- #1) Connecting with nature is possible for anyone. How we come to create that relationship with the natural world is as personal as developing a relationship with a person. We all have different ways of going about it. If we can give ourselves the opportunity to create a supportive relationship with nature, we will in turn learn more about who we are in relation to each other and to the environment.
- #2) Nature is all around us and in us. Nature is our pets, our houseplants, nature is the wasp's nest outside the back door, or the fire blazing in the wood stove. We do not have to make great efforts to physically bring ourselves to nature. Sometimes it is more difficult to create the space within us, so we have room to feel affinity. This relationship can start with the intention and desire to become more connected, or it can just take us by surprise. One way that we can begin to change how we live our daily life is by altering or simply considering what our relationship is with nature. Once we do make that connection, then we always have that feeling within us. We can remember that place inside, or that feeling, or sensation and this can help us feel more at peace in our day to day reality.
- #3) Just as connecting happens in different ways, so does healing. In essence though, they are the same thing. We connect with nature through our senses and respond with emotion, physical sensation or insight. In connecting we are becoming whole, because we are connecting with the parts of our own nature that integrate our intellect with our many other ways of knowing and experiencing. We are healing.
- #4) When we bring nature into our lives, we learn to live according to natural ways. If we can allow ourselves to just be and not get tied up with social expectations and values, then we can instead tune into our own rhythms and most importantly, begin listening to our hearts. We all know what is best for us intuitively, yet we do not acknowledge our power to create the lives we are capable of. When we are listening to our hearts, we are living in harmony with the natural world. We are expressing our own true nature as the creative beings that we are. Nature inspires us to express this creativity in as many ways as is possible. We are all artists in our own way. We are all composers or dancers or magicians. When we can see ourselves from nature's perspective we will be much closer to understanding our potential.
- #5) The key to being connected is being in the moment. By allowing our hearts to lead us through each day we will make the choices that are the best for us. We will also be more spontaneous and feel more of a sense of wonder and excitement about day to day events. Of course, responding to the moment is also where the greatest challenge lies, for this is very foreign to most of us. Our conditioning has taught us that in order to feel safe we need to plan for the future.
- #6) Nature is in the moment; it is a creative, universal force which is always in constant change and process. It is that force which also flows through us. If we can learn to trust in this flow to support us, as the creators of our own lives, we will be able to live in greater harmony, balance and fulfillment.
copyright Jennifer Rowse 2005