Awakening with Nature
We live in a world moving at a wild, fast pace. We’re continually fed information through social media, advertising, television… Modern life provides us great opportunities, still we can find ourselves going hours or days with no connection to natural spaces.
As nature is a significant part of us, we need to recognize and nurture our connection to it.
Deficiency
We often forget that we are natural beings who are dependent on natural forces for our survival.
An instinctive desire exists deep within us, aching to connect with the natural world.
Our ancestors had a more intimate connection with their lands. Nature was an important teacher forcing them to live in harmony with the resources of the lands. This gave them a stronger sense of place, belonging and community.
Back to Nature
As we collectively faced uncertainty, fear and disconnection during the pandemic, more of us visited our local green and natural spaces. Having experienced how captivity felt, we were drawn towards reclaiming and embracing our connection with the natural world.
Many of us find ourselves cut off from nature. Science has established that going outdoors into nature is good for body, mind, emotions and spiritual wellbeing. Results have confirmed that it increases the speed of healing, improving both mental and physical health.
Time spent outside regulates your nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, raising self esteem, optimizing your immune system.
Sacred Moments
The experience of our inner nature provides the key to our spirituality and all our relationships including Mother Nature. This connection to our essential self will elevate our consciousness establishing a spirit of compassion and heartness.
To understand the power of nature on the human spirit spend time sitting by a tree, observe the movement of the moon, walk near water, feel the aliveness of any nearby creatures.
We can easily lose connection with our spiritual nature, our natural rhythms. The natural world has its own laws of balance. We learn from nature to balance conflicting forces: in ourselves and the world around us.
Connecting with Mother Nature replenishes our life energy. Allowing yourself to be awakened by the interconnectedness of the natural world, you find yourself connected to something bigger.
Nature Restores
Connecting to nature is an excellent way to calm down. Try these out to deepen your connection and elevate your consciousness.
1. Intention
Your intention could be about your breath or what you sense. Or bring a question that’s on your mind and notice what unfolds. As your focus changes, you become more open to the experience. Discover the unexpected,
2. Nature Walk
A fabulous way to relax is walking in a natural environment. Go mindfully. Aware of sensations, sounds, shapes, smells, textures. Find a place you’re drawn to. Stop. Allow yourself to rest there. When ready, continue on.
3. Unplug from Technology
Digital devices are a huge part of our life. At times we need to unplug and give ourselves space to connect to what matters most. Unplug. Get outdoors. Ground. Reconnect. Give yourself a natural reboot to reclaim your inner space.
4. Plant Something
There is something special about cultivating new life: flower, vegetable, herb, tree… get your hands dirty and bring new life onto the planet
5. Zoom in and Zoom out
Look at the horizon, silhouettes in the distance, a panoramic view. Next focus in and notice a leaf on a tree, ants beneath you, birds, even the shape of rocks. Observe movement, patterns, colors, textures. Access all: the close up, the long view and you in the middle. Pause. Breathe it in and imagine a sense of spaciousness filling your body, lungs, belly, legs and feet.
6. Trees
I love trees. Like all living things on this planet, they’re alive and have an energy field. When you come across a tree feel its strength, power, roots and branches. When you hug a tree there is an energy exchange that occurs. If you are not a hugger you can lean against a tree holding an intention to connect with it. Always be respectful and give thanks to the knowledge and wisdom of the tree.
7. Photos
Take pics of what inspires you. Appreciating the beauty and incredible design of nature: landscapes, trees, animals, rocks, water… use your photos for meditation and as a resource to bring calm and stillness.
