Host Maureen Calamia interviews Nicole Craanen, founder of the Biophilic Design Institute. She shares a personal journey and transformation through nature. Initially finding turkey vultures somewhat repulsive, Nicole comes to see majesty in these creatures, which leads to a broader realization about the beauty and messages found in the natural world. This shift is paralleled by a discovery that, over 15 years of travel and outdoor adventures, Nicole had unwittingly captured the essence of these experiences through photography. These realizations bring about a profound sense of connection with nature, as well as a poignant awareness of what has been lost due to disconnection from our surroundings. Through guided outdoor experiences, even as simple as sitting on a porch, the narrator emphasizes the importance of preserving and rekindling our relationship with the places we inhabit.

00:37 Embracing Nature's Lessons: Pruning and Intuition

01:11 A Journey Through Photography: Capturing Essence and Connection

02:02 Confronting Disconnection: A Personal Awakening

02:23 Exploring the World from Home: A New Perspective on Connection

01:44 Reflections on Rediscovery and Emotional Impact

About Nicole Craanen – 

Nicole Craanen's passion for biophilic design is deeply rooted in her connection to nature and expertise in interior design and human ecology. As the founder and driving force behind The Biophilic Design Institute, she embodies her commitment to transform our relationship with our environments, guiding architects and designers to integrate our innate connection with nature directly into the core principles of our design approach. Her influential role on key advisory boards and her journey as a yoga instructor and Nature & Forest Therapy Guide inform a philosophy that promotes health and well-being, while also working to mitigate the human impact on the non-human world. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, deep listening, and collaboration. Nicole’s passion lies in advocating for a reevaluation of traditional design principles, championing a future where human and environmental interdependence is at the forefront of creative innovation.

https://www.rootedinnature.org/services

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolecraanen

About Maureen Calamia –

Maureen has been a seeker all her life, using the magic of dreams, nature, presence, and consciousness to unearth truths of our ancient connection to heaven and earth. A teacher, author, and podcaster, she shares stories of greater meaning, purpose, and resonance with all of nature’s beings. Founded the Luminous Spaces School with online courses in feng shui, earth energy healing, biophilic design, and nature spirituality. Her newest book, The Enchanted Earth: The Power of Nature to Transform, is due out April 2025.

https://www.luminous-spaces.com/

https://www.instagram.com/maureencalamia/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureencalamia/

https://medium.com/@maureencalamia