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