We ARE Nature

By Ann Brand

Here’s the deal: we are nature. - Sebene Selassie

With spring emerging in the Chippewa Valley, our hearts and minds turn outdoors. With warming temperatures and budding trees, we begin to come out from our winter hibernation. Time to get outside and get back into nature!

The truth is, we are not separate from nature. It isn’t so much that we need to get back into nature, but rather remind ourselves that we are part of nature, just like the lakes, trees, soil, and birds. While it is certainly easier and more comfortable to do this when the temperatures are warmer, we can remind ourselves of this at any time of year through our mindfulness practice. 

When we drop our awareness into the breath and the body, which are always in the present moment, we reconnect with the same natural elements that are part of us and all of nature.

Earth: Just like trees are rooted in the ground and mountains emerge from the earth, we can feel the steadiness of gravity holding our bodies in place. We can notice the density of muscles and bones in the body, and feel our feet connected to the earth with each step.

Water: We can notice flowing and gurgling within the body, just like a stream flows and gurgles. The water that makes up 60% of our body is the same as the water element that flows in the Eau Claire River.

Fire: As the temperatures outside warm and cool, so do our bodies. We can notice changes in the temperature of the body when we sit in the sun and when we take a dip in the lake.

Air: Sitting with our attention on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of our bodies reminds us that the air around us is the same as the air inside us. Just like trees and plants take in carbon dioxide and water, and release oxygen through photosynthesis, we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide with each breath. 

This spring, we can take this awareness of our elemental nature from our meditation cushion outside to be reminded that we are nature. Nature is always in the present moment. When we notice the elements of earth, water, fire, and air both internally and externally, we are also in the present moment where our lives are actually happening and we can engage with joy and gratitude.