Would you be guided by the bending wood, the whipping wind, the buzz of the bees? Would you follow the bird’s song, the wolf’s howl, the gurgling brook? Would you let nature guide you into the unknown? Would you sit and listen to the wisdom of the wild?
Nature has always had its messengers, teachers, guides, oracles, and magicians. They were all wild things. Those who could read the signs and learn to speak with and for the wild would be the way showers for the others. To find food and water, shelter, hope, and learn new ways of being, Nature was and always will be the greatest of guides. Wisdom would come to us in the night, through dreams, or on sacred journeys to find and commune with Nature’s guides, be they trees, stones, seeds, rivers, winged ones, finned ones, hoofed ones or shining ones above and beyond.
The Gods of the Mountains and Forests were the Great Bears and Wild Cats, Birds of prey and beasts of burden, (as they’re called today.) Nature would speak to us through the animals. Nature would teach us through the powers they possessed. Nature would give us all that we needed, from sustenance to spirit medicine, beauty, art and music…..and still does.
Tragically, our world’s greatest teachers and guides are locked and caged in zoos and theme parks, unable to reveal the secrets of the wild, unable to express their unique power in the world. Others are threatened by extinction, while our own species has lost the ability to communicate beyond words. We have been taught to fear and conquer the wild, losing our trust towards one another along the way. For most, the reverence, honor, respect, and love for Nature has been replaced by mere entertainment. Instead of turning to Nature, we turn to sports, cinema, goal attainment, religion, and material wealth. And we wonder why society has left us struggling with drug addictions, violence and abuse, disease, and depression.
Yet, Nature is still there, just as beautiful, and creative as ever. Do not be fooled into thinking that we know it all. There is still much to be discovered, if it’s not destroyed first. We must recognize Nature as a powerful force capable of creating anything with the potential to surprise us all. Nature holds many secrets and is not bound by logic or reason. Nature can communicate in infinite ways and does so every day. Are you listening?
If you’re ready to restore your relationship with Nature, to learn the language of the wild, and to let Nature be a teacher and guide for you on your journey, let’s get started. Here are 5 steps towards communing with the powers of Nature around you…..
Prepare Yourself.
Cleanse your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for communion with the divine. Cultivate a sense of honor and reverence towards Nature. Be grateful for the blessings of the natural world. The spirit of Nature exists in everything, including yourself, sometimes we just need to clear the space in our hearts and heads to be receptive to what is already there. Traditional methods of cleansing include smudging with sage, palo santo, or anointing one’s self with essential oils or consecrated water. Going deeper, be mindful of your diet, choosing healthy fruits and vegetables as an alternative to processed foods, and of course drinking plenty of water vs. sugary or caffeinated drinks. Alternatively, you could intentionally shower or bathe to purify, washing away any toxic residues in thoughts, feelings or beliefs that might interfere with you being an open, receptive channel.
Set an intention.
Cultivate a strong intention to speak with Nature for guidance, wisdom, teachings, blessings, healing, or the like. The stronger your intention, your desire, the more potent your experience. Your intention will serve as a lens in which you perceive and interact with the world. Setting your intention is like setting your inner compass towards that which you seek, wish to experience, know, or cultivate within.
Plan your Journey.
Choose a time and place. Treat this experience as a sacred pilgrimage into the unknown, however, do set some parameters for time and distance. The parameters work as boundaries for your experience to unfold in a set time and place. Your journey could be a half hour walk in the local park, a half-day hike in the woods, or a weekend camping trip. Plan it out. Tell a friend where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Pack a lunch. Turn off your cell phone and set to it with your intention strong and an open heart.
Crossover the threshold.
After preparing in mind, body and spirit, with your journey just before you, repeat your intention three times aloud, and the mindfully step over an imaginary line. You can draw the line with a stick in the dirt if you like. This line represents you stepping over any barriers between you and Nature. As you crossover the threshold, know that Nature sees you, hears you, and is now sending you messages. Stay present to everything within your experience. Notice what grabs your attention. Perhaps there’s a bird calling, a solitary fluttering leaf, or a sparkling rain drop signaling you closer. Look for the signs and follow them. Feel your way forward, back, or around. Trust the cues and see what you discover.
Honor your experience.
Everyone has a different way of conversing with the wild. Some might find release and healing beside a flowing river, another may have found inspiration from a tiny seed, others might find insight from a spider’s web, a bird’s song, or a gentle breeze. You never know what you’re going to get, so don’t compare your experience with others. Do your best to interpret your unique experience for yourself as it relates to your life now. If you’re still left with questions, ask Nature rather than seek the opinions of others, and create more space and time for listening. Remember to always be grateful for whatever shows up for you, even the smallest grain of sand holds its own wisdom. Be reverent with the natural world and thank Nature for the experience.
The more we show up for Nature, ready and willing to listen to the wild and follow Nature’s lead, the more we will discover the miraculous, beautiful, and enchanting phenomenon surrounding us at every level. We are part of this magic, as the power and intelligence of Nature is who we are.
In Essence, NATURA
Comments