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What if the forest could translate psychology into plain language you can feel in your body? We sit down with clinical psychologist and author Mark Langenfeld to unpack Wisdom from the Woods, a pocket-sized devotional designed to guide a year of growth through practical nature metaphors, guided imagery, and mindful practice. From juggling as whole-brain therapy for dyslexia to moonlit walks that dissolve labels, Mark shows how storm clouds, willow trunks, and flower buds can teach forgiveness, patience, and grounded resilience without a single clinical buzzword.

We explore how to balance two modes of attention—hawk vision for planning and owl focus for execution—so you anticipate challenges without getting blindsided or burned out. Mark’s story of an owl’s tragic tunnel vision becomes a memorable reminder to shift perspective on purpose. He also opens the book’s structure: 52 stand-alone chapters with a subject index that lets you jump straight to anxiety, assertiveness, habit change, mindfulness, relationships, or visualization. Each chapter offers clear imagery, accessible exercises, and the kind of field-ready wisdom you can carry on a hike and apply the same day.

Beyond ideas, the conversation lands in service. Mark donates 100% of his author royalties to student nutrition at Northwood Technical College because learning starts with a full stomach. That choice fits the book’s ethos: wisdom should feed people. If you’re craving mental health tools that are practical, poetic, and portable, this episode will give you strategies you can try on your next walk—breathe like a storm that passes, stand like a willow that bends, and remove the old thorns that still catch on your sleeve.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more listeners find these nature-driven tools for clarity, focus, and well-being.

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Bio:

Mark Langenfeld is the author of Wisdom from the Woods, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant International University in Fresno, CA. He teaches psychology and sociology at Northwood Technical College in Superior, WI. Before teaching, he worked as a therapist for several years. Additionally, he presents workshops at conferences on various topics dealing with improving psychological well-being. His hobbies include juggling, hiking, gardening, meditation, rock collecting, fishing, and doing random acts of kindness.

My book, Wisdom from the Woods, is the culmination of a lifetime of observations, writing, and reflection on the natural world. The stories in my book are very relatable to the average person.

100% of the author's royalties are donated to the students' Nutrition Assistance Program through the Northwood Technical College Foundation.

Facebook: @MarkLanenfeld

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