WALKING THE EARTH
WITH GRATITUDE AND LOVE
Whether we live in a place surrounded by forests and mountains, or in an urban area where we catch a glimpse of the sky every now and then, nature is something that can bring comfort and serenity to us all. Just seeing the sunshine or hearing the wind in the trees can help us to take a step back from the demands of daily life. We feel refreshed when we can take a deep breath of fresh air or listen to the sound of the waves. We come alive when we see a lush garden or spot a mother duck leading her row of ducklings to water.
Nature gives us many lessons, including the examples of selfless giving and living life to the fullest. The sun provides its energy equally to all, asking nothing in return. A plant finds a way to grow whether it is in fertile soil or lodged between the cracks of the sidewalk. Every day we are supported by nature. Moment by moment, nature continuously pours forth its life energy and we benefit in countless ways.
The modern scientific Gaia theory views the earth as an interconnected, interdependent living entity of which all life forms comprise an integral part. We are well aware that this living system has suffered due to many careless actions of human beings. We tend to see this as a problem of government policies or business and industry. What we may not realize is that each and every human being plays an important role in the healing process of our planet.
Because nature does not 'speak' according to our way of thinking, it is a rare person who even considers communicating with nature. Common knowledge tells us that rocks are lifeless and while trees are alive, their life is completely different and separate from the life of a human being. But the concepts we believe today will change, and need to change, as individuals and society continue to evolve. Some things considered extraordinary today will become commonplace in the future. There was a time in history when it was common knowledge that the earth was flat, and anyone believing otherwise would be ostracized or worse. Taking this into account, how do we really know that all of our surroundings - from air to water to soil or rock - are not alive? If we can think of life in terms of energy, for example the energy within the movement of an atomâs components, we can see the commonality among all existences on earth. There is a harmony and balance that binds together the protons, neutrons and electrons of each atom and creates the basis for all life. There is also a harmony and balance that is inherent in nature but that human beings have disrupted over a long period of time.
Our thoughts, too, consist of energy, and thoughts of harmony and care have a healing effect on ourselves and on our surroundings. Can we imagine life without trees or grass? Could we survive without water, or water so contaminated that it is undrinkable? No matter how much wealth we may accumulate, we could not possibly exist without the many blessings of nature. If we recognize this and bring it into our thoughts on a daily basis we will naturally communicate love and respect to nature. This is not just a nice thing to do, but a necessity for our survival. As we send love and respect to nature, the one who benefits most is actually ourselves. At the same time we expand our vision and begin to recognize our deep connection with all of nature. If we strive to make every thought a thought of harmony, every step a step of gratitude, and every breath a breath of peace, we become a precious and invaluable part of the earthâs healing process.
THE OCEAN
The ocean is vast, therefore able to provide a home for many.
The ocean is deep, therefore able to remain calm at its depths even when there are storms on the surface.
The water that continuously flows is able to reach the ocean, becoming one with this great home for so many.
The one whose life continuously flows,
The one who remains calm no matter what happens on the surface,
The one who knows the wisdom of the depths,
The one who willingly accommodates others;
This is the one who can join with their vast self.
We can use this lesson of the ocean day by day.