We can take ourselves into nature to realign our nervous system. When the energies of our fellow humans become too loud, and we lose perspective, we can always count on grounding again by spending time alone with “mother.”
On the ground in the woods one day, sinking in and feeling, again, the expansion that comes from being held both tenderly and strongly, I heard her when she shared that she, too, has needs, beyond the obvious. I felt her craving to be seen, understood and needed, much like I craved being held by her. She asked me to help people remember the gifts she has for those who understand reciprocity – that we must introduce ourselves and develop relationships with the plants, the fruiting bodies, the food, the earth, much like we develop relationships with other human beings before we ask what they can give to us; that we must receive in gratitude and give thanks when gifts are bestowed upon us; that we must ask permission before we help ourselves to what we want and listen to the answer and honor it when it comes; that we must notice the impact of our actions on all beings – the stone people, the plant people, the animal people; and that we must give back – to each other and to the earth. I thanked her for her teaching and renewed my vow to care for her in the best way I can.
In our daily trances, moving from one thing to another, it can be so easy to be conditioned to get the most for the least amount of effort. I am reminded to give pause during the in between times of my active life, and whenever I encounter another being: vegetable, mineral or animal, rather than see it as separate from me, to greet it like an old friend and ask, “How can we be together? What would make your heart happy and at peace? Is there something about you you’d like me to know?
It is in such relationship the feelings of separation dissolve, and we experience our inherent connection. It is then we notice the magic that surrounds us. Little gifts of light and delight are everywhere. We need only pause long enough to notice them. And be grateful for them.
I hope you enjoy some of the ways in which I have visually experienced these gifts.