Why, when it seems that modern technology has addressed every possible need, should we all still strengthen our connection to the natural world and fill our senses and emotions with the scents, sights, sounds, textures, wonder and mysteries of Nature?
Because it’s essential to remember that this is our true home, the source of all life and a deep well of inner wisdom that we can call upon, if only we will immerse ourselves in her magic.
So seamless is this dynamic connection to Nature, most people remain oblivious to it. Children master cell phones and computers by the age of 5 but may never learn where their water comes from or the composition of the air they breathe.
They will learn how to drive, but may never marvel at the fact that the residue of ancient plants and animals powers their cars and heats their homes.
We can all flip on a light switch, but have you ever stopped to consider that like your home, every atom in your body is electrified and that the same awesome power behind lightning brings your coffee maker to life every morning?
To seek knowledge about the elemental forces of nature is to seek a deeper connection to your true inner Self at the deepest level.
You are literally made of the same materials that created the stars; you drink the same water and breathe the same air as the dinosaurs once did; trees in the Amazon and algae in the oceans, as well as the plants in your own backyard, produce the oxygen upon which your life depends; the entire human race is indebted to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and bats for pollinating the fruits and vegetables that we consume at our dinner tables.
We share Earth with millions of different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and this biodiversity provides us with the basic building blocks of life.
The activities of all these organisms together maintain the atmosphere, develop new soils, break down wastes, store and filter water, pollinate our crops, provide us with food, and protect us from disease.
Without these ecological services, we would never have been able to develop abundant food, natural fibers for our clothes, lumber for our homes and furniture, or a clean, healthy environment.
But today, our busy lives tend to drive a wedge between us and the natural world that is all around us. It’s not uncommon to feel isolated in a way from that part of our existence.
So, where is it that this primitive, natural part of us still resides? The Subconscious Mind.
Your Subconscious Mind is where your true Self can be accessed. It is an ancient repository of wisdom about you and the world around you that you can draw upon whenever you like.
However, she is a quiet partner that doesn’t seek attention for herself, rather she waits, patiently, for you to seek out her guidance.
By uncoupling yourself from the superficial world of devices, talking heads, money and things and spending more time steeped in the sensory world of nature, this deeper, quieter Self begins to come out of hiding. An infinite, even divine compassion becomes apparent, and it waits to be tapped, waits to inspire and enlighten you.
How does it work? I don’t presume to be smart enough to understand. All I know is that it does and that fact remains one of the enduring mysteries of the natural world, and therefore, your inner being.
Each day, embrace Nature as yourself and marvel at the wisdom, wonder and mystery of your very existence.
Shane Eric Mathias is the author of The Happiness Tree. As he writes, “In the last half-century, I have experienced tremendous personal and social evolution. I’ve gained and lost careers, had long and short term relationships, been a son, a husband and step parent, faced down death from heart disease, cared for elderly parents, been a musician, artist, engineer, entrepreneur and now a writer. And still, I continue to learn so much, which I endeavor to share in my work. Life is better than ever now and I attribute that to my evolving knowledge about myself and the world around me. My daily aspiration now is to share this wisdom with my readers.”
