Being in tune with the rhythm of nature

by Nancy Hume
(Walnut Creek, CA, USA)

I connect with nature all the time, whether it's when I'm outside, or just viewing the out-of-doors through my window.

Two of my favorite ways of connecting with nature are:

In My Garden

Whether I'm weeding, planting, or just sitting and observing, that little space gives me feelings of peace and calm and helps me feel centered. Sometimes the sights, sounds, and smells are stimulating and give rise to creative thoughts and activities.

I love to see how this little garden changes with the seasons. Its rather drab appearance in winter is brightened by several blooming plants. The whole place seems magical when spring comes, and as spring progresses, new growth becomes more and more apparent. Summer brings more flowers and bursts of growth until the heat of late summer arrives. In autumn, the leaves fall from my maple trees and the garden quiets down.

When it rains, the leaves of my plants and trees are washed clean, and the earth smells wonderfully rich.

When I'm Hiking

I love the sound of my boots crunching on the path, to hear birds' songs, the rustle of the leaves as a lizard darts among the underbrush, and the soft sounds of wind in the trees. I love to see the clouds and sunshine, to see how the light changes the color of the trail, to see how the leaves of some trees shine more in the sunlight.

I love the feel of my feet on the earth and the strength in my muscles when I'm climbing. I love to see how the mountain becomes a vibrant green when spring first arrives, and how it is covered with beautiful wildflowers later in spring and in early summer. I love to see how the colors change in the fall, and how beautifully shaped the limbs and branches of the trees are when they have no leaves.

No matter how I connect, I am always aware of nature's own, special rhythm of the seasons. No matter what, spring always follows winter. No matter how cold, warm, wet or dry the winter may be, flowers still come up and trees burst into leaf when spring arrives. No matter what the summer is like, the autumn comes, readying the earth for it's winter's sleep.

The rhythm of nature is reassuring and calming. It also reminds me that change is inevitable and that there can be great beauty and power in change.

I agree wholeheartedly that deep connection with nature helps us feel more deeply connected to our own wisdom, strength and beauty.