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Podcast Episode 7

Podcast Episode 7

Can beauty and aesthetics help save biodiversity? with Dr Hilary Leighton

Can beauty and aesthetics help save biodiversity? with Dr Hilary Leighton

In this episode of What the f*** is biodiversity, Prof. Ann Dale and Dr. Hilary Leighton have a wide-ranging conversation about whether the beauty and aesthetics of nature can help halt and reverse biodiversity loss. From ecopsychology and Aristotle to place bonding and reciprocity with nature, we catch a glimpse of their creative process as they brainstorm ideas for a new journal article.

About Dr Hilary Leighton

Hilary Leighton

A lifelong apprentice to nature and psyche, Dr Hilary Leighton is Associate Professor at Royal Roads University, an Ecopychotherapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice. Drawing upon the wisdom of ecopsychology, depth psychology, general systems theory, the poetic traditions and embodied, nature-and arts-based practices, her scholarly research and teaching seek ways to: extend the notion of the individual psyche to a world ensouled; inspire a whole-human, ecologically intelligent epistemology; and cultivate reconnection with a sentient Earth. She examines and reflects the ethical dilemma, suffering and loss of our relationships with wildness and contemplates learning as an initiatory journey toward maturation, regeneration as a more soulful way of belonging.

Founding Director of Continuing Studies at RRU, Leighton curated leading-edge courses, certificates and public events for over a decade. As Director of Individualized Study in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, she assisted graduate students in creating meaningful personalized pathways of study. Now, as faculty in the School of Environment and Sustainability, and program head for the MA in Environmental Education and Communication, she teaches ecopsychology, supervises graduate students along with publishing and presenting nature-responsive research at environmental conferences.

Credentials

– Master of Education: Curriculum & Instruction from Simon Fraser University (2004)
– Interdisciplinary PhD from University of Victoria (2014)
– University of Victoria Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship Award (2011-2014)

– Integrative Body Psychotherapy Practitioner Certification from the IBP Institute, Venice, CA (2012)
– Facilitator of The Work That Reconnects (2012)
– Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC (since 2014)
– Myers Briggs Type Indicator Qualifying Certification from Psychometrics Canada (2005)
– ACEC Counselling Certificate, from The Open Learning Agency (1999)

About Hilary Leighton

Hilary Leighton

A lifelong apprentice to nature and psyche, Hilary Leighton is Associate Professor at Royal Roads University, an Ecopychotherapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice. Drawing upon the wisdom of ecopsychology, depth psychology, general systems theory, the poetic traditions and embodied, nature-and arts-based practices, her scholarly research and teaching seek ways to: extend the notion of the individual psyche to a world ensouled; inspire a whole-human, ecologically intelligent epistemology; and cultivate reconnection with a sentient Earth. She examines and reflects the ethical dilemma, suffering and loss of our relationships with wildness and contemplates learning as an initiatory journey toward maturation, regeneration as a more soulful way of belonging.

Founding Director of Continuing Studies at RRU, Leighton curated leading-edge courses, certificates and public events for over a decade. As Director of Individualized Study in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, she assisted graduate students in creating meaningful personalized pathways of study. Now, as faculty in the School of Environment and Sustainability, and program head for the MA in Environmental Education and Communication, she teaches ecopsychology, supervises graduate students along with publishing and presenting nature-responsive research at environmental conferences.

Credentials

– Master of Education: Curriculum & Instruction from Simon Fraser University (2004)
– Interdisciplinary PhD from University of Victoria (2014)
– University of Victoria Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship Award (2011-2014)

– Integrative Body Psychotherapy Practitioner Certification from the IBP Institute, Venice, CA (2012)
– Facilitator of The Work That Reconnects (2012)
– Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC (since 2014)
– Myers Briggs Type Indicator Qualifying Certification from Psychometrics Canada (2005)
– ACEC Counselling Certificate, from The Open Learning Agency (1999).

Episode Notes

FIND HILARY ONLINE

AUTHORS, POETS AND BOOKS

SCHOLARS, PRACTITIONERS AND PHILOSOPHERS

ARISTOTLE AND EUDAIMONIA

ECOPSYCHOLOGY

CONNECTING TO NATURE

RECIPROCITY WITH NATURE

* Also see Robin Wall Kimmerer and Dave Abram above

IMPORTANCE OF WORMS