MOTHER NATURE –THE ULTIMATE GURU
Author: – Dr.Rachanaa Datey
Imagine a world without nature, without trees, clouds, snow, Flowers, fruits, rivers, Oceans, mountains, animals, birds … For those who value nature recognize its ability to generate emotional and societal values, ability to generate emotional connections with Mother Nature is priceless. Nature is a medium to connect our souls with ourselves. For this we don’t have to be a mediator or a spiritual practitioner. We all can experience this because nature is our mother. She is always a healer.
This art of god teaches us many life lessons. These lessons of life can be learned from Trees, Birds, Animals, Insects, Oceans, Rivers, Sky, Clouds, Rain, Wind Sun, Moon, Stars. Look to nature as your teacher, a silent teacher. These are some of the humbling lessons and answers we get by tuning into nature.
- Earth
Earth is that powerful glue that holds in place the tiniest microbes, the most gigantic trees and even man-made superstructures. An individual can harness his or her own earthiness and stand steady and firm. The creative force behind everything is dependent on the strength of its nurturing element — the Earth. It teaches us to be solid and dependable. We should learn art of balancing too. One must be gentle most of the time and at the same time adore the virtues of greatest depths conceal unmatched power just like mother Earth.
- Mountains
The steep cliffs, the forbidding peaks and the deadly cold are just some of the few dangers that we stand barely exposed to when in the mountains. They tell us to overcome our fears. Because once we overcome obstacles no one can stop us to stand at the peak and, there’s nothing as exhilarating as that moment. Mountains stand firm, poised and majestic. Regardless of the external situations life will bring you, remain strong like the mountains do when faced with tempest, rain storms, and water erosion.
- Oceans
The vast ocean can’t exist without each particle of water. The constant nature of change exhibits itself more profoundly in the ocean. Life also doesn’t stop moving. One of the many vital lives lessons Ocean teaches us is aggression. A big part of life is defined by adversities. Sometimes, it simply wants us to let go of our beliefs. And other times it wants us to start over again. Each human being plays its part in humanity. We are all one small part of the greater whole.
- Rivers
Rivers exemplify selfless service. They facilitate the flow of water from one source to another but do not keep anything for themselves, giving to the earth, the sky and the ocean what belongs to them. After nourishing life upon earth in various ways and helping many, they become empty, giving up the remaining water to the oceans. By that, they teach us an important lesson about renunciation, suggesting that instead of assuming ownership of things and becoming selfish, one should help others to the extent possible.
- Weather
Just like weather, nothing is certain in life. We can’t control and prepare for everything. On days when there is suppose to be sunshine, the rain may unexpectedly fall. Don’t let your mood be affected by the weather. Don’t wait for extraordinary moments to take your breath away, look to nature and bring that beauty into all that you do and every moment of your life. Tending a garden, folding laundry, consoling your child having a tantrum or cooking a meal- all regular tasks take on a sacred quality when we perform them with the total involvement, acceptance and love.
- Trees
The trees around us guide us to learn acceptance and non-resistance. A green leaf doesn’t resist turning red /yellow when autumn approaches. Trees don’t resist leaves falling when winter arrives. They stand deeply rooted in the ground, with the braches open and spread wide, surrendering to the Universe and welcoming the birds, animals to have shelter in them.
- Flowers
They convey a sensation of freshness and soften our hearts when we are unhappy and drained. They cleanse our environs and uplift our life when we are feeling sad. Life is a flower of which love is the honey. A flower has countless qualities we can learn from. They blossom in all sorts of natural environments. We all carry a different fragrance, color and beauty for the world to enjoy. Flowers don’t discriminate who they share their beauty and fragrance with. True compassion and love comes from sharing your beauty with all you meet.
- Birds
Birds flying high through the sky represent the limitless freedom and potential available to us if we let go our fears. They teach us to leave our comfort zones and be adventurous. Taking off to fly for the first time can be scary and bring about feelings of fear. Without taking the risk of the first flight, we won’t find the internal freedom we desire. We must dare to take our feet off the ground, spread our wings and rise.
- Animals
They teach us to accept you as we are, know our weaknesses and strengths and embrace our unique beauty and gifts which nature has bestowed upon us. They also teach us survival skills. Survival of the fittest is another lesson we can learn from them. They teach us that, Love is felt in the heart by making eye connection, being in someone’s presence and through physical touch.
- Insects
The community of bees and ants all participate together to benefit all those in their community. We each have our own calling and duties as well as responsibilities that is best performed by us. Each member is necessary for a functioning family, community, nation and world. We should embrace our special responsibility, share it proudly with the world, and always do your best.
- Butterfly
Strong determination and grit is often the necessity of dreaming and fulfilling impossible dreams. We can look forward to learn from the butterfly. Butterfly is the most fragile mortal existing. It has a long journey of struggles which starts from coming out of cocoon till turning out into beautiful life, filling the world with colors. It teaches us that “within you is the power to rise above any situation or struggle, and transform into the Brightest, Strongest version of you EVER!”
- Sky
Always personified as a shield to mother earth. No matter what storms are passing, know it is always transient because beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. The sky embraces the sun, the moon, the stars and the planets other than the celestial bodies. It is embodiment of rare phenomenon, yet stands humble. The dignity of his persona can never be compared. We can learn the lessons of humbleness, gratitude and protector from the sky.
- Clouds
The sky is the backdrop of our mind. The clouds with different formations, speeds and heights, colors represent the frequency, types and speed of our thoughts. As clouds, our thoughts too shall pass. We should learn to glide through our thoughts. Don’t resist the clouds of imagination, fly through them.
- Rain
Water is required to cleanse negativity in the world and allow a space of clarity. Rain replenishes the positive energy of this Earth. Rain has always been a great source of joy for everyone. It nurtures the grass, it nurtures the forests, and it nurtures the dry sand and even nurtures the complete life on Earth. We should also shower with the intent of cleansing your body, spirit and mind.
- Sun
It teaches us to accomplish great tasks quickly. Although the distance between the sun and the earth is enormous, still it only takes eight and a half minutes for sunlight to reach our planet. The ball of fire teaches us to Rise Above All. The sun can’t be distracted. It follows its order and provides to those who need it without folder. If you can be as consistent as the sun in fulfilling your obligations, you will likely become the most effective person you know.
- Moon
The moon is a beautiful thing that asks for nothing in return for its elegance. It does not fear our eyes upon it, although it is covered with marks and scars .It goes through phases much like we do, sometimes showing off its full face, shining brighter with each passing minute. Other times nothing but darkness. It is powerful enough to be left with full control of the tides, however does so with so much grace and beauty that we can do nothing but admire the waves with wonder as well. Like the moon, we should have confidence in our beauty Our flaws are what make us who we are.
- Stars
Stars bring beauty and light in the darkness. Instead of succumbing to the darkness of the world, be one of the radiant stars that shines their bright inner light. As we inspire others to be stars, we can light up the night sky with our intentional beams of star light.
- Wind
Not all things that exist can be seen or heard. Some things need to be felt. Don’t be limited to your 5 senses. Use your intuition and develop the practice of believing in the things you feel. The wind can be gentle or strong .It guides us to follow the specific path and at the same time also suggests to encourages explore new paths with constant efforts.
Albert Einstein has aptly quoted, “Look deep into the nature and then you will understand everything better.”
*The author is Founder Director – QUEST EDUSTATION – Training and Learning Solutions. She is an Academician, Independent Researcher, Writer, Trainer, Designer, and a Counselor.
Email: – dr.rachanaa@gmail.com