Rooted

Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit

By: Lyanda Lynn Haupt

Narrated by: Christine Williams

This inspiring meditation on the intersection of science, nature, and spirit shows readers how to deepen their connection to the natural world.

In Rooted, cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics, and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed over millennia: life on this planet is radically interconnected. Our bodies, thoughts, minds, and spirits are affected by the whole of nature, and they affect this whole in return. In this time of crisis, how can we best live upon our imperiled, beloved earth?

Award-winning writer Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s highly personal new book is a brilliant invitation to live with the earth in both simple and profound ways—from walking barefoot in the woods and reimagining our relationship with animals and trees, to examining the very language we use to describe and think about nature. She invokes rootedness as a way of being in concert with the wilderness—and wildness—that sustains humans and all of life.

In the tradition of Rachel Carson, Elizabeth Kolbert, and Mary Oliver, Haupt writes with urgency and grace, reminding us that at the crossroads of science, nature, and spirit we find true hope. Each chapter provides tools for bringing our unique gifts to the fore and transforming our sense of belonging within the magic and wonder of the natural world.

Critic reviews

“A masterful melding of the mystical and the material. A great read.”—Bernd Heinrich, author of White Feathers and Racing the Clock

“Rooted is luminous and living proof of its own central premise: that all things are connected, and that activism and creativity can be a powerful combination. Part philosophical and personal exploration, part environmental manifesto, written with a gloriously poetic sensibility, Rooted feels like a literary love child of Rachel Carson and Mary Oliver. Find yourself a quiet place, preferably under a tree, and let Lyanda Lynn Haupt teach you how to embrace the “tangled empathy” of living not as a dominant species, but as one of many.”—Erica Bauermeister, New York Times bestselling author of The Scent Keeper and House Lessons

“An extraordinary guide to wonder and belonging. Shattering dualities—science/spirit, dark/light, human/nature—Haupt leads us into the delicious presence of the living Earth. In a time of isolation and fragmentation, her many insights are beautiful and much-needed invitations to wholeness and connection.”—David Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees

"Bold, lucid, lyrical, wise. In Rooted, Lyanda Lynn Haupt re-imagines and rediscovers connectedness, exploring our relationships to nature through the rhythms of daily life. A timely, and though-provoking read."—Thor Hanson, author of Buzz and The Triumph of Seeds

“An elegant tapestry of poetry and science, of personal narrative and communal prophesy, this beautifully written book is drenched in wonder. It is a celebration of interconnectedness and belonging, a wild sacrament, a love song to life.”
—Mirabai Starr, author of Caravan of No Despair and Wild Mercy

"Radiant with reverence, sparkling with surprises, and brimming with insight, Rooted is a lyrical and intimate handbook on how to live a mindful, joyful, fruitful life in harmony with our sweet green earth."
—Sy Montgomery, author of How to Be a Good Creature

“With her deep intuition and expansive attention as our guides, Lyanda Haupt’s gorgeous words create a path to the place where science and spirit meet. It’s a barefoot path that wanders through solitudes and into community with frogs, moose, orca, and our own wildness.”—Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass

Wonderful story -

Very appropriate for today when we have to learn how to get along with all Earth’s creatures.

Connect to Nature

A great meditation on how we can thread our lives into the fabric of our ecosystems.

Felt like a book written just for me!

I finished listening to this book yesterday. I loved it so much that ordered the hard cover book as well. Throughout most of the book, I felt like she wrote it just for me. I am a writer and yoga teacher who studies secular Buddhist philosophy. I was also raised Catholic and grew up in the country naming places in the pasture, woods, and creek. I love science, as well. The only thing I didn't relate to was solo camping. I understand the draw, but it's not for me.

I can't wait to read the book again!

Lyrical

Beautifully written and read by the author. This book not only expanded my awareness of our connection to the earth, but it helped me to contemplate ways that I can be a more responsible steward. This was a joy to listen to!

enlightening

loved it! definitely changed my routines to be outside more! I needed this! very insightful!