FIND YOUR NATURE: Nature Reminds Us What is Real

BGCL Newsletter

Hi there, it’s Hillarie! This is your weekly reminder about the awesomeness of nature and the ideas it inspires. Keep reading for bold ideas and fresh perspectives on a life lived with nature.

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Nature Reminds Us What is Real

Dear friends,

How are you doing? The state of the world has a lot of us feeling uneasy. Take a moment to drop your chin and take a few deep breaths. (I do this with my toddler often.) It can be hard to find time for stillness in a world that seems to be flying off the hinges most days.

In these times, I reach deep to channel the strength of Job in the depths of his trials. I take that energy and march into my forest to remind myself of what is real and true. Staring up at the giant, steadfast trees I can’t help but feel deep humility for all the things I do not and cannot know in my lifetime.

The trees hold me steady and are not fearful of anything. They live fully in the moment, with no preoccupation of what life could or should look like. Just here for that very moment and nothing else. What an incredible thing.

It fills me with awe that this beautiful creation showed up moment after moment, even in the midst of fierce winds and increasingly cold winters. When I feel my well of compassion running low, I take myself the the forest to loosen my grip on all the things I try to control.

Entering the forest is like walking into someones home. I acknowledge being in her home and lay down my expectations. In this house, my only job is to be curious and find the beauty in the things I was taught to reject and dislike.

I look around to see the earliest buds have emerged on some trees. Last week, the maple tree buds looked like little green pea pods, and now the tiny leaves have sprung open, reaching for the spring sunlight. It gives me a renewed strength to see new life in the midst of cold and darkness.

That energy and life seems to come out of nowhere, almost magically. It reminds me to believe that anything is possible. We can choose to lean into the fear, or we can lean into the idea that our presence matters. The work is showing up each day in a kind and wholehearted way. It means that we do the best we can do for ourselves and each other.

Finally, I will add that one of my favorite thing about nature is she will always tells me the truth. Show reminds me that my earthly wants are not needs, and everything I need has already been provided to me. And she gently, but sometimes harshly, reminds me that it is all connected. We are all connected.

We are all having our own human experience and it is all normal. Remember to be gentle towards yourself and others. Stay curious, be kind, and take care,

Hillarie

PS: One day I will tell you about my membership in the organization Job’s Daughter’s. All you need to know is that I’ve held the titles Chaplain, Secretary, and Honored Queen. Do yourself a favor and don’t Google it.