Whether we know it or not we are ecology.

Just like trees drop leaves in the winter time and turn their energies inward, so too must we allow ourselves the time to recharge our batteries.

Just like we don’t expect a flower to continuously bloom throughout the year, we should apply the same understanding to our own natures.

We are not meant to be ‘’on’’ all the time, year round, 24/7.  Human burnout rates are unfortunately at an all time record high; anxiety and depression equally rife. Most of us are completely disconnected from nature, yet most don’t even realise that this is the case, let alone realise the power nature has to heal us.

If we could take our lessons from nature we would be much happier, more balanced and calmer versions of ourselves.

So what would that look like?

It would begin by starting each day with the sun, and ending each day with the sun.

Start each day with thanks and gratitude; perform a ritual, light a candle, say the words out loud, offer a gift.

Taking the time to wander and be free in nature, without agenda or pressure of ”doing”.

Just BE. Immerse yourself in the Being Mode and watch what happens.

Observe. Notice the colours, the shapes, the aromas.

Feel. Take your shoes off and land your soles in the bare earth. Let them soak up the goodness, and release what needs to be released.

Rest and Listen. Listen to your heart and your body and rest when you need to.

Tend to the soil.  Without the health of the soil we too become depleted. Cover her up with organic matter that will protect her, nurture her and allow the minutiae of life beneath the surface to flourish. Then she’ll be ready for the Spring planting.

The more we can establish balance in nature, the more we can establish the balanced equilibrium in our own bodies.

Trust.

B.R.E.A.T.H.E.

Lastly, but most importantly, learn to go INWARD. Just a few moments a day focussing on your breath and observing your own body can unleash the power of our own healing.

And then watch what happens…

Just as Night follows Day, Spring will follow Winter and if we take the time to truly nurture and nourish ourselves over these months we can emerge the beautiful, vivacious butterflies we are meant to be!

We are ultimately ecology. The more I learn about this phrase the more it makes perfect sense to me. Everything is in relationship. Boundaries are fake. Where one species starts and another ends is ambiguous. Health is a balanced symbiosis. Wellness comes from tending to the gardens of our minds, bodies, guts, relationships and energy spirits. Sow seeds, water and nurture them, then watch as they bloom!

Practice, practice, practice.

 

Image acknowledgement: Natalie Collins (Unsplash)