Cindy Lanese on Ecotherapy, Bioregionalism, and Living in Relationship with Nature

Interview by Angie Scheu | Simply Living

This month in our Community Spotlight, we’re honored to feature Cindy Lanese — ecotherapist, ritualist, and dedicated advocate for healing our relationship with the Earth. Her work bridges ecological awareness, community connection, and spiritual wellness, all rooted here in Central Ohio.

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How did you first get involved with Simply Living?

I first discovered Simply Living in the 1990s through word-of-mouth from friends. Back then, Chuck Lynd put together a wonderful newsletter filled with community events and activities—all connected to environmental care, spirituality, and sustainable living. It offered a welcoming invitation into a way of life centered around Earth stewardship.

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You’re trained as an ecotherapist. What is ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a practice of deepening our connection to nature for emotional and spiritual well-being. It’s about remembering that we are not separate from the Earth—we are ecological beings ourselves, made of the same elements as plants, animals, water, and soil.

As an animist, I view the world as fully alive and relational. When we slow down—whether by sitting with trees, walking through a forest, or listening to the wind—we remember our place in the greater web of life. Ecotherapy invites us to engage with nature not just as scenery, but as kin.

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How do you offer ecotherapy to others?

This is the beautiful part. I guide people through immersive nature experiences—forest walks, river kayaking, fire circles, and rituals on the land. I call these “invitations.” They help people listen more deeply and engage with nature in creative, meaningful ways.

I’ve even partnered with equestrian therapists and hosted weekend retreats. More recently, I’ve been exploring somatics in nature and how trauma healing can happen in relationship with the land. Rituals are especially powerful when marking life transitions or celebrating meaningful moments. These practices bring deep honor to our journeys.

Those interested can experience this through Simply Living’s Nature Walk events. These are ongoing as weather allows, and the next Nature Walk is scheduled for June 22.

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You’ve also become involved in bioregionalism. What does that mean?

Bioregionalism is about reconnecting to the place where we live—its land, waters, seasons, and communities. It’s a way of organizing life not by political borders, but by ecological ones: rivers, forests, watersheds, and soil systems.

Right now, I’m learning from GLESS (Great Lake Erie Southern Shore), a group in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They’re practicing bioregional living by aligning daily life—food, water, movement—with the natural systems around them. This approach is rooted in ancient Indigenous knowledge and offers a path back to mutual, reciprocal relationships with the land.

Simply Living is excited to explore this further at our upcoming Explore Bioregionalism event on June 21, featuring Kelly Clark from GLESS.

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What knowledge or skills must we cultivate to truly live in connection with our place?

Our commitment to place comes from time spent with that place. The more we slow down and appreciate what’s happening all around us—the plants, the soil, the weather patterns, the wildlife—the more we fall in love with the living world.

From that love comes inspiration, curiosity, and a deeper sense of purpose. We begin to ask: What does this place need? What can I learn to support life here? When we follow that thread, we start to uncover our natural gifts and talents—how we’re meant to serve life, and be served by it in return. It’s a reciprocal relationship, rooted in care and presence.

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How do you personally stay connected to nature and your local community?

One of the most grounding practices for me is visiting my sit spot. I’ve been going to the same place along the edges of the Olentangy River for over five years now. It’s become a familiar and beloved community—one I return to regularly.

I know which trees the heron likes to perch in, and I listen for the call of the kingfisher as it flies up and down the river, fishing and singing. Sometimes we lock eyes. I watch for the turtle, the beaver, and their growing families. When I’m lucky enough to witness them swimming by, I feel enlivened and connected.

I also walk often—slowly and mindfully—through the forests, just observing life as it moves. These practices help me feel most like myself. This is where I find true community—among the beings and rhythms of the natural world.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your time, wisdom, and heart. Your work beautifully weaves together ecological healing and community care—values that are at the core of Simply Living’s mission. We’re grateful to walk beside you as we work to build a more regenerative, connected future here in Central Ohio.