The Plant is Present: Poetic Coherence

When we are present with nature, even present with a single plant, can we notice its power and beauty? And if we can learn to see the beauty and power in a plant, can we start to see the beauty and power in ourselves, in others around us and democracy as a whole?

We invite you to join us in this collective inquiry: 

How do we create spaces that build coherence?
How do we build it in our own lives and extend it to our communities, our democracy, our nation and our world?

In this season, through conversations with diverse guests, we explore the deep connection between nature and culture, as well as how to create a more beautiful world through art, gratitude and self-inquiry. 

We also share unique stories from the frontlines of this new landscape, featuring teachers, healers, leaders, and other culture keepers.

In Season 1 we explored the mindful prompts and the flower illustrations drawn from the Gratitude Blooming cards. 

The Gratitude Blooming card deck includes 39 artist-illustrated plants and a guidebook of mindful prompts with themes like Joy & Presence, Simplicity, Courage and Curiosity.

This is our way to offer tangible mental health and wellness practices. We aim to inspire, heal, and invite healthy ways to process emotions through art, nature and gratitude.

You can listen to the episodes below.

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Belinda Liu

Belinda is a non-profit education leader, coach, entrepreneur, and nature-inspired visionary.

Her superpowers are shining a light on people’s strengths, bringing them out into the world, and creating life-changing tools and experiences for deep growth.

She co-founded Gratitude Blooming and Hestia Retreat Center to lead new paradigms for personal and group transformation using nature, art and self-inquiry.

Omar Brownson

Inspired by land, storytelling and gratitude, Omar finds joy in making good visible. Omar co-founded the gratitude app gthx (as in “gee thanks”) and co-hosts the Gratitude Blooming Podcast.

Previously, Omar was the founding executive director of RiverLA and has held leadership positions across finance, land use, and social impact.

Currently, he is on the board of InsightLA and an advisor to Full Spectrum Capital.

Wherever he is, Omar makes sure to notice joy, healing and synchronicity. 

Arlene Kim Suda

Arlene is a lifelong aspiring painter, musician, poet and designer. She believes life is one big practice of art when we stay open, curious and pay attention to what we are moved to express in the world - and that the road to mastery requires continual learning and devotion to our craft.

Her superpowers are time bending, being able to "hear" plants and poets, and feeling love even in the darkest places.

Brian Vasquez

Brian’s love for audio began at two years old with his first Fisher-Price cassette recorder. On any given day, this small wonder of technology gave his imagination permission to run wild as a sportscaster, a preacher or a musician. 

A self-taught and Grammy-nominated audio producer, Brian has never forgotten the magic of audio and appreciates everything about the craft from coiling a cable to telling a story. 

He is the founder of BNV Productions, specializing in production, broadcasting and sound design. He’s been a pioneer for terrestrial radio platforms, nationally syndicated radio programs with Perez Hilton, podcasts or whatever will be the next audio technology.

What is most true for Brian is that sound is eternal and sacred.