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Greetings Soulful
Living Readers!
Dealing
with stress and making time to relax allows us to access
our innermost self and our inherent gifts. Nature
provides us with an opportunity to do both. No matter
where you live or what kind of climate surrounds you,
the beauty of nature is always nearby. The sun’s rays,
moon’s glow and star’s light are qualities we can
all appreciate. And if for some reason you are unable to
get outdoors, you can always visualize it and receive
its benefits. So I invite you to read the following
article, then create time for yourself to relax and
de-stress.
Namasté
Cradled in Nature's Arms
Those who
dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the
Earth are never alone or weary of life.
--Rachel Carson
As I continue to grow, I am becoming increasingly
aware of my appreciation for nature and the infinite
healing properties contained within its’ beauty. At a
time when the world is shrinking and the population
increasing, finding respite in nature is a gift to my
soul and something I cherish, especially when I’m
feeling stressed. Sinking into the splendor of nature
has become not only a way of life for me, but my
spiritual path. For I believe when we allow ourselves to
connect intimately with nature, we are then able to
connect with the most intimate aspects of our self. Thus
the more we relate to and understand nature, the more we
understand ourselves.
On a clear night, we can see thousands of twinkling
stars, reminding us of the beauty and power surrounding
us. On a sunny day, we are strengthened and uplifted by
the energy from the sun’s rays. A body of water has
the ability to connect us to our deepest emotions, while
mountains can comfort us with their grandeur and
magnitude. With safe and open arms, nature accepts us
just as we are.
Further, our inner child thrives in nature. Remember
when you were little and had fun simply running barefoot
in the grass? Or how about those times when you splashed
around in a rain puddle, or better yet, when you sunk
your toes right into the oozing mud? The three year old,
six year old, or nine year old that still lives within
you wasn’t worried about how it looked to others—it
just wanted to let go and have fun.
Well now, as an adult, nature still has the ability
to release you from whatever stress you may be
experiencing: financial, relationship, health, work.
Within the natural world, you can safely surrender your
feelings knowing that it will lovingly take your burdens
and ease your pain. Love is present within the trees,
water, wind and animals, and available everywhere you
turn.
In fact, earlier today, before writing this article, I
experienced such love while spending some time at a
nearby beach. After having had a somewhat stressful
morning, I decided to spend some time alone in the sun,
along the shoreline of the ocean. Taking my beloved dog,
"Guru," I looked forward to relaxing and
becoming rejuvenated before some clients arrived later
in the day. However, upon arriving at my favorite cozy
spot, I noticed a sea lion lying on the beach. This
seemed unusual because sea lions do not normally rest in
locations near people. Upon closer examination, I sensed
it was struggling. Spotting some women nearby, I asked
if they had called for help and they responded
"yes," and that a rescue crew was on its way.
Being both a water and animal lover, I find sea lions
fascinating. Symbolically, they represent balance,
imagination, creativity and lucid dreaming. I found it
interesting that this creature appeared on the very day
that I was contemplating the need to attain more
balance, and, expand my imagination to manifest a
certain essence. While keeping this in mind, I realized
I very much wanted to help this magnificent creature
lying less than ten feet in front of me. I realized the
most healing thing I could do was send it light until
the rescue crew arrived. After taking several deep
breaths, I began extending light and love from my heart
to the weary sea lion. As I continued, I noticed that it
was gradually shifting its’ head toward me.
Well, it was almost an hour before the crew arrived,
and during that time, I felt my heart opening not only
to the sea lion, but to every other living thing as
well. By the time the crew arrived (consisting of a
father and his lovely eight year-old daughter), I felt a
profound sense of appreciation for the sea lion and all
of the love that was being expressed within the
situation. Others were also concerned for the sea lion.
And as much concern I felt for the sea lion’s
condition, I recognized that we were all one and love
was the glue connecting us together.
Before I departed, I asked the young girl if she
enjoyed rescuing animals with her father. She happily
replied, "Oh, yes! I really like saving the
dolphins, they’re my favorite!" She proudly
continued, "Last month, we saved two dolphins from
nets and even though they died, I got to know both of
them and even gave them names." This wise soul was
another gift to me as was the entire event, for she
taught me that there is joy to be found amidst nature
even during the most challenging experiences.
Today, affirm to ease any stress you may be feeling
with the beauty and peace of nature. Allow nature to
comfort you and nurture your soul. You will be reminded
that you are not alone and are always surrounded by love’s
presence. Sidney Lovett expressed it eloquently when he
wrote, "Every now and then take a good look at
something not made with hands - a mountain, a star, the
turn of a stream. There will come to you wisdom, and
patience, and solace, and above all the assurance that
you are not alone in the world."
What elements in nature give you the most joy? My
soul prefers sunshine, water and mountains, in that
order. I have friends, though, who thrive best when
surrounded by a quiet forest and gentle stream.
Next, how can you find comfort in nature today?
Spending time in nature requires willingness. When we
get too caught up in the busyness of our lives, we lose
connection with our self and one another. It’s
necessary that we take time to stroll a beach, gaze at
the stars, or feel the wind upon our face.
Honor yourself today by making time for your soul to
be cradled in nature’s arms. Sink into the moment and
absorb its healing energy. Observe what is around you
and learn from nature’s symbology. And most important
of all, allow yourself to rest, relax and recover.
© Copyright 2002
Laura V. Hyde. All Rights Reserved.
Laura's Books:
Read Laura's Past Columns:
Read Laura's August 2002 Column - "Recovering
Your Soul"
Laura V. Hyde is Co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, an organization dedicated to the highest human capacity, and a national author and speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the U.S. and Canada, Laura writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed books The Intimate Soul and Gifts of the Soul, and the creator and teacher of various programs including the Self-Mastery Program, The Art of Compassionate Forgiveness, Wonderful Women: Reclaiming Our Power, Passion and Purpose, and Cultivating the Intimate Life. Please visit Laura's web site at:
www.laurahyde.com.
As a spiritual counselor, Laura provides assistance in person and by phone. You may contact her for a free brochure at:
laura@laurahyde.com.
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