With Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodriguez

Could the secret to a more harmonious existence lie within the humble mushroom? This may sound like a stretch, but author and naturalist Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodriguez believes we have much to learn from the fascinating fungal realm—a web of interconnected life guided by principles of collaboration, symbiosis, and decentralised intelligence. In her globally-praised “Let’s Become Fungal!” workshops, Yasmine shares profound lessons from mycelium, the intricate networks that allow fungi to thrive.

THE WORKSHOP
There is a growing fascination with fungi and mycelium, and “Let’s Become Fungal!” draws inspiration from the realms of art and mycology. The workshop showcases practices from Latin America and the Caribbean rooted in collaboration, symbiosis, decentralisation, and mutual dependency, mirroring the behaviour of mycelium. Yasmine recently hosted one of her workshops at Walkers Reserve in Barbados.

THE BOOK
Each chapter of Yasmine’s book, available on Amazon almost worldwide, poses a question leading to twelve teachings including themes such as collaboration, decoloniality, biomimicry, and non-linearity. These teachings offer inspiration for diverse professionals and practitioners to embrace a more fungal approach to their work and existence.

THE BARBADOS EXPERIENCE
During a recent workshop hosted by Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design (WIRRED) at Walkers Reserve in St. Andrew, attendees enjoyed vegan mushroomcentred recipes for lunch and closed the session with a “mycelium meditation.” Yasmine discussed the different themes of her book, providing insights into her unique perspective.

YASMINE’S JOURNEY
For years, Yasmine has been studying fungi worldwide, gathering research and cultivating studies with soil scientists and ecological practitioners. Over the past year, she has been on a book and workshop tour in over half a dozen countries, sharing her love of fungi in every culture, language, and city.

A few of the participants who attended Yasmine’s workshop hosted
at Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design
(WIRRED)

If you’re seeking an inspiring and untraditional read to get rooted and back to nature this summer, consider picking up a copy of “Let’s Become Fungal!” by Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodriguez.