“Let nature be your teacher” William Wordsworth, 18th century poet
Now, more than ever, in these turbulent times of stress and uncertainty, is an opportune time to take a pause and to reflect on how we are all interconnected and part of this incredible world.
Everything we do has a ripple effect and impact on everything around us; all the more reason to become aware of the important role we play and to become more mindful participants.
Nature is an integral part of our lives. We should realize how vital this connection truly is and to follow nature’s lead as it has valuable lessons to teach us about life. If we take the time to listen to its quiet wisdom, we can improve our overall wellbeing and make amazing discoveries about the world we live in.
If we look back throughout history, we find countless examples of challenges the world has faced and how we have progressed from lessons learned. However, in the school of life, lessons that are not learned need to be repeated.
Nature has incredible strength and yet at the same time can be so fragile. In order to ensure its survival, it is essential to maintain balance in life.
If we open our eyes and take a look around us, we can see that we are surrounded by the bountiful beauty of nature as well as its magnificent wisdom.
Respect
When we think of Mother Earth, we usually think of how nurturing it is. We depend on it like a child depends on its mother to nurture and protect. It provides us with stability and forms the foundation to everything we can become. We need to respect Mother Earth and one another as well. We need to be able to give back by protecting and taking care of our home, Mother Earth.
Strength and Resilience
Trees provide us with food, oxygen, shade and shelter. The strength of the tree depends on how firmly rooted in the earth it is. The more we are grounded in our strong values and supported by nurturing people, the more we can grow and become stronger. To weather the storm, we also need to be flexible so we can quickly adapt to the ever-changing situations around us.
Regeneration
It is a well-known fact that the healing power of nature teaches us to rest so that we can replenish our energies. Spending time in nature helps us disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday stress and recharge our batteries. We feel renewed and relaxed. We feel better physically and mentally. We can regain our clarity and focus. We maintain our spiritual connection.
Patience
All good things in life require time, patience and effort. Unfortunately, in our fast paced society, everyone’s looking for a quick fix. We need to realize that there is the right time for everything and that we need to allow for things to unfold as we wait for the fruits of our actions. Learn to pace yourself; nature never hurries. Focus on the task at hand. Multi-tasking may not be all that productive since it can deplete energy and lower overall efficiency.
Patience is not your ability to wait, but the ability to become positive while you are waiting.
Perseverance
Everyone wants to get to the top of the mountains, but it requires efforts to overcome obstacles and face challenges. The more we climb, the better the view and the rewards, but we need to put in the effort. Getting back up and continuing on despite setbacks and difficulties is what builds determination, stamina and endurance.
Go with the flow
There is no life without water. Just like your body needs proper circulation, our lives do as well. Water cannot stand still; it needs to be in motion. To keep the river flowing is the very essence of water. Whatever the obstacles are, it has the ability to flow over it and continue along. It will not give up but simply change course. Resistance is struggling against the current and is the cause of pain and the loss of energy. Instead, learn to let go and go with the flow.
The Sky’s the Limit
Ever watch those birds fly and wish you could be free like a bird? You can. Taking a risk means we are consciously choosing to step out of your comfort zone and break down those walls of fear as we spread our wings and learn to fly. Or we can choose not to do anything and spend the rest of our lives wondering what could have happened if we had done something different. The sense of joy and freedom is worth the price of taking the risk. Most people don’t realize that they are paying an even higher price by choosing to stay in their comfort zone.
The Power of the Sun
Every sunrise brings a new beginning, a chance to start a new day filled with opportunities to learn new things. Everyday, take the time to show our appreciation and gratitude. Life requires light for its survival as it gives us energy, warmth and the ability to grow. Celebrate and honour the light.
Animals
They teach us to focus on the moment and appreciate what is happening now.
When we come home from work, our pets are always there to eagerly greet us.
They remind us that there’s a time to work, a time to rest, and of course, a time to play.
Their companionship teaches us the value of connecting and sharing our hearts and how sometimes, you don’t even need words, just to be present and focus on the joy of the moment.
They teach us how to love unconditionally and how to forgive gracefully.
They rely on their instincts to survive. This shows us the importance of trusting and acting on our intuition and how this can open us up to new choices and opportunities.
Animals, like bees and ants, for example, show us the importance of teamwork and how important it is to collaborate. We all have an important part to play. We need to learn how to coexist as our survival depends on it. After all, we’re all in it together.
Believe in Miracles
Planting a seed and watching it blossom is magical. Miracles happen every day. Nature is filled with so much awe and wonder. Tune in and see how it can help us put things in perceptive, gain insight, and be inspired to be creative.
Flowers
Each one of us are like flowers, unique and beautiful. Everything in life has value, no matter how big or small it is. What is important is the special role and talents we have in the big scheme of things. Just remember, you are worth it.
Embrace Change
The only thing constant and inevitable in life is change; learn to accept change and stay optimistic. We cannot change what happens to us, but we can change how we choose to respond to it. Just as the seasons change, we need to embrace change since it can’t be summer all the time.
Each season comes bearing gifts and providing us with valuable lessons:
Winter Time to rest, review and restore as we prepare for the next cycle of life.
Spring Time for hope and renewal as we plant the seeds.
Summer Time for celebrating nature’s incredible bounty, abundance and beauty.
Autumn Time to give thanks, reflect on what we need to let go of in order to move forward.
By being present and paying attention in our daily lives, we can experience nature in a more intentional way and gain access to the lessons it has to offer.
Take the time to smell the roses; listen, observe, learn and grow.
Simplicity is the very essence of nature and a reminder to tune into what’s important in life and to seek out balance and live in perfect harmony. Ready to explore?
