Forces of Nature

Allow the frequency of nature to recalibrate your mind or body

I was recently invited to Colorado to spend some time connecting and snowboarding with a friend. I received this invitation as a gift, enthusiastically saying yes to it at first. I hesitated though. There was an old program in my mind that urged me to remain in the hustle, because the never ending to-do list needs constant attention. My new mental narrative, however, is aware that taking time away from the hustle brings forth unforeseen benefits. There is value in pause and an even greater value in joy.

When I arrived in the high altitude mountain town, the stars sparkled in the night sky in flashes of excitement. The air was beautiful. It felt cleaner, crisper. Higher altitudes are typically far removed from humans and industrial areas. As a result the air is less contaminated by pollutants. My body naturally wanted to lengthen each breath, sipping in that fresh air. The energy abounding felt both exciting and peaceful. Just like life should feel.

The next day the sun rose and revealed the raw beauty of where I had landed. As I sat immersed in a literal snow globe and watched nature's show, I allowed the magic to refuel me. The forces of nature have always guided me to slow down, be present, and allow things to unfold with flow. The resistance naturally disappeared. The feeling of gratitude was most present. 

My to-do list at home became a distant memory. The sense of needing to hustle vanished. I embraced the moments that were sitting right in front of me. The snow capped jagged mountain views were stunning. The sky was painted with a deep electric blue. I could feel the warmth from the sun even while sitting in the snow. Thankfully, the wind took the day off. 

My friend and I hit the ski slopes. Riding the chair lift was a meditative experience. I’d scan the mountain and stare at piles of iridescent snow covering the conifers. However, the aspens caught my attention each trip up the mountain. I’ve always loved aspen trees. They grow as a community. Aspens are deeply interconnected by their roots and share nutrients and resources to support each other. They mirror how humans should live.

Aspens are prized for their beauty in the fall. However, they continue to give to their community during winter. Beneath the white outer bark layer is a thin green photosynthetic layer that allows the tree to create sugars and grow when other deciduous trees are dormant. That green nutrient dense sugary layer provides nourishment for deer, elk, and other animals in the neighborhood. Additionally, the bark provides medicinal uses and will ease and soothe pain. Native Americans used Aspen bark as a food source. They cut the inner bark into strips, dried and ground it. The flour-like substance was then mixed with other starches for bread or a porridge breakfast. The catkins (small flowers seen in spring) were eaten raw. 

We can always return to the Earth for comfort, nourishment, and to find the answers we seek. There is an abundance of information coded in plants, the natural water systems, the soil, the sky, and the creatures that share this planet with us. Energy is contagious, so why not plug into it. Absorb the elements. Allow the frequency of nature to recalibrate your mind or body. 

Tuning into nature will bring positive results. It’s a guaranteed upgrade. You may even return back to your true nature, which is love. Once we return to that state we become a beneficial presence. I’m not suggesting by simply immersing yourself in nature your problems will dissolve. The problems may remain the same, but the mindset will change. The ability to shift perspective is available. The observer comes online and the realization of “I am not my thoughts” is understood. Once that happens, you have the power to change and control your thoughts. Then the beauty of life sparkles like the stars against the black sky in a high altitude mountain town.

When I returned home, I was still channeling the power of the aspens. The trees that grow in community. Expansive change happens through ripples of shared wisdom in community. The warmth outdoors lured me out to the garden to check on the garlic. My hands yearned to dig. It’s not time to dig just yet, but it is time to plan. 

I organize and sort seeds to gather inspiration. I sketch garden beds in my notebook, and I keep pondering about how I can strengthen the community on my land. Just as I was sitting with that thought, a hummingbird came into my field of vision. I’ve mentioned before about how I’m weirdly attracted to finding out the spiritual meaning of animals. When they appear I don’t think it is coincidental. I believe they are messengers from another realm. 

Hummingbirds symbolize happiness, luck, good intentions, healing, and renewal. I smile and nod to the tiny creature. It becomes clear. I will create a pollinator garden. I walk inside and pull some books from the shelf and begin my research.