Let nature remind you of the BIG picture.

By Terez Hartmann

When you are in a concentrated environment where you are outnumbered by trees and animals, have you noticed that there is a sense of well-being that truly dominates the air around you? Trees, plants and animals live in a much clearer and more consistent state of allowing, ease and flow than humans, so it is no wonder that unless you enter nature-prevailing settings kicking and screaming, you always come out feeling better than before you arrived.

Whatever your view is of the “pecking order” of nature and the animal kingdom, I, for one, could not imagine life without it. Nature is and has been my playground, my sanctuary, my church, one of my great loves, and the thing that helps bring me back to myself, even during times of the biggest contrast in my life when all else has failed. I could not even begin to count the ideas, songs, writings or solutions that have been inspired by spending time out in nature. For that reason, I am thrilled to encourage others to experience the infinite gifts our great Mother Earth has to share with us every chance I get!

Though this is one tiny article to express ideas and tools on this BIG topic, the thing that I would most love to impart is this: If you truly want proof that there is something far bigger than your temporary point of focus, want to absolutely know that beauty, harmony and serenity can be found no matter what, and that all this talk about “we are all one” can be experienced viscerally and personally, get out, listen, observe and be in the magnificence of the natural world. And just as the many masters before you, you may discover a truth and unconditional, direct connection to well-being that has the power to carry you through any human trial or tribulation.

The Natural Perspective

The next time you want to chill, discover solutions, or tap in to inspiration, get a “natural perspective” on life:

1) Go to a nearby park, beach, forest, etc. where the sights and sounds of nature are dominant.

2) Unplug from the fray by turning off the cell phone/tablet/ computer, etc., along with any external conversations, and just let yourself be where you are. (It’s much easier to hear when you stop talking!)

3) 3. Relax your body and mind by choosing to “see” the world through the lens of a favorite animal/bird. Imagine peeking through the eyes of an eagle, horse, hummingbird, butterfly, dolphin or other animal of your choice. What would you feel and experience? Take this journey in your mind and you just may find an incredible level of stillness along with powerful insights that leave you with even more than you bargained for!

4) Do one (or all) of these things on a daily basis for at least 30 days just for the joy and serenity it gives you.

5) Keep a journal/make a note of the ideas and insights that follow these experiences.

Allowing time daily for natural perspective with no other agenda than feeling good could be just what the doctor ordered for a well-being tuneup, and can translate into more benefits than you can possibly imagine.

The Bottom Line On Allowing Connection Through Nature

Whether you are writing a computer program, working with a client, crafting a work of art, building a new business or raising a family, it is good to remember that more than any minute detail or fleeting moment, it is the overall intention and BIG picture that matters most.

Perspective is perhaps the greatest gift that spending time in nature can give us: The sun continues to rise without someone making a phone call or scheduling it on a calendar. Oxygen continues to flow—whether or not someone posts on Facebook or tweets about it. Even on cloudy nights, the stars are ever-present, serving as proof that there is indeed more to be known, perceived and discovered. Get out. Go in. Remember who you are and the BIG picture of this beautiful life on planet Earth. It really is human nature, after all.