Sedona, AZ
Once up on a time, our ancestors’ survival depended on a close relationship with the natural world. It was often a matter of life and death, not to mention losing an entire harvest of crops or being overcome by a severe storm when out hunting or traveling.
Today, many of us today live in comfortable homes and work in climate-controlled offices high above the ground. We may go an entire day without venturing outside, and in the winter, people often arrive and leave work in the dark. We depend on TV or the internet for news about the weather, and don’t have time or the wherewithal to look up from what’s distracting us to see a beautiful sunset or catch the rainbow after a storm.
Being connected to the natural world helps us connect to our inner world. When I work with clients, it’s one of the ways they begin to get reconnected to their own rhythms—they clue in to the natural rhythms of nature. Walking grounds us. Watching animals teaches us about who we are as human beings. The natural world has it’s own sense of order and understanding. How do the animals know when a storm is coming or danger is near? First and foremost, they are aware—they need to be for their very survival.
When we are out enjoying nature, all of our senses are heightened. We breathe in the fresh fall air, smelling the rich soil; we see the changing fall foliage, feel the breeze and hear the squirrels crunching leaves as they bury their nuts. Our souls respond to the beauty of the natural world. It stirs something deep inside—we feel awed, appreciative, and a sense of peace and calm.
Losing our connection to nature is akin to losing ourselves. Mother Nature supports us in many ways, offering all we need to sustain our physical and spiritual lives. We need to remember she is there and to seek her out—all year round.
