Oneness and nature

On this Earth Day, I would like to highlight two things, oneness and nature. Although oneness is not something that is often spoken about, the feeling of it lives out in the countless good timing moments we live out when we arrive right when the subway is pulling in or when we meet eyes with the person we are supposed to be meeting with upon arrival in a crowded area, or when we appreciate the breathe we take in from a lovely, warm day. Oneness could also be described by a day that goes gently by while you consistently feel good about yourself. You arrive at the end of the day in disbelief that the day is almost over and just remember how good the day felt; you felt.

There are so many views we can take on oneness. Oneness is about connecting with others, with yourself and what is around you. I have noticed that nature usually gets left out of the thought of oneness. A lot of our moments of oneness happen at and within nature. Who doesn’t like a great sunset? Have you notice the calmness and peace that sitting by a body of water brings? After a run/walk do you feel refreshed and relieved? I guess stepping out into the world can be seen as just that; not stepping out into nature.

Oneness is about being connected to all beings, for me that certainly includes the trees, birds, bodies of water, and so on...etc. Oneness is about respecting the natural rhythms of our bodies, minds, and hearts and nature is a great role model of natural rhythms and ways of being. How do you honor and recognize your natural rhythms and ways of being? When do you feel connected to the natural rhythms around you?

So this Earth Day, I invite you to take a moment to honor your connection with nature. Spring has arrived, have you sat on a park bench for a few moments? Have you taken in a walk/run? Have you looked at the trees blossoming? Earth Day is a great moment to be of service to the land by participating in a community service project. If you do not have that opportunity, certainly celebrate by just recognizing your connection with nature.

Lately, I know that it has been more difficult to connect with nature because of all the flooding, hurricanes, and other natural situations that a lot of us are still recovering from. This is all the more reason to be sure we include nature in our oneness connection. The more we work on embracing nature’s rhythms and patterns, the more we can join in harmony. There are always small practices that can be started like making a commitment to recycle and learning more about the recycling programs in the area. There are many easy ways to recycle electronics now too.

Earth Day is recognized today and we should celebrate everyday; watching the sunsets, taking in the air we breathe. Enjoy the wondrous and simple pleasures of the nature around you. Take pleasure in how nature heals and uplifts our spirits. You can look to and rely on your natural environment for so many positive elements if you take a moment and feel that connection; just take a moment and breathe.