Being Upset by Beauty | Healing, Activism, Ayurveda & the Quiet Power of Presence with Rejane D’Espirac | Ep 46
✨ “I’m upset because life should be so beautiful.” – Rejane D’Espirac
✨ “Healing begins with attention.” – Rupert Isaacson
In this expansive and deeply reflective episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson is joined by French writer, journalist, filmmaker, and activist Rejane D’Espirac for a wide‑ranging conversation on healing, presence, storytelling, plants, and what it means to live a life in service.
✨ “Healing begins with attention.” – Rupert Isaacson
In this expansive and deeply reflective episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson is joined by French writer, journalist, filmmaker, and activist Rejane D’Espirac for a wide‑ranging conversation on healing, presence, storytelling, plants, and what it means to live a life in service.
Rejane’s work sits at the crossroads of human rights, environmental activism, health, and inner transformation. From documenting the long‑term aftermath of the Bhopal industrial disaster in India, to exploring Ayurveda, yoga, infertility, and the healing power of attention, her life and career have been shaped by one central question: how do we truly care for one another in a damaged world?
Together, Rupert and Rejane explore the idea of being “upset by beauty” — not anger, but the kind of heartbreak that comes from seeing how precious life is, and how easily that magic is overlooked or harmed. They discuss relationship as medicine, presence as a healing force, plants as silent allies, and why service — rather than self‑actualization alone — is often the key to meaning.
❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome
❤️ Support the Podcast on Patreon https://patreon.com/longridehome
This episode weaves personal story, activism, philosophy, and nature into a conversation about attention, awe, responsibility, and hope.
🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- What Rejane means by being “upset” — not with anger, but with love, beauty, and the pain of seeing life disrespected ([00:02:26]–[00:06:00])
- The long‑term human and environmental impact of the Bhopal industrial disaster, and why its consequences are still unfolding decades later ([00:08:44]–[00:11:00])
- How the Sambhavna free clinic in Bhopal uses Ayurveda, yoga, plants, and care to support survivors when Western medicine alone no longer works ([00:13:17]–[00:26:23])
- Why care, listening, and relationship account for a large part of healing — often more than techniques or medication ([00:31:25]–[00:37:21])
- Rejane’s personal journey through infertility, Ayurveda, and unexpected pregnancy — and what it revealed about quality versus quantity in healing ([00:47:11]–[00:57:06])
- How attention, presence, and being truly seen can unlock self‑healing processes in body and mind ([01:02:27]–[01:04:53])
- Why sadness, isolation, and disconnection are central challenges of modern life — and how service and relationship help counter them ([01:24:53]–[01:27:22])
- The quiet power of flowers, plants, and awe — and why beauty itself can be a political and healing force ([01:29:42]–[01:33:22])
🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:
- Rejane explains how witnessing suffering without solutions led her from journalism into activism ([00:07:40]–[00:08:15])
- A detailed account of how the Sambhavna clinic was founded, and why detoxification, yoga, and plants became central tools ([00:21:02]–[00:25:55])
- Rupert reflects on care, attention, and yoga nidra as accessible forms of self‑healing ([00:40:31]–[00:42:16])
- Rejane shares how a simple question — “Why are you so sad?” — opened a profound healing journey ([00:49:49]–[01:03:10])
- A moving exchange on flowers as symbols of connection, resilience, and life’s quiet intelligence ([01:29:24]–[01:33:30])
📚 Books, Projects & Resources Mentioned:
- Sambhavna Clinic (Bhopal) & documentary “Sambhavna” https://sambhavnabhopal.org/
- At Last, a Baby – Rejane D’Espirac
- The Discreet Power of Flowers – Rejane D’Espirac https://www.rejanedespirac.com/
- The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home & The Healing Land – Rupert Isaacson
- Movement Method – New Trails Learning Systems
🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
Website: https://rupertisaacson.com
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems
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