Have you ever noticed when you’re in nature walking trails, hiking, or strolling down a path people tend to say hi and smile when you pass? It seems like when we are in nature people seem to see us more. That’s nature. Nature connects us back to ourselves. We wonder at the beauty, feel the energy of divine flow. The wisdom and security of Mother Earth draws up through our feet. The faith of the rising sunlight shines on our face. It makes us feel. When we can feel ourselves we can start to see and feel each other. Connection. Nature is a gift from the all that is, constantly reminding us of our own presence. Reminding us to connect. Reminding us to see ourselves, so we may see each another.
One of the ways I like to connect with nature is by writing Haiku. Haiku is a short form poem in three lines that follows the 5-7-5 syllable rule. I remember sitting outside up against a tree one day. My mind was racing and I was full of worry. I was asking Spirit for help like I often do. Suddenly I found myself in a meditative state staring at a tree. I was lost in it for quite some time. I felt the the cycles that the tree flows through from Spring to Winter. I heard it speak to me and the below flowed out.
Bark
Bloom! Cherry blossoms
Chasing. Thirsty. Summer sun
Falling falling sleep
I can’t say before that day I’d thought about writing Haiku since probably a homework assignment in school! But that day Spirit gave me a gift. Many times when my mind is racing I’ll hit a trail or sit down outside. I’ll breathe, ask for nature to speak to me. It’s usually not long until something catches my attention. I’ll sit and connect, and start to write a Haiku. The very crafting of the poem gives my mind something different to do. In that moment I become present, in that presence I become still. No regrets of the past or worries of the future. Only the now, connecting to nature, connecting me back to me.
