Experience Nature As Healer
with
Marlow D.J. Shami
A Keynote Talk and experiential workshop for those interested in experiencing the simple power of nature’s healing affects through guided meditation and out-of-doors activities with Nature. Participants learn a simple yet profound method of amplifying one’s inner nature with the web of life, and in the process deepen sensitivity and enhance a personal source of guidance. No meditation experience is necessary. Bring a blanket/mat if you prefer to lie down for meditation and wear comfortable clothes.
Keep in mind the definition of nature as you read this essay Nature defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:a creative and controlling force in the universe.
Did you have a special “fort” as a child -- an outside hideaway, a place immune to the
stresses of civilization? Whether you grew up in a city, suburb, or rural landscape you
most likely found your sacred place in a tree, rock formation, gazing out an open
window, or on an apartment roof. Back then being a part of nature was instinctive. It
attracted us just as the sun inspires the flower’s bud to bloom. A visit could bring creative
imaginings, renewal, a sense of protection, warmth, comfort, or emotional
mirroring.
Growing up in a “modern culture” makes this life affirming relationship with
nature more difficult to access. Society’s unnatural pace, multi tasking, and nature
anemic values mute the sensory connections -- our lifelines with nature -- hence our
authentic vitality is numbed, buried, and largely forgotten. We have 53 senses not just 5.
This means most of us operate with one tenth of our capability throughout our adult lives.
A majority of problems unique to our species such as pollution, depression,
environmental destruction, chronicanxiety,etc. are actually
symptoms, not problems. They are symptoms of the trauma of being split from our true
nature. Our innate wisdom is lost when we numb or forget our multisensory nature.
It is through the utilization of our senses that we can recover our authentic direction and
sense of belonging. It is here in the tending of our senses that we may make sense out of
our suffering and be guided by it.
Experiencing positive nature based activities nurtures our emotional
sense of love with all of life. Understanding the attractions that hold the universe
together as “love in action” infers that noticing and honoring our sensory
connections with the natural world is an act of love. Thinking and acting inspired by love
generates nature’s daily sustenance -- our daily bread for the soul.
Love could be likened to the needle of a compass planted deep within
each of us. Discovering one’s true wisdom requires personal reflection and nature
based experience. Each of us has a unique family history, physical and
emotional constitution, spiritual background, and geographic connection. How
we decide upon our life’s direction depends upon reading this compass
whose workings are dependent upon the ability to enliven many senses.
Nature guides our life’s trajectory. As we cultivate our ability to be present with
whatever life has to offer, and notice how we are touched by our experience, we naturally
expand beyond the border of our tender ego and experience ourselves as an expression of
the vast benevolence of a universe built of love. This is healing.