If you have ever spent time immersed in nature you will probably know what I mean when I say that there is a language that is beyond words.

The natural world does not communicate with us in human tongue but, if we take the time to tune in we can often feel a two-way communication between us and the rest of nature.

Now because this sounds ‘woo-woo’ there are many times we may have felt this communication and dismissed it.

And definitely we wouldn’t tell anyone else – are you crazy?!

We may tell ourselves it’s just our own overactive imagination.

But listen, you are NOT weird for talking and listening to nature. In fact conversations with the rest of the natural world have long been a natural part of our lives as humans and are essential for your wellbeing.

The late and great cultural historian Thomas Berry lamented that:

“We are talking only to ourselves. We are not talking to the rivers, we are not listening to the wind and stars. We have broken the great conversation. By breaking that conversation we have shattered the universe. All the disasters that are happening now are a consequence of that spiritual ‘autism.’”

So go outside and talk to nature.

A really simple way is to start is to do an activity that I was taught by Ecopsychology teacher Michael Cohen. You approach a natural area, ask permission to engage with it and listen for the response. It’s that simple.

Your positive answer will come in the form of a pleasant sensation – it could be the scent of a flower, a ray of sunshine, a welcoming feeling that you have been invited. Signs that you are unwelcome could be bad smalls, ant bites, increased wind or noticing that you are near a 20ft precipice!

Listen and observe the cues of communication with nature, start talking and listening.

Being outside in nature is a pathway to go within yourself. Your awareness of the natural world is an open-eyed meditation where you can often tap into a source of more clarity and guidance.

When you go outside into the natural world where the energy of nature is often quieter with less distractions than the modern built environment, you can become more open to hearing the quiet voice inside of yourself because YOU are Nature.

So dear one, go outside and join in the great conversation out there.  Be sure to let me know what happens for you.

Wild Love

Terri