Drawing on her substantial work in leading organizations, facilitation, and her own transformation journey, Rampy grounds this book in diverse perspectives, scholarly work, her professional practice, and her own discovery journey. Growing up in rural America, she recalls how intimately connected to the Earth she was on a daily basis, and in so doing, she reminds us that this was common for many Americans not so long ago. The American experiences related in the book make it particularly resonant for American audiences who will recognize the challenges and the context we face in the United States and its unique history.

If you are already deeply steeped in the regenerative development space pay attention to Rampy’s boundary-crossing approach to create new ecotones in which people can be influenced from where they are today. Remarkably in an entire book about the most fundamental aspects of regenerative development, including making our relationships with Earth and others who inhabit it whole again, she never mentions the terms “regeneration” or “sustainable development.” The book is wonderfully jargon free and on point, communicating in a way that is designed to build bridges to those with other experiences. 

Those already in the regenerative development space might have experienced relatives and friends slipping away as soon as the word “regeneration” is uttered. Rampy somehow understands this challenge and in response she has authored an eminently readable book peppered with personal experience, wisdom from the Earth, gurus, elders and even children. This is a great book to be shared with friends and family who are interested in how to respond to these “edge times” as she calls them, without inundating them with theory, jargon, and niche politics. 

The simple exercises that Rampy shares in each of the chapters, from a time walk to observing a patch of earth and reflecting on it, are relevant for anyone seeking to reconnect, or develop new connections, and appreciation for the Earth and navigating our own feelings of loss and hope. Similarly, the book club notes offer useful prompts for discussion, including an offer by the author to spend some time with your group if you decide to include it in your readings.

By Leah Rampy

Published by Bold Story Press, Chevy Chase Maryland