The Wisdom and Healing Power of Nature

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Laurel Woodward, author of Kitchen Witchery and the new Backyard Garden Witchery.

Nature is the great restorer. We go to nature to escape the chaos of the world. By submerging ourselves in the green sights and natural sounds, our minds clear and our spirits quiet. A trip to the beach, a walk through the woods, a hike through a natural area stirs our senses and brings us back to a place where we are able shed worry and experience a sense of wonder. Grand vistas like the sight of the sea stretching endlessly away under the setting sun or a majestic mountain view hold the power to take our breath away. To experience the surprise sighting of a hawk circling in the sky, catch the scent of rain just before the storm, or feel the pleasant sensation of sunlight warm on our skin elicits a response deep within us. It is in nature we come to sense the webs of power thumbing around us. It is in nature we are able to find our place in the world.

Nature is the keeper of mysteries that, when noticed, inspires curiosity and gratitude. But you don’t have to go on a pilgrimage to find nature. The land right outside your window can become a place of spiritual inspiration, a place where you work with plant allies and devic energies, a place where you encounter a presence that stirs your soul. It is waiting just outside your door. Simply leave your electronic distraction inside and step outdoors awake and aware.

Meditation to Connect with Nature of Your Space
You will need: You and nothing else

Go outside and settle in a comfortable position. State your intention for the exercise and then say something like:

I enter this place of beauty with a heart filled with gratitude. I am thankful for the experience and happy to be here.

Close your eyes and draw your attention in. Allow your thoughts to empty before moving your attention to your body. How do you feel? Is the sun warming your skin or is the wind cooling it? Open your eyes and look around you. Focus on what you can see. Notice the natural beauty all around. Be aware of your reactions. Does the sight of anything fill you with surprise or wonder? If anything draws your attention take a moment to notice it in detail.

After a few moments, move your attention to the natural sounds. Can you identify who is making them? Can you identify the birds and animal you see and hear? Do you know who is sharing the space with you? Sit quietly for as long as you are able with your attention focused on what you can see, hear, feel, and smell. Let your muscles relax. Smile as your heart swells with gratitude for the beauty you are witnessing.

Repeat this immersion exercise to strengthen your connection to the space, nurture your relationship with the natural world, and empower your sense of well-being.

Our thanks to Laurel for her guest post! For more from Laurel Woodward, read her article, “The Garden as Sacred Space.”