Embracing Nature

embracing natureIn Boston, during the year 1977, Albert Einstein is quoted as saying: “A human being is a part of the whole, called by us ‘Universe.’ He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in all its beauty.” This statement from one of the world’s most brilliant scientists defines the task we all have in co-creating new pathways to peace and prosperity. The task Einstein describes is to awaken from our illusion of separation and restore our wholeness through living in harmony with all beings and the whole of Nature itself. Simply put, to live holistically.

Creating new holistic operating models in our culture and our economies is the task at hand and the zeitgeist, or spirit of this age. It starts with each of us, in the choices we make and in the way we live our lives. Though I’ve tried for years to live holistically, I find myself repeatedly being derailed, questioning ‘why is it so difficult to live a life in balance?’ My questions always lead me back to nature, my true nature and the Nature of the natural world.
When we consciously reconnect with Nature, entrainment occurs. Entrainment—the physics phenomenon of resonance, known by the ancients, was first observed in science in the 17th century by scientist and pendulum clock designer Christian Huygens. Huygens discovered that when two clocks were near each other with the pendulums swinging at different rates, they would eventually end up swinging together at the same rate, due to their mutual influence on one another. Entrainment is defined as “the tendency for two oscillating bodies to lock into phase so that they vibrate in harmony.” The classic example shows individual pulsing heart muscle cells. When they are brought close together, they begin pulsing in synchrony. Thus, when we connect with Nature we begin pulsing in harmony with our true nature: we come into balance.

There are other advantages to connecting deeply with Nature. One benefit is that Nature is a master teacher, leading us to great wisdom. Take time to sit and breathe with a tree; reflect on what it has to teach you. I did this recently with a palm tree. Here’s what it taught me:

Palm Tree Wisdom

  1. Stand tall and move with beauty & grace.
  2. To be strong requires great flexibility.
  3. The more rigid you are, the greater your risk of being toppled over.
  4. Deepening your roots allows you to grow in any direction.
  5. Once you’re rooted, allow yourself to be easily swayed.
  6. Keep moving with the changing winds.
  7. Be of service by producing things that are useful to others.
  8. Nourish others with the fruits of your labor.
  9. Make a joyful sound.
  10. When you’re in the spotlight…Glisten!

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