04. Rewilding the Soul: Embracing Nature, Trauma, and Transformation with Brittany Laidlaw

Project Vitality

Join That Health Dude in another episode as he interviews Brittany Laidlaw, a somatic ecologist and founder of the Earth Framework, shares her journey from trauma to discovering her purpose through eco-somatics and dance. She highlights the importance of reconnecting with nature for mental and physical well-being, integrating survival skills and embodiment practices in her programs. The discussion delves into the disconnection between modern humans and nature, its impact on well-being, and the need to shift from a fight-or-flight state to a more receptive one. Nicholas adds reflections on embracing life fully and following one's passions despite societal norms, drawing from his personal experiences.

About Brittany

Brittany Jane Laidlaw is a Somatic Ecologist, Rewilding Mentor & Nature-Based Soul Guide with over 11 years of experience leading embodied, soul-centric programs in the wild. She is a PhD Candidate in eco-somatics and her research explores ways of relating to and restoring living ecologies through dance. Her work has received numerous awards for its unique leadership in socio-ecological regeneration, including the inaugural Westpac Future Leaders Award, and Prime Minister's Endeavour Award.

Brittany also holds a Masters of Environment in Somatic Ecology, and various certifications in nature connection, trauma-informed somatics, and permaculture. Today, Brittany offers a range of programs that guide people through The EARTHED Framework, an experiential map for conversing with the body, soul, and nature, based on her research. The framework integrates comprehensive knowledge from somatics, neuroscience, ecology, and mythology.

Previously, Britt was the Co-Founder of Wildsong, a nature mentoring program for children and families where she shared ancestral skills, stories, music and movement as a catalyst for holistic well-being and cultural repair. Britt also applied these skills as a contestant on the popular tv show, Naked and Afraid, which is one of the most challenging survival experiences in the world.

Takeaways

-Ecosomatics is a field that combines deep ecology and somatics to understand our interconnectedness with nature through the body.

-Brittany applies the Earth Framework, which integrates survival skills and embodiment practices, in her deep nature immersion programs.

-She emphasizes the scientific basis of these practices and the importance of reconnecting with nature for our well-being.

-Brittany's journey from trauma to finding her purpose in eco-somatics and dance highlights the transformative power of these practices. Modern humans are disconnected from nature, which has a negative impact on their well-being.

-The disconnection is a result of systemic and structural factors, and it is done on purpose to control and manipulate people.

-Reconnecting with nature is essential for our mental and physical health.

-The nervous system plays a crucial role in our connection to nature, and shifting from a fight-or-flight state to a more receptive and open state is important.

-Life is paradoxical, and embracing all experiences, even the challenging ones, can lead to transformation. Fully embracing and expressing oneself is essential for living a fulfilled life.

-Listening to our hearts and desires, even if they go against societal norms, can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

-Experiencing the full range of emotions and allowing ourselves to have complete experiences is a natural part of life.

-Reconnecting with nature and our own bodies can lead to a deeper sense of well-being and understanding.

-Wellness is not about being perfect or happy all the time, but about being at peace with all aspects of ourselves.

Connect With Brittany

Website: brittanyjanelaidlaw.com

Instagram: brittanyjanelaidlaw

Connect with That Health Dude:

Instagram: that.health.dude

Twitter: @thathealthdude_

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:49 Trauma as a Catalyst for Change

07:57 Transitioning from Permaculture to Somatics

12:09 Breakdown and Breakthrough: Discovering the Soul

19:09 Ecosomatics: Integrating Deep Ecology and Somatics

27:19 Deep Nature Immersion and Rewilding

31:06 Demystifying Ecosomatic Practices

35:00 Reconnecting with Nature and the Body

37:53 Reconnecting with Nature

41:12 Connecting with Nature through Light

46:01 Accessing Alpha Brainwave States

55:55 The Internal Reflection of the External

01:01:32 Embracing Chaos and Transformation

01:03:27 From Victimhood to Creatorship

01:13:42 Expressing the Full Ecology of Self

01:15:07 Listening to Your Heart and Following Your Desires

01:18:32 Embracing All Aspects of Yourself

01:20:56 The Importance of Play and Exploration

01:29:24 Rejecting Societal Expectations and Living Authentically

01:36:39 Embracing the Wildness of Life