Reconnect With Nature to Move Through Change by Talking a Walk

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.