How Do You Love the World As It Is? with Ray Buckley

We explore how to navigate love and responsibility in a rapidly changing world, particularly in the face of climate change. We're honored to have Ray Buckley join us for this conversation. Ray is a teacher, storyteller, author, and poet of Lakota, Tlingit, and Scots descent. He brings a unique blend of cultural and spiritual wisdom, particularly the profound understanding of what it means to be in "good relationship" with the Creator, fellow human beings, and all of creation. Ray's experiences growing up in a culturally rich environment and caring for his brother Rick have deeply influenced his worldview. (For complete show notes and full transcript visit: https://thebtscenter.org/climate-changed/podcast-season-two-episode-4/

Our conversation dives into:

• The concept of being a 'human being' from Native and Celtic perspectives, emphasizing balance and relationality.
• The importance of recognizing and respecting all of creation as "persons."
• The spiritual and emotional toll of losing species and ecosystems, witnessed through gatherings of elders from various indigenous communities.
• How to maintain ethical and compassionate behavior in a world facing the impending loss of so much life.

Whether you're coming from a place of privilege or are directly affected by the struggles of the world, this episode is a heart-felt guide on how to love the world as it is, while also acting responsibly for its future. We talk about what it means to stand in "good relationship" with everything and everyone around us, and how that might just be the key to facing our uncertain future.

This episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom, humor, and poignant moments that challenge us to reconsider our roles in this shared, sacred journey we call life. So take a deep breath, and prepare to be both grounded and elevated by this transformative conversation.

Meet Ray Buckley

Ray Buckley is the interim Director of the Center for Native American Spirituality and Christian Study. Buckley has served The United Methodist Church as a staff member of The United Methodist Publishing House, Director of the Native People’s Communication Office (UMCom) for nine years, and Director of Connectional Ministries for the Alaska Missionary Conference.

Most recently, Buckley wrote Hard to Dance with the Devil on Your Back and contributed to A New Dawn in Beloved Community. Also, he is the author/illustrator of five books: God’s Love is Like…, The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition, The Wing, Christmas Moccasins, and Dancing with Words: Storytelling as Legacy, Culture, and Faith. He is also the author of Creator Sang a Welcoming Song, and Walking in These White Man Shoes, children and youth resources for the Women’s Division School of Missions.

Buckley has taught in Nigeria and Ghana and served as a lecturer in Native American studies for several universities.

Ray Buckley is of Lakota/Tlingit/Scots descent. Ray is one of several Native leaders profiled in As Long As the Waters Flow: Native Americans in the South and East by Frye Gillard, and The Power of Eagles: Nature's Way to Individual Accomplishment by Twyman L. Towery.

Books by Ray Buckley
Holy Living: Prayer
Hard To Dance With the Devil On Your Back
The Wing 

Grounding

In this "Grounding" segment of Climate Changed, Peterson Toscano addresses the emotional and mental toll that caring for the world can take, especially in the context of climate change and social issues. Originally planning to record outdoors, Toscano is forced indoors due to wildfires, symbolizing the need for adaptability in a changing world. He speaks directly to his busy, concerned listeners, acknowledging the multitude of issues that weigh on their hearts, from social justice and politics to environmental worries and personal relationships. Toscano offers comforting wisdom: while you can't solve all of the world's problems, you can still make a meaningful contribution. By setting boundaries and focusing on what is personally "yours to do," you can be an effective change agent without becoming overwhelmed. The overarching message is one of empowered hope: your heart has the capacity to care deeply for many issues, and there's room for love and action even in challenging times.

This podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine, USA www.thebtscenter.org