Whenever we decide to create a change, we usually attempt to make it happen all on our own.
Most of us in the Western world learn that whatever success we achieve in life is entirely up to
us. We are considered to be independent, self-contained agents that operate in a creative vacuum.
But this thinking is fundamentally flawed because in reality, we do not exist in a vacuum. We are
never alone, and nothing we do is independent or self-contained. We are cocooned in a network
of strands that are all available to support us along the way IF we choose to use them. No aspect
of this system is more or less important than the other. Each part has its own function, its own
role to play, and its own path of development. Understanding the inextricably-linked system
within which we function can help us create change with greater ease and grace. Over the next
few months I want to address a few different facets or strands of this system, and today, I want to
start with nature, exploring the ways that it can support us and how we can harness its power to
create the change we desire.
Nature has multiple critical functions – it is here to provide us with an environment suitable for
human experience, it guides and nourishes humans, and it helps us to interact with our emotions.
The western ideas that nature is meant to be subjugated and ruled by people has led us to a
separation from our critical ally and partner in our human journey, and reconnecting with it is
very important to our evolution. Below are some specific ways in which nature functions as our
partner.

1. Nurturing and nourishing

The Bible speaks of the Garden of Eden which housed the first humans. In fact, that garden is
real – it is our planet Earth, which was designed to give humans everything they need. The only
thing is we never left it. We still walk down its paths, and we still nourish ourselves with its fruit.
We usually talk about nature as having mother energy, calling it Mother Nature. That is because
we associate mothering with loving care that nourishes, nurtures, supports, and uplifts. Our
planet’s nature is here to do exactly that. It provides us with a variety of foods that are perfectly
balanced for our consumption and with plants that can be used for healing. In fact, nature is so
perfectly designed for us that humans often lose health and vitality when they consume foods
that have been processed to remove the nourishments that nature has coded into them. Nature is
self-sustainable and can continue to be humanity’s Garden of Eden for as long as necessary.
Even when abused, nature can take care of itself through various means to refresh, replenish, and
revitalize what has been depleted. It can do it with or without humans, and it does not have to be
limited by a specific location. It has the whole planet as its playground. So when nature is abused
or left out of consideration, it is only the humans that miss out because they lose the nourishment
and health that comes from a close collaboration with nature. Any changes we want to create
require a clear head and a healthy body. Creating a closer partnership with nature can allow us to
strengthen ourselves and to become a greater channel of our soul energy.

2. Healing and balancing

Nature doesn’t just sustain us when we are in good health. It helps to return us to health when we
are off balance. It can assist in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The presence of greenery

and natural landscapes has a calming effect on the mind, helping us to slow down and reconnect
with our inner selves. This tranquility allows us to step back from the noise of daily life,
providing a space to reflect and gain clarity. Additionally, nature helps us to process emotional
energy by serving as a clearing and grounding agent. It can absorb from us emotions, such as
anger, sadness, or anxiety, for example, which may be unhealthy when held in our bodies for a
long time, and then helps ground us, returning us to a place of peace and balance. Relying on this
function of nature is absolutely invaluable when we begin to heal or create powerful life changes,
and it is one of the first functions that I engage when working with clients.

3. Modeling and teaching

Nature is a profound teacher and model, offering lessons in patience, adaptability, persistence,
and peace. It also teaches us about sharing, fellowship, and unity. Nature often mirrors for us the
systems and processes we go through in life. For example, the root systems of the trees mirror
the lungs within a human body. The changing seasons reflect the cycles of life, reminding us that
change is natural and necessary. Just as trees shed their leaves in the fall, we too can let go of old
habits and beliefs that no longer serve us. The persistence of a small flower growing through a
crack in the pavement or the way that ecosystems recover from natural disasters, can inspire us
to persevere through our own challenges. Nature also models for us the inner peace that can be
experienced when we accept ourselves from within instead of performing for external validation.
It shows us what it is like to be in balance with creation. Finding our balance is a necessary step
in any transformation, and gaining this wisdom and experience from nature can have a profound
effect on our sense of self and our relation to reality.

4. Guiding and supporting

Nature serves as a conduit between us and Creation or whatever we choose to call God. It can
foster a sense of belonging and connection, not only to the Earth itself, but also to the greater
community. This is possible because nature does not experience individuality. It perceives itself
as a fully interconnected system, and when we “plug in” to nature, we can experience that as
well. When we spend time in nature, we often sense the interconnectedness with other living
beings and the environment. By opening the portal to Creation, nature also becomes the conduit
of information and wisdom that can guide us through daily challenges. The act of being present
in nature can also enhance mindfulness, helping us to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and
connection to the world around us. The web of creation, very much like the internet, is an
information highway. We have been taught that we are separate, individual, and isolated. This
has led us to an extraordinary number of challenges, individually and globally. Nature reminds
us that we are part of the web, in which answers and guidance are only a question away. People
often find that in nature, they are able to feel intuitive guidance at a much higher level than when
away from it. When we want to take our life in a healthy and empowering direction, finding
guidance along the way is of utmost importance, and nature can help connect us to it.

5. Inspiring and energizing

No true transformation can occur without some inspiration and a supply of energy to go through
the process. Nature has always been a boundless source of inspiration. Many artists, writers, and

musicians have used its beauty to fuel their creativity. Whether it's the vibrant colors of a sunset
or the intricate patterns of a leaf, nature can leave us awestruck and encourage us to reach for the
wonders of the world. We often talk about “recharging our batteries” when we feel tired and
empty. Nature welcomes us when our bodies, minds, and souls feel tired. It infuses with its love,
with its peace, with its vitality, and allows us to recharge mentally, physically, emotionally, and
spiritually. By immersing ourselves in natural environments, we can tap into the creative energy
and find new perspectives and solutions to the challenges we face.
Arguably, nature is the most powerful partner of humanity. It transmits the love of a mother, the
wisdom of a teacher, and the guidance of a friend. Its beauty and resilience offer us comfort and
inspiration. By making a conscious effort to interact with nature, we can cultivate a deeper
connection with ourselves and the world around us. Whether it's a quiet moment of reflection by
a river or an invigorating hike in the mountains, nature has the power to heal, inspire, and
transform us. We need to stop looking at nature as a pretty place to visit and instead see it for
what it is – a profound and irreplaceable partner in a full human experience.

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-woman-in-a-yellow-raincoat-crouching-on-a-field-18005725/