Honor Your Spark
Bodyful: Mary Reynolds Thompson on the Powerful Archetypes of the Wild Soul Woman
December 12, 2022
Every now and then you come across a writer whose words and ideas just hit you bone-deep.For me, most of them have been people whose words make me feel more intimately connected with the world around me: Mary Oliver, Robin Wall-Kimmerer, Richard Powers, Bill Plotkin— and most recently, Mary Reynolds Thompson.When I started digging into Mary’s work in preparation for this conversation, I felt that rare but familiar deep resonance. In her latest book, A Wild Soul Woman, she explores five landscape-based archetypes she’s written about previously, this time specifically in the context of how they show up in womens’ lives.In this episode, we explore about everything from burnout and addiction recovery to defining what it means to move through the arc of the human experience in your own “shero’s journey.” About Mary Reynolds Thompson (she/her)Mary is an award-winning author, internationally recognized speaker, and a facilitator of poetry therapy. A pioneer in the spiritual ecology movement, her focus is on the transformative power of landscape archetypes and nature metaphors to reveal our true purpose and right relationship with the planet.Author of A Wild Soul Woman and Reclaiming the Wild Soul, a 2015 Nautilus Award-winner, Mary’s writings have also appeared in numerous other publications and anthologies. Through her books, courses, and talks, she reaches creatives, change-makers, and seekers who long to awaken to their most courageous and Earth-connected selves and have the impact they desire.To learn more or contact Mary, visit maryreynoldsthompson.com and follow her on Instagram @wildsoulwriter. Stuff Mentioned + Additional Resources:“The Song of a Wild Soul Woman” - written, creative interpretation by Dancing Wolf, creative interpretation by TreeSistersBodyful Episode #12: Jill Dunkley on Being in Right Relationship with the World Inside & OutsideTreeSistersJungian psychologist and writer Marion WoodmanThe Work that ReconnectsAnimas Valley InstituteWomen Who Run With the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola EstesUntamed by Glennon Doyle----------------------------------------------------Did you love this episode? Please consider leaving a rating/review wherever you listen to podcasts!NOTE FROM VAL: In 2023, my podcasting is shifting gears... so stay tuned for an exciting announcement about that soon, and Bodyful episodes will remain on this feed to continue to be shared and enjoyed!✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to