Lessons From Nature

Earlier this week, I listened to a podcast, “Hey, Jacob. Hi, Scott,” hosted by Scott Stabile and Jacob Nordby. These guys get together each week and record their conversations on a variety of topics. They are vulnerable and authentic as they share their personal journeys and life challenges. I find it refreshing to hear men being so real with each other and with us listeners.

On several of the podcasts, both Scott and Jacob have shared about how they are enriched by being out in nature. I can relate as I also feel connected to God/Spirit/Universe when I am in nature. I was particularly struck by something Scott shared in the May 18 episode. He said that he has been spending a great deal of time by a river during his stay in North Carolina and appreciating the lessons it can teach.

I am summarizing here, but what he said is that the rocks in and around the river teach him about being strong, stable, and grounded amid whatever may be raging around us. I have always loved rocks. I have a special memory of going to a beach in Northern California, hugging the large rocks on the shore, and being connected to their power. Since then, I have had many opportunities to commune with rocks of all sizes. I have several collections of small rocks. They say to me, “Yes, I may be worn by time and pressure, but I am still here, strong, unmoved, and radiating life. As are you!”

 “To be like the rock that the waves keep crashing over. It stands unmoved and the raging of the sea falls still around it.” – Marcus Aurelius

Scott also shared that the water teaches him about being in the flow, letting things go, and finding a way. I, too, have enjoyed the times I have spent hiking along the rivers and streams. They remind me that the flow of life is sometimes gentle and easy, at other times fast and turbulent. Yet, the water continues in its relentless flow. In addition, water always finds its way over, around, or through whatever appears in its path.

“I like to think I am like water that adapts to its surroundings and eventually finds a way in.” – Georges St-Pierre

Considering this, I decided to invite nature to reveal its messages to me in the things I observed on my daily walk today.

As I walked across the bridge in DeBoer Park, I noticed a lone mallard duck sitting in the creek. It was making no effort to move and appeared to be at rest. He reminded me that we all need times to sit peacefully in our favorite habitat to rest, reflect, or retreat. It is okay, and more than okay; it is preferable to occasionally do nothing but sit. It serves us best to wait, even in solitude, for the next right thing.

“Often we tell ourselves ‘Don’t just sit there, do something!’ But when we practice awareness, we discover that the opposite may be more helpful: ‘Don’t just do something, sit there!’” – Thich Nhat Hanh

I also noticed a bed of irises. Some were in full bloom, others just beginning to reveal some color, while other buds were still tightly bound. They spoke to me of divine order. Things unfold in perfect time, whether or not it is according to our preferred schedule. We can try to rush things along, but we often regret it when we do. Nature cannot be hurried or forced to bloom. Like flowers, each of us is unique. We grow and blossom in our own ways in our own perfect time. It is best for us not to try to force ourselves or others.

“Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year.” – Unknown

Observing the vast array of flowers that are now springing up everywhere not only connected me to the beauty of nature, but also reminded me that beneath the snow of winter there is always the promise of spring.

I must admit that since moving to Denver seven years ago there have been times when I wondered if spring would ever arrive. Having lived in the south most of my life, I was accustomed to spring in March, not May. Winters can seem long here.

We all experience seasons in our lives. Sometimes we feel the dark and cold of winter when we experience loss or other dramatic change. But we can rest assured that spring will come again. The timing is certainly not as predictable as in nature, but we can trust that the beauty of life will once again reveal itself if we remain open to the possibility.

“Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems to be dead and later proves to be alive.” – Pablo Neruda

Lastly, I continue to be in awe of how dandelions grow in the most restrictive places. They sprout up through the tiniest cracks and crevices imaginable. As I thought of this, I was reminded of a recent hike in Evergreen where I saw a tree seemingly growing out of a rock. This speaks to me to the power and resilience of nature and reveals to me an important lesson.

We are also resilient and powerful. Even in the times when we may feel that we are restricted by life circumstances or believe that we cannot possibly grow in our current environment, we can trust that growth is happening when we keep our minds and hearts stayed on the power and potential within us. The dandelion doesn’t say, nor does the tree, “I can’t grow here. I will wait for more favorable conditions.” No, it grows where it is. We can do the same.

“Like a wildflower, you must allow yourself to grow in places people never thought you would.” – E.V.

Nature is replete with wisdom that it is ready and willing to share with us. Our opportunity is to open our hearts and minds as we open our eyes to witness its mystery and majesty. When we remember that we are not separate from the nature all around and we choose to breathe it in, nature will reveal its lessons through our willingness to consciously connect with its beauty, wonder, and power.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir