Nature Connection How might Nature speak to you? When you enter the domain of Nature for a quiet and reflective walk by yourself, have you ever greeted her with a simple acknowledgement, like how we greet our fellow humans? When you do this, Nature welcomes you in reply. How does Nature reply, you might wonder. To discover Nature’s reply, you might take a few moments to sense inwardly. For example, you might feel an openness or a relaxation in your chest. When you sense this, it is natural to feel welcomed. Proceeding on your walk, you might be pondering an issue, or seeking perspective. As you continue, what aspect or feature of Nature might begin to call for your attention? How do you experience the calling? Are you more aware of trees, plants, water, sky, soil? Are you sensing more from what you see, smell, hear or feel with the emotions or sense of touch? Is there a specific tree, plant, rock, or other natural element that you continue to notice? During a winter walk in Nature, I became aware of my sadness over a recent loss. As I continued to walk, the trees began to feel like friends, and I felt welcomed. As I drew near to a unique grove of trees of different ages, I stopped. My attention focused on a young fir, and I received this message—“Look at me. I am a young fir. I can reach for the sky just like the big ones. Like me, you too can reach for joy and expansion, whatever your circumstances.” How might Nature speak to you? |
NATURE-BASED THERAPY
I offer counselling sessions outdoors in Nature. Nature accepts you as you are, which is the foundation for healing. In our fast-paced society, anxiety, depression, a sense of worthlessness, overwhelm, and alienation are common ailments. Nature grounds you in the present moment and awakens you to gain perspective. When you enter Nature with awareness, you are invited to observe and reflect. A bird's song, the smell of sea or forest, or the freshness of a breeze welcomes you to pause and take a deep breath. Perhaps a tree models resilience, a boulder offers support, or flowing water talks about letting go. "Usually we restrict our sense awareness through our intentions. We look for something, we listen for something, we reach out to touch something. . . .But suppose you try seeing instead of looking, hearing instead of listening, and being touched instead of touching." — Lane and Sarah Conn Opening to the Other, Ecotherapy My book, Sacred Trees, Sacred People of the Pacific Northwest, tells true stories about real trees in Canada and the US who became catalysts for personal and community change. To view or purchase the book, go to amazon.ca. |