Nature as a temple

This past weekend, Richard and I traveled to Yosemite National Park in California for some renewal and rejuvenation time. This picture above is one of many majestic views of Yosemite Valley. (There are more pictures below and a video of a waterfall that we climbed.)

Nature is healing. 

What's so wonderful is that nature doesn't do anything in particular to heal. Basking in its presence is enough. That's because nature is simply being what it is.

When you open yourself to nature, you become aware of a deeper connection that has always existed. There is no "me" that's here and the "tree" that's there. 

You are connected in the Oneness that is all of Life itself. 

In that Oneness you become aware of other Truths and Qualities present in nature. Words try to capture its essence -- Beauty, Order, Harmony, Balance, Abundance, Peace, Joy -- but these words cannot name the totality of this Presence.

Too often, in the busy-ness of life, it's easy to forget how much you need to experience Life in its fullness as you do when you're in nature. John Muir, the environmentalist who played a leading role in preserving Yosemite, once said:

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to stay in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."

Muir's words reveal his own viewing of nature as sacred, a grand temple or cathedral created by the hands of Divine Spirit itself.

In this spirit of sacred renewal and rejuvenation, here’s your coaching assignment for the week:

• Find some time this week to be in nature. This could be the woods, the beach, a local park, or even your garden.
• Enter into the space with a sense of reverence, as if you were entering a temple, cathedral or some sacred space. This place becomes holy because you recognize it as so. The ground becomes holy simply because you as holiness walk on it.
• Connect with one thing that catches your attention. Open to the idea that you are in relationship with this thing and with nature itself. What is it telling you? What unspoken words are being transmitted into the soul of your being? What senses are awakened within you?
• If there's anything to unburden, what would you let go and let nature take for you? Nature is resilient and can carry any worries or stresses you may be holding.
• After spending some time with nature, express your gratitude. Give a prayerful bow or say a silent prayer of thanks. 

Even a few minutes can be beneficial to your mind, body and heart. See if you can do this practice regularly. And if for some reason you can't make it out to nature, know that you can always bring your mind's eye back to nature when you meditate or sit still at home or in the office. Re-connect through your heart. 

Nature reminds you that you are never alone and that you are loved. Any time you need it, nature is there to hold you and support you. Nature is always there, waiting for your remembrance. Namaste.

I'd love to hear about your nature experiences and places you like to connect with nature. Please share by leaving a comment below.

As always, if you need some extra support, know that I am available to be a listening ear and provide some guidance if you'd like clarity on whatever challenges you may be facing in your life. Click here to contact me for a free clarity session with prayer.