Nature is a mirror, inspiring and teaching us, deepening our sense of belonging in the world. Wherever you look, you can see that our patterns and the patterns of the natural world are the same. You can find this resonance in every form, from molecules to plants and animals and to planets. We live our lives according to the same principles as the trees, the mountains, the clouds, and the birds.
We begin our lives in the womb, folded in on ourselves like the bud of a flower. We can see our whole lives in the mirror of this natural form. When we emerge from the womb, we slowly begin our unfolding, just as the flower begins to open its petals. At its prime, the flower draws many insects to it and also the eyes of appreciative humans. When the flower's petals begin to fade and its life cycle comes to an end, it ceases to hold itself upright and returns to the earth. Traditionally, we return to the earth, just as all plants and animals do. Like flowers, we leave behind seeds in the forms of children and other gifts only we could have given. They continue to unfold even after we are gone. Rebirth is encoded into our lives, and death is just one part of the cycle.
Look around you, and you will find connection and insight. Notice how your moods shift from one to another like the sky shifts from bright blue to turbulent grays. Your thoughts are like clouds, appearing, changing shape, passing through, and then disappearing without a trace. The rain cleanses the sky, just as an emotional release cleanses your mind. The sky itself is your eternal awareness, unchanging underneath all these permutations. Let it reflect back to you your own abiding perfection.
~ Beliefnet.com
Take a mindful stroll in nature and invite your Self to spend some endless moments with the breathtaking wonder and magic of nature. Experience your 'Being' in the beauty, glory and splendor that is nature's alone to claim, and give your senses permission to savor the colors, scents, sounds and touch that only nature can produce.
Allow yourself to relax and feel the pleasant warmth of the sun as it drenches you in colorful light rays, and notice how the colors begin to glisten on your skin. Then let your eyes feast on the varied spray of flowers that abound. Inhale the intoxicating, aromatic fragrance of the flowers as they beckon you to fix your eyes upon their brilliant designs and colors. Then reach out as you close your eyes so you can fully experience the sensuous touch of the fragile velvety petals.
And, be attentive to the soft breeze as it
gently dances about you. Feel how it caresses your face and plays in your hair. Listen closely and observe how the breeze whispers through the trees around you, creating a vision of leaves busy at play as they occasionally wave to you. As you appreciate the many variations, colors, shapes and sizes of the trees, reach up to welcome the embrace of a majestic Weeping Willow.
Now close your eyes again, and open your ears
to the distinct sound of the many birds that reside among the tree lofts, the thick bushes and the mounds of grass beneath your feet. Listen as they chirp, chatter and sing their songs of nature.
Hear the symphony that only nature can perform
and allow this perfect harmony
to resonate with
your own heart's song.
Experience how nature engages and nurtures your senses; your psyche; your spirit-- your entire Being. Radiate in the wonder of nature, for nature is pure; nature is healing; nature is love; nature is Divine. YOU are Divine. And, as a part of the wonderful phenomenon of life in all of nature allow for these
exquisite moments that may
take your breath away.
When you are
in nature
you are at home because
You Are Nature!
~ Rev. Barbara
