Poems of Earth and Spirit: 70 Poems and 40 Practices to Deepen Your Connection With Nature

by Kai Siedenburg

2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards FinalistThis book of poetry and practices shows how we can connect with the deep peace, simple joy, and healing power of nature anytime, anywhere. Through intimate original poems, we experience loving encounters with trees, the gratitude of thirsty plants quenched by rain, and cross-cultural communication with chickadees. We feel what it’s like to walk on padded paws, to take wing, to root ourselves in the Earth. We remember our kinship with all beings.

And through carefully crafted practices, we discover how connecting mindfully with nature, even in small ways in the midst of a city, calms our frazzled minds, lifts our weary spirits, and brings peace and balance into our lives. We learn to cultivate deeper bonds with wild places and more-than-human beings that restore and heal both us and the Earth.

Poems of Earth and Spirit invites us to approach the natural world not merely as a scenic backdrop or outdoor gym, but as a gathering of beloved friends, wise teachers, and powerful healers. And when we develop a loving and respectful relationship with nature, it awakens our reverence for all life and inspires us to protect what we love.

Good news for busy Poems of Earth and Spirit can be enjoyed in very brief and yet meaningful encounters. In just a few moments, we can open to any page and be uplifted by a short poem, a simple practice, or a charming hand-drawn illustration.

In this high-stress, high-tech world in which so many of us hunger for more authentic connection, Poems of Earth and Spirit illuminates a direct and scenic path to greater joy, meaning, and belonging. This is a book that keeps on giving—and not just to its readers. Three percent of the proceeds are donated to the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, a Native-led, non-profit organization that promotes Indigenous stewardship, conservation and restoration, and research and education.

Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Nature

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2018

About the author

Kai Siedenburg is a nature connection guide, Ecotherapist, and poet who is passionate about helping people connect with nature as a path to greater peace, joy, and balance in their lives and in the world. Her approach is rooted in deep listening to nature and infused with love for people and the Earth; her voice aptly described by Mary Reynolds Thompson as “Zen poet meets Earth goddess.”

Kai loves to help people find simple ways to connect with nature wherever they are, to cultivate more intimate and nourishing bonds with wild places and more-than-human beings, and to access nature-based healing. A pioneer in integrating nature awareness and mindfulness as a path to mind-body wellness, she offers individual sessions and group programs and also teaches others how to do nature-based work.

She lives where the mountains meet the sea in Santa Cruz, California, on the ancestral lands of the Uypi people. Her neighbors include redwood trees, mountain lions, gray whales, and many other remarkable beings. Kai loves to find herself out on the trails, in her garden, in water, or on the dance floor, and aspires to touch the Earth with her hands or bare feet nearly every day.

She is the author of two books: Poems of Earth and Spirit: 70 Poems and 40 Practices to Deepen Your Connection with Nature, and Space Between the Stones: Poetry and Practices for Connecting with Nature, Spirit, and Creativity. Both were finalists for Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Reviews

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made this book last for months, reading one poem at a time, when I woke, when I drank coffee in the park, when I sat on the couch after a long day…reading a poem, savouring it for a while and then rereading it again. Some of them moved me to tears, some of them brought profound joy and some others a sense of freedom when I needed it. Deeply nourishing. Healing that existential angst that comes with life and letting you behold a moment in time like a pure raindrop. ❤️‍🩹💚

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my 'go-to' book of poetry for my weekly yoga class for more than a year since purchasing. It is now full of bookmarks and sticky notes highlighting my favourite poems. Absolutely love the writing of Kai Siedenburg.

[Rosemary Nissen-Wade · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a huge disappointment!

The title makes this book sound wonderful for those who love poetry, nature, and meditative practices. The well-written introduction, detailing the way the author arrived at creating and sharing these poems, is equally enticing.

Unfortunately, the poems are pathetic! They are homilies in chopped-up-prose, and banal at that. Giving this book one star (for the introduction) comes close to over-rating it.

I hastened to remove this book from my Kindle and nearly deleted it here without reviewing. But maybe potential readers should be warned.

[Lyndi Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up a copy of Poems of Earth and Spirit: 70 Poems and 40 Practices to Deepen Your Connection with Nature by Kai Siedenburg because I love creating in beautiful natural spaces and I wanted to read Siedenburg’s creations from having spent time there. I enjoyed her expressions about what she observed, the questions she asks, and her musings on what nature teaches.

I found the poems accessible and inspirational. It is clear to me that Siedenburg treads lightly on her journey and her words open the reader to experience nature in her fullness.

[Heidi Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful collection for ports and would be poets.

If you love nature, you will love this book. If you'd like to write poetry but think you can't, you need this book. Kai offers a collection that demonstrates how poetry is simply a way of expressing one's experiences, in this case, of nature. I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. I learned more than I knew I needed to learn. The connecting with nature tips at the end are brilliant.

[Casey Rislov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a beautiful book to reflect upon. It is nature based but also makes one look within themselves. A meditative and calming book. My favorite poem was 'An Earthly Personal Ad' and 'Humble and Exalted' for the creative insight. I have gone back to read the poems several times as good poetry does this- it calls for you to read it to become a part of your language and to gain other insights.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful,well written book. Gives us concrete practical ways to enhance our lives by communing with nature....The poetry itsself is amazing and the walk through with easy to follow suggestions so helpful. I will definitely refer back to it for inspiration and ideas... It’s also a great gift to others who enjoy beauiful poetry... Belongs on the shelf with Mary olliver

[Marcelo Abreu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all the contemporary hyperpositive free verse poetry I have read so far, this work may be one of the few that was not painful to read.

It does lack some kind of creativity or poetry mastery, but it’s fairly well writen and it’s humble on its delivery, contrary to similar “poetry”, which tries to hard to be “deep” and connect with the reader.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I ordered her other book. This is one of the most calming, peaceful, life-giving books I’ve ever read. In a world filled with chaos, the poems will transport you to a place of tranquility and love. You must read this outside with a cup of tea! It is pure joy!

[Ewelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
This was a disappointment. I wanted so much more from this. The poems were basic and not very thoughtful. They weren't descriptive and some were just strange. This wasn't for me. I guess my expectations were set too high from the beginning.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some enjoyable, nothing new.

[Sarah Snipes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find anything revolutionary in these pages. Simple, mindful but the poetry fell a bit short for me.

[Kaela 🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me feel so 🥰🥺💞 about Earth

[Ashleigh Furry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book.

This book was beautifully written and really helped you feel the connection between us and this beautiful planet that we live on. Absolutely lovely writing.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely poems about nature and connecting in. Mindful practices to teach oneself how to be present in nature and learn to listen.

[elise · Rating 2 out of 5]

i cant remember what i read recently when a character said they loved to read mediocre poetry, but i have to admit, i can’t say i agree with :/

[Terry F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle intro to Kai's art

I found many of Kai's poems express the inner feelings I have experienced in nature. Awareness of our deep and spiritual connection with our planet is very evident in her poetry. I'm sure I will revisit this book frequently.

[Madi Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for this amazing, inspiring piece of art. This collection has been one of my favorites to go back to and pick out whatever poem I need for the day. Absolutely inspiring