Nature is already whole unto itself, a full expression in that moment of completeness – completeness that is ever changing. To claim this truth for ourselves would be revolutionary, right? We can claim our own wholeness in the present moment, knowing there is nothing wrong with us, nothing needs to be fixed, and we have wisdom within to be our guide. To me, this is where suffering ends and wisdom begins.
How do we access this truth of our own wholeness and wisdom? One path is to attune deeply with Nature. Two weeks ago I led a transformative Nature connection retreat where we witnessed the deep truth and wisdom that came forth as participants gently opened themselves and their hearts to deeply attune to trees, plants, animals, and the earth. This is medicine for the body, soul, and spirit. As we attune deeply, we are reminded of the wisdom within and all around us. When we intentionally connect to Nature, we move into a place of inner stillness and communion with a greater Truth that we are all part of.
Below is a Nature Attunement Practice that is transformative to me and others I work with. The more you practice this, the deeper the connection to Nature and yourself. It’s like nurturing any relationship. Give it a try and keep curious!
First of all, let’s establish what connecting to Nature means
- Tuning into Nature deeply (just as you would a child).
- Intentionally opening yourself up to experiencing and interacting (as you would with a person).
- Honoring that there is some innate wisdom that connects you and a specific tree/plant/landscape (chi, the numinous, great mystery, life force).
- Recognizing that connection is an active process requiring our present moment awareness. If our minds are elsewhere, we are connecting to the past and future moment, not to the experience right in front of us.
- This is a practice of the heart and gut, where true connection happens, rather than the head, where we all tend to hang out a lot.
Attuning to Nature Practice:
- What plant, animal, water element catches your eye? Start there.
- Ask permission to enter the space, to commune with this element.
- Move slow and with awareness. If you do this, you will miss hazards: ant hills, wasp nests, poison ivy, snakes. Enter with curiosity, not fear.
- Evoke a state of openness, receptivity, and a desire to connect. Can you bring the following qualities into your field: spaciousness, compassion, loving-kindness, resonance (a felt connection), and neutrality.
- Tune into the plant/animal/water with your heart and imagine that the Nature element is focused on you. You can’t get this wrong.
- Sit or stand, whatever is most comfortable for you.
- Stay in this place and notice how you feel. Allow yourself to relax and breath deeply; can you deepen your connection? Are you noticing any resistance? Perhaps ask a question, and see if an image, feeling, or words arise.
- Thank the plant/animal/nature element.
If you would like a guide to help you establish this practice, please reach out as this is one of my favorite practices. Enjoy!
