“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” – Dale Carnegie
When we are in nature, we are in our natural state — you could even say we are in our ‘element’. And that is synchronously why it feels so joyful to go for a walk on the beach, stroll through a meadow or simply sit under a tree.
We are being reconnected with our state of inexplicable bliss.
Why Is This So?
There is an excellent documentary called ‘Dirt’, which outlines soil’s effect on every aspect of our lives, including our survival as a species. The simple truth of this is that we are all made up of the dirt of the earth and will return there some day. We are one and the same and share an incalculable bond with the planet we reside upon.
The very ingredients of our bodies are made up from the food you consume, which comes from the earth. When we honor and respect our planet, we honor and respect ourselves.
The house you live in, the car you drive, the computer you sit at, the ground that supports you is made possible by the world you inhabit.
So What?
Well, this doesn’t mean you have to become a tree-hugger (not unless you feel the calling!) — all I want you to think about is your connection to our beautiful, resourceful Mother Earth.
When we enjoy our lives and take advantage of her many wonders, we rekindle that which is innate within us — the connection we have to all life, the oneness of being part of the whole.
There is a bond that is severed when we forget about nature and the true joy it can bring. When we feel disconnected, being in nature can be the very inexpensive cure we need to re-align that which is out of attunement — which then becomes atonement (at-one-ment), preparation or making amends with your divine system.
7 Tips to Get You Started
Below is a list of things you can start today to get you into alignment with your true self. They are designed to truly get you back into the ‘now’ moment and to be present in your body. Explore your senses that so many take for granted, and have fun!
Here are 7 priceless things that your life has to offer:
1. Touch
Taking a walk amongst trees, touching the rough bark. Get back in contact with your sense of feeling textures and surfaces.
2. Smell
Sitting on a park bench or in your garden, can you identify all the different aromas? Can you smell the sweet scent of the flowers hanging on a gentle breeze? The time has never been more suitable to stop and smell the roses!
3. Feel
Strolling on the beach, letting the water wash over your bare feet. Feel the coarse sand underfoot. Walk barefoot through a patch of wet grass and feel that freshness seeps into your soles.
4. Taste
Biting into a freshly picked berry or a sprig of parsley — truly taste the freshness and zing of natural produce.
5. Beauty
Appreciating the world around you — look at how glorious the wing of a butterfly is! There are so many splendors to be taken in, try to keep your eyes open for magnificence — I promise you, you will be amazed at how much entertainment is all around you in the natural world.
6. Hear
Listening to the sound of bees buzzing about their business — now when last can you say you stopped to welcome that precious aural delight? Take note of all the sounds around you, from the wind brushing through the leaves to the birds chirping out a synchronized melody.
7. Vision
Marveling at a spectacular sunset or the dawn of a sunrise — can you remember lying on your back on the freshly mown lawn, just gazing up at the stars or trying to spot a shape in the clouds?
I hope you are clambering for your door this very moment, just itching to get out there!
Comments
Cherie Roe Dirksen
Cherie is a self-empowerment author, multi-media artist and musician living in the Klein Karoo, South Africa. She has weekly blogs at her site www.cherieroedirksen.comwhere she discusses practical and insightful perspectives on taking responsibility for your life and following your bliss.You can follow her on Facebook, on Pinterest, on LinkedIn and on YouTube.
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14 Comments
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 7:12 pm
What a fantastic story — thanks so much for sharing this, Ami!
Ami
at 6:05 am
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 4:38 pm
Absolutely! Most of the greatest gifts we have in this life are free and, in so many cases, unfortunately overlooked. We truly live in a beautiful world filled with wonder and adventure — it only requires awareness of this to begin to open yourself up to this abundant treasure trove of joy.
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 4:35 pm
Giving gratitude is always a good idea. If you are enjoying the beauties of nature, I think a ‘thank you’ to source will never go astray. Thanks for bringing this up, Joni.
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 4:32 pm
So happy to hear that, Cyndee. Nature really does connect you to your bliss. 🙂
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 4:31 pm
I’m glad you found value in these words. Yes, I can imagine that sailing would be an awesome and very different way to experiencing this beautiful planet. Thanks for sharing your ways of connecting to nature.
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 4:28 pm
That is a great place to find healing and tranquility. I am also lucky to live by the coast and can testify to its amazing ability to connect you to the earth.
Cherie Roe Dirksen
at 4:24 pm
I’m glad the article helped, Kim 😉 I was just thinking last night that I need to walk my talk after writing this piece. I keep staring out onto a beautiful mountain that is on my doorstep but have only climbed it once or twice. So this morning, I set out with my hiking boots and did it! It felt so great to be outdoors in the fresh early morning air. We must just keep on reminding ourselves of the amazing payoff nature gives us.
Mary Anne Demo
at 12:37 pm
Great reminder to get outdoors and reconnect with nature, and you’re right it’s a very low or even no cost remedy when you just feel a little bit off.
Make time to enjoy and appreciate all the splendors and gifts of nature, we are truly blessed.
Joni
at 6:32 am
My first belief is a Power Greater Than Myself who created the earth we life on. My inner serenity comes from this Power. We can call this source the actual universe itself or God. I do firmly believe with Cherie though in many ways. We should try to take in the beauty of the earth with all our senses with the multitude of pleasures it gives us. I also believe I should give my graditude for its creator. Joni
Cyndee B
at 6:03 am
This is so in tune with my beliefs Cherie. What an inspirational article. I was recently out in nature and I can vouch for the bliss and sense of oneness it instills.
Gillie Davies
at 10:46 pm
This is all true and a worthwhile read. thank you. Walking barefoot on the earth being guided, blindfold by a friend is truly an amazing experience. Also I must say is sailing across an ocean on a little sailing yacht. day after day, night after night at sea experiencing nature in all its glories is one of the most amazing experiences.
Mary
at 10:00 pm
I often go to the beach to feel the energy of Mother Nature to help me heal and find peace.
Kim S
at 2:42 pm
I am truly in tune with the things of nature that surround me in my Sanctuary and in the experience of daily living! Unfortunately, I confine myself to watching from a distance all too often became Im alone. thank you for motivating me to “go it alone”!!