The NatureLed™ Podcast: Field-notes from the edge of occupational therapy

Field-Note Bonus episodes are short, story-driven NatureLed™ reflections for when you don’t have time for a full conversation. Many of the ideas I write about begin with something I’ve noticed: a child who does something no one can quite explain, a moment from my own life that suddenly makes sense differently, or an observation from nature that changes the way I think about human development. In these mini episodes, I bring selected NatureLed™ essays, newsletters and stories into audio, with reflections on what they can teach us about nervous systems, sensory development, behavior, nature connection and the way we practice. Think of them as little field notes for your ears: a story, an idea, and something new to notice.

In this episode, Scary or Funny, Caitlin Williams and Kathleen Lockyer talk about the type of risky-free-play called Scary-Funny. Caitlin is a wildlife tracker, bird language expert, forest therapy guide, forest therapy trainer, and mentor to many children.  Some topics we discuss are: What is happening in our nervous system during scary-funny play? How scary-funny helps us stay young. Resilience through play. How life events become traumatic and how scary-funny play can help us build resilience. The hazards of scary-funny play. How to introduce this kind of play to increase resilience and not traumatize. What is the "window of tolerance?" Learn more at rxoutside.com

In this episode I talk with Marianna Brussoni, developmental psychologist and risk researcher. You can learn more about Dr. Brussoni's work and extensive research at the Brussoni Lab. 

Living a meaningful and connected life means at some point, or at many points, there will be loss. This episode shares a story written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez who wrote a masterful tale addressing some of our deepest fears about loss and dying.

This conversation with Dan Gardoqui of Lead With Nature covers a lot of ground! We discuss our mutual connection to Newfoundland, Canada, our mutual love for birds and children, and we dive into his exceptional Mockingbird-like-skill of sound imitation. Find Dan at www.leadwithnature.com and watch the beautiful documentary "The Birder" that shows Dan's love, connection, and gift! Thanks for listening! Find Kathleen at RxOutside and more about the NatureLed offerings.

In this mini-podcast, I do a little unpacking of a story about a young boy who had been taken out of school for behavioral challenges.  Two additional pieces of information I didn't mention: Yes, he did return to school, and yes his reading, writing, and behavior all improved after his time with the outdoor program. When introduced skillfully, children become very engaged with the activity of animal tracking because it is a "million-year-old technology" that has been practiced by all of our ancestors.  Listening time: 8 minutes --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kathleen-lockyer/message

This first episode of Nothing Tame is exactly that! A five-minute, off-the-cuff, not edited reflection of the darkest day of the year.  And of course, there is a necessary correction, which I did not edit out for authenticity's sake!  Correction: When I say, "The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the sun is highest in the sky on that day in the northern hemisphere" (which is correct) I meant to say: "The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the sun is at the lowest point in the sky" because I go on to say, "and our shadow is the longest." Which when following this statement, is correct.  Thank you for your willingness to listen to a joyfully flawed human experience.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kathleen-lockyer/message