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Burgess State Park, TN Photograph by Laura Annan |
Movement is the creative
alchemy in Nature that also resides within us.
We are connected to Nature, because we evolved in
Nature. Yet, in today’s fast-paced world we are too busy to recognize just how
disconnected and separated we have become from the natural world. By
reconnecting with Nature, we can begin to honor the cycles of change in our own
lives that is necessary to move forward on our journey of life.
Inside Nature there is a natural progression of
movement, where the landscape changes and the mood changes. As Winter awakens
from the slumber of regeneration, it gives way for the renewal of Spring to be
birthed; then Summer moves in to celebrate growth until it’s time to retreat
into Autumn, where the cycle of movement turns to Winter once again. This
movement is a constant flow of change, sometimes gentle and gradual while at
other times violent and destructive. Teaching us that death, renewal,
transformation, and growth is part of the rhythm of life. Change is a creative part
of Nature, just as change is part of our human evolutionary process of being
here on Earth.
Life also flows by the energy of movement, because similarly
our lives are a continuing series of changing experiences. Change is the only
constant in life. We can easily navigate through change when we are willing to be
with it, as it is. Being able to walk into the unknown and face
all that is presented along the way. reminds us that life is happening for us and not to us. By embracing the
truth, even when it’s unpleasant, we can begin to flow with life rather than
push against the winds of change.
When we
are looking for answers or need clarity to help us move through change, we can
tap into the well of our inner guidance that has the ability to point us in the
right direction. Our inner guidance is always speaking to us, if we only take
the time to listen. Being in Nature is where we can start to slow down to hear
that inner voice of guidance.
Nature
helps us to restore balance in our lives.
Walking
in Nature is a wonderful visual meditation because it has the potential to
expand our awareness. With awareness we can be inspired to choose a new
path to move us forward, while paving the way
for new experiences and new ways of being. It’s through awareness that we can find
clarity to consciously grow and evolve.
With that in mind, go take a walk in Nature! Walk
through a local park; walk in your neighborhood; walk along the beach; walk on
a hiking trail; walk in a garden; walk anywhere. As you do so, witness your
surroundings. Be mindful. Look up and look around. Allow your eyes to take
everything in and feel your senses open. Allow your busy mind to quiet down by
observing what you see and naming it: I
see clouds floating in the sky. I feel the wind against my skin. I smell the
flowering Jasmine. I hear birds singing.
When your mind starts to wander, simply refocus
your attention back to the present moment and start all over again. This time,
see if you can notice something new. Remember, this is your time—it’s not time to be talking on the phone or texting. Concentrate
on just being instead of doing. You can attend to the real world later.
Learn to breathe and relax with every step—something magical will happen. Try
it!
Change is the common energetic thread that has
surrounded us since the beginning of time.
We are living in a
time of great transformation and powerful shifts. Now, more than ever, we need
to move in harmony with change. As we begin to reconnect with Nature, we once again become attuned to her
creative flow of movement, and we can begin to navigate through change with
grace as part of the human experience. The more time we spend outside,
the more balanced we can become. This is good medicine for the mind, body, and
spirit. Whenever possible spend more time in Nature!
© 2015 by Laura
Annan. As a licensed Heal Your Life® Teacher and certified Meditation Coach,
Laura Annan brings together her training to help others on their journey of
life. With over 15 years of experience in personal development and holistic
healing modalities, Laura shares her stepping stone journey of personal growth
through the alchemy in nature. You may reprint or share this article in any
form provided that you do not alter it, and that you keep the bio line intact.