Follow the Aliveness with Janine

Welcome to a space where nature, contemplation, and connection converge. My journey began in a suburb of New York City, where I often felt disconnected from the materialism and competition that surrounded me. However, the weekends I spent at my grandparents’ cottage by a small lake were a different story. It was there, amidst the tranquility of the land, water, and animals, that my love for the more-than-human world began to take root. The contrast between life in the country and life in suburbia sparked a lifelong curiosity about how our human-built environments influence our relationship with nature, ultimately leading me to study environmental sociology.

A pivotal moment on my path occurred in 1990 when I learned to meditate in a college class at Brandeis University. This experience introduced me to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, whose wisdom on present moment awareness has deeply influenced my life and work. Meditation became a cornerstone of my journey, shaping my understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.

Another significant chapter unfolded when I met my husband and we moved to a small cottage on the edge of a national forest. Eliot, a true forest wanderer, has been my guide in connecting more deeply with the natural world. For the past 15 years, I have explored the forest paths behind our home, finding inspiration and developing a deep sense of spiritual connection.

As an environmental sociologist for over 30 years, I have dedicated my work to helping others explore and heal the human-nature split. My experiences with meditation, the lake in New York, and the forest behind my home have shaped my teaching and the environmental sociology books I write.

Life has presented its share of challenges, as it does for us all. I've raised three children, including one who faced a cancer journey at the age of four and is thankfully now a thriving teenager. I've also encountered the death of loved ones, burnout at work, and grappled with existential angst amidst these turbulent times. Through it all, I’ve discovered that one of the key factors that helps me navigate life and continue moving forward is following the aliveness.

Three years ago, the aliveness brought me on a new adventure: writing contemplative essays after my walks in the forest. These essays have nourished my spirit, allowing me to connect even more deeply with the sacred in everyday life and in nature. The writing process itself has become a journey of growth, expanding my mind and heart as I delve into the mysteries of life.

Now, I am excited to share these essays with you through my podcast and in written form on Substack and my upcoming blog. My hope is that they inspire you to reflect on your own journey and explore the interconnectedness of life and nature, inviting you to discover what it means for you to embrace and follow the aliveness.