 As children, we experience nature as a place we belong to and a place that belongs to us. Whether as a place of wonder and joy, or as sanctuary from a chaotic and unsafe home life, nature is where we can wander the outside world as we explore the nuances of our internal world. It’s a place where animals trust us and we can’t imagine not trusting ourselves. A place where a rock is a throne and flowers a crown. It’s a place where we wordlessly process our big feelings. A place where we are seen, held, and loved Nature is where we learn peace —alive in our senses, bubbling with curiosity and imagination. But somewhere along the way to adolescence, there’s a moment that creates a tiny crack in this relationship which continues to spread over time. Maybe it was the simple implication that nature was no longer valid. That adults don’t wander because play is not productive.
While it is acceptable to walk on paths, roads, and perhaps even up mountains, just don’t meander or stop and sit. That’s not productive. But what about nature as our therapist? A place to process feelings and a shoulder to cry on? Since nature is not an option anymore, most turn to the socially acceptable coping mechanisms—like drugs, alcohol, food, shopping, and TV—that numb, rather than validate. The added bonus of these numbing agents is that it also dulls the feeling of loss and disconnection from nature where you were totally and authentically you. As adults, carrying our baggage of trauma and also missing beautiful parts of ourselves that we left in nature, we feel anxious and overwhelmed. The “not-doing-enough-monster” lurks around every corner, further disconnecting us from ourselves and the humans we love the most. The “should-ing,” crappy self talk, and reactivity happens until we reach full paralysis. A complete freezing that stops us from taking action on the things that may actually bring us a sense of fulfillment. But, what if… What if, in deep peace, you became responsive rather than reactive? What if trust in yourself and in your unique path was restored through unconditional love? What if by slowing down, you accomplished more? All of this was true for me. And I have faith that it’s true for you too. I remembered my wholeness, piece by piece, in the ripples of streams, under stones where the salamanders hide, and in the bright feathers of birds. In reconnecting with nature, I reconnected with my true nature. My wildness, my ability to follow curiosity until I found clarity. I found joy and sacred purpose. I stopped comparing myself to others and found my own path that was perfect for me. I stopped allowing myself to be stuck in confusion and lack of confidence. I got quiet and sat still, listening to the whispers of wisdom on the wind, that I came to realize was my own heart. My own intuition that had been silenced for so long, I had to relearn its language. I found a peace so deep, it was better than any drug. I found permission to be authentically Me. Along the way, nature reminded me I wasn’t alone on this journey, so I mapped the way so others could also journey to remember their creative, sensitive, compassionate, magical, whole selves. If you want to know the way, I’m here ready to be your guide. Photo by Evan Dennis on Unsplash |
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