Elemental Woman

02/28/2026

Hoping for clear skies!

10/12/2025

For decades, forestry experts believed trees were lone competitors, fighting each other for sunlight and soil. But Canadian ecologist Suzanne Simard saw something different. Every time birch trees were cleared from mixed forests, the nearby Douglas firs started to sicken. What if the forest’s strength depended on its hidden connections?

Using carbon isotope tracing, Simard discovered that birch and fir trees are linked underground by vast networks of fungi—the “Wood Wide Web.” Through this network, birch trees can transfer carbon and nutrients to firs, especially when firs are shaded, ensuring that both species survive together rather than compete.

Her work transformed our understanding of forests: they are not just groups of trees, but living communities that share, communicate, and support one another. This discovery continues to shape modern forestry, inspiring more sustainable practices that protect the intricate connections beneath our feet.

Source: Simard, S. W., Perry, D. A., Jones, M. D., Myrold, D. D., Durall, D. M., & Molina, R. (1997). Net transfer of carbon between tree species with shared ectomycorrhizal fungi. Nature, 388, 579–582.

09/27/2025

🎬 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲: 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
From Amritavarsham 50

Take an inspiring journey through the immense, 4-day world peace festival, held in honor of Amma’s 50th birthday. 🌍✨

This full-length documentary film captures the vibrant events, profound moments, and mesmerizing first-hand stories of those who attended—offering a rare glimpse into the joy and devotion of this historic celebration.

💗 This movie is part of the 𝘼𝙢𝙢𝙖’𝙨 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 collection within 𝙎𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. Included in the AVA Membership.

🔗 Explore the collection: https://buff.ly/K7dOFJU
🔗 AmritaVirtualAcademy.com

05/12/2025

04/15/2025

Once upon a time,
When women were birds,
There was the simple understanding
That to sing at dawn
And to sing at dusk
Was to heal the world through joy.
The birds still remember what we have forgotten,
That the world is meant to be celebrated.

( ✍️ Terry Tempest Williams )

Art : Steven Kenny