What nature taught me

Nature has always been important; not until the past few years have I grown to understand how critical a role it’s played in my development as a human being.

I grew up on the shores of Lake Erie.

The gray skies taught me about resilience. The seasons taught me about change.

I went to school in Boulder, CO.

The foothills of the Rockies taught me about magic, beauty, and love. The wind wisping through the Lodgepole Pines taught me about silence, awe, and space.

Studied in London for a bit.

The ancient materials mixed with the new taught me about curiosity.

Lived in North Texas for awhile.

The dry, cracked clay riverbed of the Red River taught me about thriving. The barren landscape taught me about the importance of connection.

Moved to Tucson.

The mountainous desert taught me about risk at the same time that the blooming ocotillo in the spring taught me that even poky plants can be beautiful and surprising. Same goes for the javelinas.

Landed in DC.

The Potomac so far has helped me take a real hard look at who I am, who I want to be, and how I want to show up in the world. The lack of nature and space is claustrophobic at times.

The lessons of nature

Nature has many stories to tell and lessons to teach. When we pay attention, when we stay present, when we observe, and when we listen we can hear the faintest beckoning toward a greater truth.

While it’s important to learn the lessons of the collective wisdom, it’s equally important to be uniquely your own Self. Heed the lessons and apply them appropriately to your life situations. Sometimes lessons are hard.

When there is no nature near you, seek out nature to calm you. Breathing fresh air is so refreshing. Watching leaves swirl, listening to wind howl, feeling the heat of the sun is energizing. Tasting a wild blueberry or smelling forest moss is intoxicating.

Nature serves as the external manifestation of our internal struggles. Watch your life play out in nature and take heed.

Seek: