“Perhaps being amidst the
undesecrated beauty of the wilderness meant that I too could be undesecrated,
regardless of what I'd lost or what had been taken from me, regardless of the
regrettable things I'd done to others or myself or the regrettable things that
had been done to me. Of all the things I'd been skeptical about, I didn't feel
skeptical about this: the wilderness had a clarity that included me.” ―
Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
At levels we are
not aware of, Mother Nature has her way with us. Quieted by her forests and
purified clean from her airy deserts, she touches us in places where words fall
short. Small and limited they cannot name or describe the spiritual experience
of communion with Nature. At her oceans, rivers, lakes and streams we are
altered. After all, we are 70% water. We literally melt and merge. She changes
our body chemistry.
Eco-therapy, as it’s
now called, has been known to help alleviate depression in tandem with other
methods of traditional treatment. It can boost energy levels up 20%. Forest
Bathing, called shinrin-yoku in Japanese means, “taking in the forest atmosphere”.
Research shows it reduces stress. It turns out that trees release a chemical
called phytoncides that increase immunity. Soaking up serene sounds and
soothing sights has profound effects. I once saw a girl doing yoga at Cranbrook
Gardens. How Divine! The Forest Bathing Prescription recommends three hours
with one hour of walking for ultimate results, but I’ll take a good hour!
It seems pretty obvious that on some level we already know
that, right? Our minds, bodies and spirits know. A knowing that goes way back
to ancient times when we sat under full moons, gathered around a fire, giving
thanks. Her ground was home. Our hearts know also. Healing happens in Mother
Nature’s arms. A long weekend at a quiet summer cottage or retreat soothes the
soul, and we are right with life again. When we are going through a break-up or
something really hard, little by little, she hugs and kisses away the pain.
Equally in awe of her sweeping grandeur and soft gentle touch, what can we possibly
do, but surrender?
When the weather is
lovely and as often as I can, you’ll find me outside with a cup of my favorite
coffee, journal and pen. I usually bring a deck of oracle cards. I am lucky to live close to a park. On my
walks I usually see people eating lunch in their cars or at the tables. It
makes me so happy to see picnic tables outside of corporate buildings for
people to sit and eat lunch.
I can't tell you
the how much joy it brings me to sit underneath the huge and beautiful trees
that have protected me and my house, all these years. I recently had to
have a tree cut down in my yard. I was devastated at the thought of doing away
with my dear friend and confidante. I put it off for two years. Turns out it
wasn't an ash tree, but a boxed elder, whose roots had already begun busting up
cement. They were making their way towards the foundation of my house. My beloved
friend would continue to grow taller, wider and rounder, and eventually do
major damage. During a recent trip to Kona, where I used to live, I made
arrangements to have it cut down. Ruined, I just couldn't be there. Thank God I
still have many amazing oaks so close still shading and protecting me and my
property, leaving me feeling taken care of.
In honor of Earth
Day let’s send love and healing to our Earth Mother. She gives to us in so many
ways. On this coming Earth Day Saturday April 22nd, you might donate
to a cause or group, or light candles in her honor. Take a walk and send sweet
gratitude to her. In between sunset and sundown, the night before a concert
performance in Waikoloa, Hawaii, the resort turned off all its power for one
hour. A subtle hush fell over the village. It was pretty amazing to experience
before our show the next day.
In light of the
current time and shifting environmental protections, it’s more important than
ever to advocate on her behalf from our own necks of the woods. Use your
reusable shopping bags. Many places offer a bit of a discount when you do. In July of 2015 Hawaii became the first state
to totally ban plastic bags. Way to go! Keep recycling. If you are a go-green
advocate, bust the move. Pick up trash when you see it. Spread the word about
going organic and not eating food grown with gmo’s. Do what you can.
The picture above is a shot of my spot at the City Of Refuge called Hoanaunau in Kona Hawaii. Under the
protection of a tree, or at the water’s edge, say a prayer in thanks to her. Listen
for what she might need. Listen for what she has to say about what you
need. Wait for an answer. Let Mother
Nature do her thing. She loves you.
This article was published in BodyMindSpiritGuide.com
XoTatiana
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