A Revolution of Love
“The way we see the world shapes the way we treat it. If a mountain is a deity, not a pile of ore; if a river is one of the veins of the land, not potential irrigation water; if a forest is a sacred grove, not timber; if other species are biological kin, not resources; or if the planet is our mother, not an opportunity — then we will treat each other with greater respect. Thus is the challenge, to look at the world from a different perspective.”
Have you ever really looked at a Flower, gazed in wonder at ki’s form or color or smell? Or held a Seed in your hand while thinking of the eventual Plant that will come from this tiny Being?
I do this often, which tends to result in tears of utter joy and amazement, as well as, an overwhelming sense of humility. The humility helps to bring back into perspective my current issue, as I realize that whatever “huge mountain” I am dealing with is really minuscule and nothing in the face of the miracles of this world. From this place, I can see that possibilities exist way beyond my imagination and that I am not alone.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the problems of the world, the “crisis” that has become our every day life, particularly for those of us who carry our Hearts on our sleeves. I’m not even going to begin to list the issues that we are dealing with, I’m sure you can come up with plenty on your own. My teacher, Rocío Alarcón, says, “There are no problems, only solutions.”
When I am helping people through relationship difficulties, one of my favorite tools is appreciation. Too often we get caught up in life and we forget to appreciate those around us. It is amazing how effective this simple trick is. We think appreciation is about the other person, but we are the ones who receive the most benefit as appreciation is a positive Heart impulse. This means that appreciation helps to put us into our Heart space, where we are calmer, happier, less stressed, and able to see a wider perspective. We recognize that our partner mowed the lawn which allowed us to do something else, maybe even take a nap. Or that when we see our partner’s eyes in the morning, our Heart lights up. We tell them this, they feel seen. And in truth they are, for we are seeing them with our Heart, with Love. We in turn get a boost of Love and are reminded of how wonderful our partner is, which gives a more positive perspective on the world. This is very different from focusing on how they annoy us.
Appreciation can be used in any situation, especially with those who irritate us. Try it, you will see how sometimes even the littlest bit of appreciation can positively shift an interaction.
I feel that it is just as important that we appreciate the beautiful world we live in. Again, it is easy to look around and see the problems or if you steward a property to see the work that needs done. It does not take much time to stop and smell the Roses, literally. Seriously, simply taking five minutes to look, really look, at a flower or an insect or even to recognize that this Tree you are standing in front of is providing oxygen so that you can live, can greatly shift your perspective.
I am passionate about helping people to connect with Nature, but it is more than that. I want us to be ABSOLUTELY in Love with Nature. I think this is the real revolution.
When we love someone, we recognize their value, we want them to succeed and be healthy. We enter into courtship and honoring, rather than wondering what is in it for us. Therefore, it makes sense that if we want to help heal the Earth, if we want to shift climate change, we need to love the Earth.
For me, loving Nature is about more than this. In truth, the Earth does not need us to heal. When we talk about healing the Earth, we mean creating a place that is habitable for humans. Loving Nature is about shifting our perspective. Loving Nature is about recognizing the incredible Beauty that surrounds us. Loving Nature is about gratitude for the abundance of gifts and support Nature so generously provides. Loving Nature includes loving humanity. Ultimately loving Nature is about loving ourselves, for we are part of Nature. Loving Nature is about honoring ALL life. When we truly love Nature, we realize that we are surrounded by Love. We are connected to all, we are never alone.
As we hear the stories of Earth’s “destruction” and changes, it can be so easy to fall into despair and hopelessness. However, this is when we need to take the time to go back to Nature and look, listen, experience. When we do this Nature guides us. Nature does not say that all is lost or that humans are awful. Nature reminds us of who we truly are and helps to bring us back into alignment with all of creation. As I sit with the Nature Spirits, they tell me to plant Trees or to clean out an area or show me how to slow down run-off from going into the creek. Nature tells me that the changes are okay, in fact, change is the constant of Nature. I prefer to listen to Nature rather than the scientists who give the bleak reports.
I am not advocating that we do nothing, for that is definitely not want Nature wants. Nature wants us to engage and connect. To love is a verb, it requires attention and action. Nature wants us to utilize these incredible bodies to create Beauty and health. Nature wants us to realize that we are Love(d).
We can begin our love affair with Nature by starting with appreciation. Allowing our Hearts to open. From this magical place, we then can listen to the wisdom and guidance that Nature has to offer. A warning, once you start to truly recognize the gifts that surround you and begin a love affair with Nature, your life will change and you will continually by overwhelmed by the wonders of life.
Love is the most powerful force there is. Love creates miracles. Let’s fall in Love with the Earth, with each other, and see what magic we can co-create.