Earthly Bodies
Book Launch & Events!
As someone who seeks and facilitates intimacy with nature, I inevitably explore the roots of humans' disconnection from the wild. One of my ongoing inquiries is whether writing and storytelling can mend this divide, even though many stories within today's dominant culture perpetuate narratives of human superiority and exceptionalism; a primary cause of alienation. Too many of us have become disconnected from our animal nature, experiencing the pain and distance that comes with increasing domestication and seeking nourishment in the wrong places.
My upcoming book, Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature is a blend of memoir and natural history that aims to tell true stories on behalf of 23 misunderstood creatures such as wolves, bats, and coyotes. By intertwining their stories with my own, I identify with their struggles and explore the roots of our misunderstanding. Having experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness, much of my healing has come from remembering that I am nature.
When outdoors, I remember I'm surrounded by relatives: trees with whom I exchange breath, pollinators and plants that help to nurture the land and provide much of my food and nourishment. I remember I share a large part of my DNA with other species; I'm not isolated. I'm surrounded by wild relatives I evolved with. I’m part of the ecosystem, too.
The wild is not just “out there”, it is our flesh and bones.
YOU’RE INVITED:
JOIN ME IN NORTHAMPTON, MA ON SEPT. 24th FOR EARTHLY BODIES’ RELEASE INTO THE WILD 🐾 Get your ticket here: https://www.vanessachakour.com/book-launch
SEPTEMBER COURSES:
Sept. 26th, 2-4pm EST
WRITING FOR THE WILD seminar begins
An online course in partnership with Project Coyote
Use the code: COMPASSIONFORCARNIVORES8 for a special discount
Sept. 28th, 11am EST
MEDICINAL PLANT WALK (online)
Free for Weeds, Wolves & Wild Women paid subscribers (or you can just purchase a plant walk here)
I am really enjoying your new book so far. I especially appreciate your shining a light on how Christian imperialism (imported to Turtle Island) demonized certain aspects of nature and keystone species (such as wolves) as part of their separation mentality and anthropocentric/fearful worldview. It shows how we all have a lot of un-learning and ancestral remembering to do.
Congratulations. I love this, plants, animals, and most humans. I hope your book reaches the masses as this connection is essential. Thank you for loving all of Her.