By Princella Talley
Sleepless nights. The urgency to get out of the house followed by the stress of being stuck in traffic during the morning rush. A demanding job along with the miscellaneous tasks that require handling throughout the day. Another night without sufficient sleep and it’s time to do it all over again. In today’s world, this routine is all too common. Of course, there’s always the joys of technology to enchant us during our downtime. We have video games, apps and virtual reality scenes that offer realistic views of exotic destinations from the comfort of one’s own living room.
Amidst the chaos, the daily inconveniences, and the technological advancements, many of us tend to forget the importance of the Mother we call Earth. And yet, a deeper union between man and Earth is essential to the path towards spiritual fulfillment. As we nurture this relationship, it becomes evident that we are more than mere witnesses of the natural world. We are a highly evolved species that will forever be intricately connected to nature’s grace and intimidating power.
Science recognizes that people are intimately linked with the Earth.
Advertisers, travel agents and photographers are just a few of the professionals who use the impact of the ocean to influence and excite the public. What is it about the ocean that causes us to associate it with happiness and serenity? Scientists and forward thinkers continue to analyze this phenomenon, most commonly noting our connection to the ultimate life source – water. Water is fundamental to the survival of every living thing. More than half of both the Earth and the human body is filled with water. Salt is part of the sea and salt is also found within our physiology. These simple facts remind us of the Earth family we belong to and the commonalities we share.
Magnificently coiled strands of creation, the double helix, are part of our DNA and are within every life form. From the tallest trees to the humblest of plants, scientists have discovered that we all have the ability to feel. The DNA coding of humans, plants and animals is quite different and often complex, but the similarities are astounding. Our eyes may not look the same, but much like us, plants have the ability to see light. Intuitively, flowers sense their environment and respond to it. Carnivorous plants capture insects because they can feel a nearby presence and have the ability to quickly react.
Connect with nature by avoiding distractions.
As environmental issues continue to be a topic of global interest and conservation efforts gain traction, it seems as if there is an innate urge in many of us to protect nature. Much like the mother who is willing to defend her young at all cost, there is a bond between people and the planet that is filled with love and unspoken understanding.
But how can the unkindled spirit awaken this subdued connection?
The simple solution is to spend time outdoors, but the answer is far more profound. We must awaken the senses by uniting our innermost selves with nature. Heightening our awareness is not how we come to notice – but to truly see the world. Going for a walk while music blares from an iPod or sitting by the lake while playing games on a cellular phone only offers a sample of the magic surrounding us. Without interference, our conversation with the natural world flows more freely and with greater significance.
Go for a walk separated from the busy streets and listen to the playful songs of the birds. Take in the sights of the flowers dancing with the wind. Notice that what once seemed still is, in actuality, full of life and movement. Your sense of inner peace will begin to manifest itself with a newfound intensity because Mother Nature is stirring the soul. Suddenly our troubles are less daunting, our complaints less significant as we realize that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
The spiritual connection to nature reverberates around the world and cannot be broken by geographical differences. As joyful eyes set their gaze on majestic hills, weary feet find solace as they settle into soft sands near the ocean. Though many miles apart, Mother Nature’s voice speaks to everyone in its own special way.
Our bond with nature lends to self-discovery.
The true meaning of enlightenment varies by person, but we are all hoping to know what we are and who we are beyond the confines of modern society. We crave love, joy and the reassurance of divine wisdom. Nature is a key that helps us to open the inner eye and discover our true self. If we allow it, the connection between Mother Earth and the human spirit will crash into us like waves – washing away our inner turmoil, fighting depression and boosting our natural immunity to illness. As we yield to the magnificence of the natural world, we allow our spirit the chance to separate from the confusion of a life without the understanding of a higher purpose. Scientific and psychological theories abound, but the spiritual union of nature and our innermost being is much too powerful to be ignored.
