Liz Monson – Reclaiming the Magic

Liz Monson – Reclaiming the Magic

From Mind & Life by Mind & Life Institute

August 14, 2025 · 1h 13m

About this episode

Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar Liz Monson about the intersection of Buddhism, nature, and spirituality.

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and meditation teacher Liz Monson. Liz is one of the pioneers in combining Buddhist teachings with nature-based practices, and her work helps us connect in an embodied way to the fundamental interconnectedness of the world. This conversation covers many topics, including: how spirituality and connection to nature fed into her path to Buddhism; nature-based practices in the Buddhist tradition; moving beyond human-centrism; the energies of the natural world; the sandcastle of the constructed self; why human beings are really here; lessons about human nature from 9/11; wisdom from the trees; practices to connect with the elements of nature; working with elemental energies to understand emotions; understanding the divine masculine and feminine archetypes; psychedelics and meditation as complementary pathways toward awakening; an experiential approach to suffering and healing; and the need for self-compassion and love. Full show notes and resources

People in this episode

Host: Wendy

Guest: Liz Monson

Topics covered

  • Buddhism
  • nature-based practices
  • spirituality
  • interconnectedness
  • self-compassion
  • psychedelics
  • healing

Keywords

  • Buddhist teachings
  • nature connection
  • human-centrism
  • elemental energies
  • divine masculine
  • divine feminine
  • psychedelics
  • awakening
  • self-compassion
  • healing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mind & Life Institute

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