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About Nature Listening Points

Welcome to Nature Listening Points, where tranquility meets inspiration. I'm Brenda K. Uekert, PhD, and I'm thrilled you're here to join me on this incredible journey.

A Leap of Faith

On May 27, 2020, I bid farewell to my house in Virginia and set out on a thrilling new adventure. With my Jeep hitched to my Dream Big motorhome, I hit the open road, ready to embrace the unknown journey ahead on the highway of life. As I traveled from coast to coast, I found myself immersed in the serene beauty of the landscapes around me.

A Moment of Magic

During a leisurely hike in the spring of 2022, I paused to capture my first nature video. In that tranquil moment, it was just me and nature—no traffic, human chatter, or modern-world noise. Since then, I’ve been hooked on recording and sharing these 60-second clips, offering a precious respite from the chaos of contemporary life.

A Deeper Connection

In 2023, these moments took on a deeper philosophical meaning. While camping at the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the work of Sigurd F. Olson (1899 – 1982), one of the greatest environmentalists of the 20th century and key player in preserving Minnesota's Boundary Waters. Olson’s retreat was a cabin in the woods, a place that he referred to as “Listening Point.”1

I named this place Listening Point because only when one comes to listen, only when one is aware and still, can things be seen and heard. Everyone has a listening point somewhere. . . . some place of quiet where the universe can be contemplated with awe.

Embracing the Journey

As I continue to travel the United States, I seek out these quiet moments in nature, where I can reflect, recharge, and find inspiration. Join me on this journey of mindfulness and appreciation as we discover our own 'Listening Points' and embrace the breathtaking beauty of the world around us.

The Woman on the Ferry

In 2024, reeling from the failure of my business, I took on a new mission. I set out to hike 1,000 miles in five months. Not only would the challenge restore my physical health, but I had a greater mission in mind: to become the Woman on the Ferry.

As I set out on this mission to redefine success, I am guided by the memory of the woman on the ferry. And I realize that she is my happy ending. She’s my measure of success. To feel comfortable in my own skin, to love my own company, to look at the world with awe and wonder, to throw convention to the wind. Is that the secret? Is it to do the things that have your friends whispering in the corner, “Has she lost her mind?” Read the Introduction here.

Why Subscribe?

I invite you to subscribe to Nature Listening Points for your weekly dose of tranquility and inspiration. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Mondays: New 60-second nature videos for all subscribers, including a narrative and an audio track.

  • Wednesdays: Thought-provoking articles and draft chapters of current book( paid subscribers).

  • Surprise Posts: occasional posts based on current events or life changes.

Dive into the beauty of nature with our 60-second videos, crafted to offer you a moment of peace in the midst of life's hustle and bustle. Join our community as we explore the wonders of the natural world and the meaning of success and joy.

Welcome to Nature Listening Points!

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1

Sigurd F. Olson, Listening Point (University of Minnesota Press, 1958, p. 8).

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Brenda K. Uekert, PhD is a sociologist, writer, speaker, and adventurer. When she's not at her home base in southern California, you can find her traveling around the USA in her RV, accompanied by two curious cats.