In the wake of Earth Day…

Nature's healing gifts

Another Earth Day has come and gone, and hopefully the awareness that we are all part of a living energy system, interconnected at so many levels, remains in the forefront of our consciousness. Being attuned to Nature keeps us in touch with the miracle of the seasons and cycles of life—natural rhythms that remind us of our place in the larger scheme of things—and that can be very healing.

Mother Earth showers her abundance on us, whether we pay attention or not. Sunsets don’t cost anything. Nor do sunrises, starry nights, and at this season, the bounty of daffodils, the exuberance of forsythia, or the scent of hyacinths. When I have been speeding through life and have become fragmented in one of my tizzies, I go for a walk, or sit or lie under a tree. I know it's time for nature's healing presence to slow me down to connect again with my essential being.

Here are some things you can do to reconnect with nature’s healing powers this Spring:

• Find a peaceful spot and just sit there. Connect to simple pleasures such as taking deep breaths of fresh air.
• Sit with your back against a tree. Feel and absorb its support
• Listen to the water of a flowing stream. As you relax into listening, become aware of both its many different sounds and the harmony of the whole.
• As warmer days return, lie on the grass and place whatever part of your body is hurting or tight against the ground. As you breath gently, allow the earth’s energy to be absorbed into your body.
• Walk as much as or as little as you are able—anywhere, in your yard, your neighborhood, a public park, or preserve.
• Feel the wind on your hair.
• Look up at a starry night sky.
• Linger as you look into a favorite flower.
• Give thanks!