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Let's Lean into Nature

10/10/2020

4 Comments

 
Picture
Let’s lean into nature’s wisdom and away from the fearfulness and reactivity of human nature.  In nature there is an inherent understanding of the ever-changing nature of life – the seasons, days, cycles… they happen without thought or worry. 

Seeds scatter everywhere – some will take root and flourish, while others will become food for some animal or nourishment for the soil.  Acorns don’t strive to become the biggest, strongest, best oak tree in the forest. They simply hold their potential and allow it to break forth in the perfect time, in the perfect way. 

Nature flows with the great mystery.  It doesn’t need to know how or when things will work out. 

Animals simply follow the rhythm of their ancestors, follow their inherent knowing about when to gather, move, hide, or attack. They don’t waste time on worry or hate.

In the wilderness, diversity is valued and appreciated.  The multitude of trees and plants yield a variety of beauty that we cherish.  Species are interdependent and interconnected, as are we if we would only pause long enough to feel into this truth.  Can we learn to value the uniqueness each of us brings to this life?  What would be possible if we operated with a solid understanding of our inter-relatedness? 

At this very moment where I live, trees are shedding their lives, gathering their energy inward to move into a time of dormancy.  They are letting go of the past season – allowing the old to fall away in preparation for what’s to come.  Preparing for a time of rest and rooting before opening their branches to new growth in just a few months.  What might you let go of to prepare you for fresh growth?

What would it be like if we could quiet the tendency to get busy and simply drop our roots into those things that nourish and nurture us so that we can stand strong and steady amidst the storms?  What if we learn to bend and sway with the winds so that we don’t break in unyielding rigidity? 

What might we learn from the forest?  Mary Reynolds Thompson offers this wisdom from the forest (5 min. video) to support us as we deal with a global pandemic. 

As Thompson says in her book, Reclaiming the Wild Soul: How Earth’s Landscapes Restore Us to Wholeness, “The wisdom you seek (in the forest) can be experienced but never possessed.  Wild, ancient, primal, it moves through the shadows.  The presence of such mystery and immensity is overwhelming.  You may have to fight the urge to break the tension by running away.  But, if you remain, at least for a while, things will happen.  In this uncertain world, creativity flourishes.” 

Can we cultivate the capacity to take a deep breath, stand still, and be in the present moment?  Can we stop and feel the tension of wanting to do something and not knowing in this mysterious time?

What if we could simply learn to hold ourselves, knowing something new is growing and will emerge?  Root, breathe, pay attention, and go deep within ourselves to feel for what is wanting to come forth naturally and organically, without force. 

Can we allow the uncertainty to give birth to creativity?  We are in a time where we need creative thinking, problem solving, and fresh ideas… and if we can only be still for a bit, we can allow space for those things to emerge from a place of intelligence that comes from deep within. 

Please share your thoughts and reflections below.  

4 Comments
Steve
10/11/2020 11:46:33 am

This is the time of autumn, the natural time to slow down. We are in the west on the wheel , the archetype of the magician, teacher, student. The shadow of the west is attachment to outcome, and time in the woods allows me to let go of that attachment.

Reply
Barb
10/11/2020 12:25:50 pm

Thanks, Steve! I love all of the teachings of the seasons and how they can support us. I appreciate you sharing yours, and I am so glad that your time in the woods is supporting you.

Reply
Holly link
10/11/2020 02:11:35 pm

Beautiful, Barb. I too love the slowing down of autumn, and this year I was really able to mark the autumn equinox. As each day gets shorter between now and winter solstice, I am settling into rest and reflection, home and hearth. And it feels so spacious.

Reply
Barb
10/11/2020 06:40:05 pm

That sounds lovely, Holly... rest and reflection. Home and hearth... cozy!

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    I am a writer, coach, and teacher, and I love capturing life's many moments through writing, whether that be journalling, blogging, poetry, or essay.  I have always found the written word as a natural way for me to express what lies within.  

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Inspired Possibility
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