When we listen to nature, we learn to listen to ourselves.
Many of us have heard of the benefits of Forest Bathing, a practice that originated in Japan which provides spiritual and healing benefits to us all, however, we don’t all have access to a nearby forest. But there is no need to worry, you don’t have to live in the countryside or be near a forest to reap the benefits of being with nature. A quiet walk around your neighborhood, with attention and awareness to the gardens, trees, birds, or even the window boxes or curbside patches on a busy city street, can cheer the soul and create awareness and awakening within.
It all begins with intention: Very often, we go for a walk to exercise our physical body, but do we pay attention to our psychic and spiritual body? Do we notice how we feel when we see a tiny flower that has somehow managed to grow up through a crack in the sidewalk? Do we allow ourselves to be touched by its delicate nature and profound strength? Do we recognize that we too possess that same delicate nature and strength when we allow ourselves to unfold spiritually and become fully who we are?
Silence and Presence in Nature
It is very easy to shut down our senses and try to shield ourselves from the onslaught of everyday noise. We don’t even know that we are doing it sometimes. We hear the traffic, but we don’t hear the buzz of a bee or the chirping of a bird. We put headphones to our ears when we walk, not merely to catch up on a podcast, but also to block out the intrusive sounds around us. It is understandable, yes. But when we do this, we are also blocking out the sounds of nature that our body and spirit need to heal.
Silence, does not necessarily mean the complete absence of sound, but it can mean the absence of “noise.” Let us explore the difference. The physical characteristics of sound are generally described as a wave form that is regular and periodic, whereas the wave form of noise is often described as irregular and chaotic or disordered. Sound is generally considered neutral or positive whereas noise has a subjective definition of being unwanted or negative. Our work, then, is to learn to pay attention to sound, rather than being overwhelmed by noise. We can practice this by training our ears to the healing sounds of nature and by taking our whole selves into nature as often as possible.
Keep in mind also, that soundwaves travel through air and through water, so it is not just that we hear sound, it actually vibrates through our whole body, in either a harmonious way or a disruptive way.
The range of hertz frequency of songbirds, for example, (1,000 – 8,000 hertz) is considered “the sweet spot” for human hearing. And, when you think about it, it is interesting how generally, the sound of songbirds is considered very healing on the human body. Some have suggested that this is because since ancient times, songbirds don’t sing if there is a predator about, so the idea is that when birds are singing, it is because the environment is safe and our nervous system can feel at ease.
For some, the sound of bees may be frightening, however, I find the sound of a bumble bee’s low hum, particularly soothing, and the collective hum of a honeybee hive just tickle’s my inner being. I feel like I am hearing the Om hum of the universe, and I imagine its vibration going through my whole body. It feels very healing to me.
Cultivating Inner Silence – The Art of Listening
Like any new endeavor, it takes practice to attune ourselves to new possibilities. In the beginning, it is important to deliberately go out into nature with the intention of listening. Nature is alive, and when we can open all our senses to its presence, we get more benefits than just looking at it as a pretty picture (we can do that on our screens). When we are actually tuned into nature, we can also smell it, hear it and follow its lead. We can marvel at its beauty, but also its creativity, resilience, and abundant diversity.
Taking time to allow our senses to slow down to the rhythm of nature, allows us to connect with that sacred essence that is present in all things. The silence of that sacred space can then be felt in every cell of our body, calming us, soothing us and bringing us back to our essential selves. From there, we have the opportunity to feel the oneness, the unity, of all creation. Even if our minds can only hold that space for a few seconds, it is something every human needs to feel. The practice then, is to seek those moments every day – think of it like food for the soul. Each time you cultivate this practice of really listening for the sacred silence within, you strengthen your ability to grow spiritually, to learn to know and unfold your true self.
What Can Nature Teach Us About Our Own Journey of Becoming?
Nature has its own sense of presence – I can’t imagine a daffodil ever being jealous of a rose, or a rose ever being envious of an oak tree. Each flower, plant or tree stands fully in itself, being fully who they are. When you can meditate on this observation, bringing this idea into yourself, you can resonate with nature’s strength, beauty and uniqueness inside of yourself and feel that incredible peace and silence of pure presence.
It may seem old-fashioned to “. . .wander lonely as a cloud. . .” however, William Wordsworth understood the human condition and the healing possibilities of spending time in nature. He also understood the gift of really taking inside the energy and beauty of that nature in such a way as to have it available to the mind for recall in a moment when needed. That practice of being really, present in nature is a powerful example of meditation.
After a time of practicing this observation, both inwardly and outwardly, you will start to notice more things in nature that are phenomenal possibilities for learning.
Curiosity Can Be a Key to Unfolding
Do you know that our bodies have built in receptors for specific scents from nature? For example:
- Bergamot is known for its ability to uplift our mind
- Lavender is a proven scent for calming and relaxation
- Rosemary helps us with memory
- Mint is uplifting and calming.
There are hundreds of herbs and plants that are literally built to help us. Are you curious enough to plant a few on your windowsill? Even if you don’t have access to nature on the outside, being able to pinch a leaf of Basil and inhale its delicate fragrance can be a mini meditation. Close your eyes and breath in the piney scent of Rosemary, then open your eyes and wonder at its magnificent structure, contemplate its incredible healing powers. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rosemary
Can you take time to look at a fiddlehead fern and notice the exquisite pattern of the Fibonacci code (also referred to as the Golden Ratio)? And then notice it again in a seashell, or a sunflower, a spiral galaxy, or a pinecone? Can you sit and contemplate your own spiritual unfolding in this context of expansion and becoming exactly who you are meant to be?
Why it Matters
Life on Earth is a life of interdependence. Granted, nature has existed since long before humanity existed, however, humanity is hugely dependent on the balanced existence of nature. Our food, water, and very existence depends on our relationship with nature. When we view nature as just a commodity to be exploited, we upset the delicate balance of the mutually symbiotic relationship we can have with nature, however, when we become spiritually awake, we begin to notice how completely obvious the need is for us to care for and protect nature and therefore, to care for and protect ourselves and each other.
When we recognize our connection and dependent relationship with nature, we develop humility and compassion. We learn that honoring nature is honoring life itself, and that we are responsible for how we treat nature, and by extension, how we treat the other humans and beings who share this planet.
Nature not only sustains our existence; it is our teacher on the road of spiritual unfolding. . . Are you listening? Are you allowing yourself to feel the silence within?
Inside the silence of nature and ourselves, wisdom is waiting to speak.
