Mother Earth’s Wisdom: Taking a Page Out of Nature’s Book

Sometimes we like to think we are separate from nature, but we are not. We are creatures of the Earth, the same as the fish in the sea, birds in the sky, or the flowers sprouting from the ground. We, too, gain all our energy and life from the Earth. In our high-paced society, with constant stimulation and a focus on productivity, it can be helpful to re-center ourselves in the lessons that nature is eager to teach us.

Let us learn from the sunflowers. As they stand tall and true to themselves, they turn their faces to the sun, embracing only what gives them energy and feeds their souls. May we, too, turn towards those people and spaces that energize us, filling us with warmth and love. And while we navigate where to turn to find that energy, we can maintain a tall stance, putting our shoulders back with confidence and leading with our heart.

Let us learn from the big brown bear, who hibernates when the frigid winter comes along. We, too, can learn to give ourselves extra time to rest when it is cold, and our bodies demand extra sleep and solace. Aside from navigating the colder weather, we can learn to recognize when the circumstances of life are particularly difficult or draining, and take the time to find our safe place, retreat to it, get extra rest, and re-emerge when we are ready to face the challenge.

Let us learn from the butterflies, which start as a caterpillar, consuming all they need to grow and develop into a new version of themselves. As we emerge from a period of growth, may we follow the instructions of the butterfly, giving ourselves time to dry off and spread our wings when we are ready, knowing we have all the strength needed to succeed.

Let us learn from the trees, which withstand powerful winds by digging their roots deeper, stronger, and wider. While their leaves shake in the wind, they embrace the change and meet it with a strong foundation. As we face challenges, may we find ways to ground ourselves, remain unshaken, and stable. We radically accept the shaking of our own leaves, the impact of the stress, as we work to regain balance and keep our roots steady.

Let us learn from the clouds, which work hard day in and out to carry water across the world, releasing it and crying out the rain when it becomes too heavy. While each of us has burdens we must carry, let us embrace the powerful relief of crying, letting our tears carry away the pain and fear, giving us a chance to catch our breath, so we can be renewed and handle the burdens we’ve been dealt.

Let us learn from the snowflakes that fall from the sky, each in their own unique flutter with their own unique shape. May we also learn to embrace our individuality, knowing that even as others walk a parallel path, we can dance to the beat of our own drum.

Let us learn from the slithering snakes, who shed their layers when they are old and in need of renewal. When we find we have a hard time navigating life, we can follow the snake’s lead, find the parts of our lives that need changing, and take the time to make the necessary transformation, leaving us feeling refreshed.

Let us learn from the flowing river that carries all the fallen autumn leaves downstream, whether thick and orange or thin, broken, and brown. When we find ourselves tightly holding onto thoughts and feelings, letting them stick around longer than is helpful, let us learn to treat them like leaves on the stream, naturally coming and going without our interference. Instead, embrace acceptance and detachment, knowing that while we do think and feel, we are not defined by our thoughts and feelings.

In our busy and loud world full of bad news and difficulty, we can feel helpless and overwhelmed, having a hard time knowing where to turn for answers or what we can do to ground ourselves. Let us take a page out of nature’s book and turn to our Mother Earth to find peace. We are of the earth, from the earth, and many of the answers we need are within the earth. So, take a deep breath, go outside, and be open to the lessons that sit in front of you.