NATURE IS OUR GREATEST TEACHER
“A tree is our most intimate contact with nature.”
― George Nakashima
Nature speaks to me.
You might be thinking, “Yeahhh, ok, Libby. Now you’re losing it.”
Hear me out.
As I spend more time in nature, taking mindful walks or meditating, I’ve realized nature speaks to me.
So I started talking back. I learned to do this in a workshop I took in Greece and while it felt strange at first, the experience turned out to be so rewarding. Now, I love talking to nature.
Have you ever felt like an animal was speaking to you with their gaze? Or maybe a wild animal makes an appearance right before your eyes but doesn’t even think twice about attacking you? Or maybe, you’re on a walk and all of a sudden you have an “ah-ha moment” to a question you’ve been pondering for weeks.
Don’t discount these experiences because you’re connecting with nature. It’s speaking to you, so start paying attention to these interactions!
As you continue spending more time in nature, you’ll begin to see the interconnectedness of all beings (whether they’re in human, plant, animal or some other earthly form).
In many cultures, each animal, insect, tree, plant, etc. carries a significant meaning.
For example, bees were showing up a lot for me when I was in Europe. According to spirit-animals.com, bees symbolize staying focused because “disorganization and indecisiveness are probably causing you to miss opportunities….this insect is a reminder that your industry and hard work produces a community life and social organization that generates abundance. However, it is important to remain an individual within this society. In other words, reclaim your self-identity and move forward accordingly.”
After I noticed bees showing up in strange and unusual ways (or times of day), I started researching the spiritual meaning of bees and what I found aligned with experiences I was having.
So next time you have a special moment with nature, reflect on what the Pachamama (Mother Earth) could be trying to tell you. Sometimes the answers aren’t very clear, but sometimes it’s actually quite obvious. We just have to trust our intuition. I get goosebumps when words or thoughts resonate strongly and I take this as validation that I’m on the right path.
Earlier this week, I spent 5 days in Ashland, Oregon studying with one of the foremost visionaries of our time, Dr. Jean Houston. I’m feeling an abundance of overwhelming gratitude for having had this opportunity to work with her and to have had the opportunity to visit Oregon.
For those that don’t know about Jean’s work, I’d encourage you to listen to her YouTube videos, Podcast interviews or read her books. She has been a scholar, philosopher and researcher in human capacities for over 60 years and is a brilliant soul.
(I spoke about some of the things we learned in my recent episode of Light as a Feather - Episode 4, so be sure to listen to that replay if you missed it.)
After the workshop, I decided to spend a day in the Redwood State Park in Crescent City, CA, and had a magical experience with the Sequoias. I was feeling drawn to the Redwoods, and after my visit I now know why.
They had a message for me, so here is what I learned.
The Sequoias are the largest trees in the world and can grow to heights of over 300 feet from the forest floor. You look up and they seem to go on forever.
I couldn’t help but wonder if this is what ants think when they see humans 😀
You can imagine what the trunks on these things are like (The picture for this post is the roots of a fallen Sequoia)!
Their roots only grow about 5-6 feet deep, which doesn’t seem deep enough for trees of their size, but they grow in communities. This allows their roots to intertwine so they can stand strong. Redwoods also have the natural ability to withstand fires because of the thick diameter of their bark. It isn’t uncommon for them to have 20-30 foot diameter trunks.
And what’s even more impressive -- Sequoias can live for over 1,000 years! The ranger who taught me all these facts, took me to a tree they estimate is 2,000 years old. Can you believe it?!
As I was walking through the forest, I was thinking about how these trees represented groundedness and stability. It was a lesson that no matter how strong the winds, or challenging a situation may appear, I will survive. Like a tree, I can choose to respond with grace and ease vs. allowing an experience to “blow me over.”
The Redwoods also reminded me about the importance of community. But while I was thinking about the idea of strength in numbers, I couldn’t help but recognize the immense strength each tree also has on its own. Like the Redwoods, I too am a beacon of strength. I have the power and confidence to stand alone, but I can also turn to my community, my tribe, when I need a little extra support.
The thick diameter of the trunks and bark were symbols of protection for me. Like the Redwoods, I know I’m being protected in so many ways, so I shouldn’t fear. God, my angels and guides are always looking out for me, as long as I open myself to their support.
Everything in nature has something to teach us, so if you’re ever feeling lost, ask yourself how the trees would respond? How does the ocean do it? If I were a bee, how would I handle this situation? I promise, you will find an illustration and answer of how you should handle your issue when you turn to nature.
Just do it. All the cool kids talk to nature these days.
Sending love and light your way today and always!
“Trees indeed have hearts.”
― Henry David Thoreau