Tuning to Nature
Article By Natalia Lema
In the ancient civilizations there was an approach to nature in which all beings were considered to be connected in a harmonious way. Stones, plants, animals, humans and divine beings were all part of Creation and the awareness of the thread that united them was more present in the minds of those who lived in those times. The acknowledgement of certain hidden properties in plants, the use of nature as a powerful symbolic language and even a belief in guiding spirits that were like the manifestation of a ‘soul’ within the vegetable kingdom weren’t considered foolish ideas. I wonder how much of that we still share today in our society and, if very little, I wonder how long it will take us to realise the wisdom that is concealed in the world that surrounds us. Mythologies often address the power of nature, showing somehow the early human interest in protecting the environment.
A few weeks ago it was the Spring Equinox, which is one of the manifestations of the law of cycles. But it is also an invitation to be reborn. The ancient Egyptians venerated the sun god Ra, who was thought to journey across the sky during the day and sail through the underworld during night time. And every morning, the sun emerged in a kind of resurrection after its battles with the forces of darkness.
Nowadays many are the species that are declared extinct; many are the news reports about natural disasters around the world that encourage us to become activists in ecological issues. Sadly, we have forgotten that we are part of nature itself, but let us not forget that we can also be reborn, like the sun, to shine more brightly and generously, and to awaken the great potential that is unknown to most of us.
Image Credits: By William Warby | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
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By William Warby | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
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There are still many beautiful indigenous cultures around the world that believe that we are all connected in nature. Its not just something from ancient mythology. The Kogis, Arhuacos, and Wiwas in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia for example take it upon themselves to protect Mother Earth. They live sustainably off the land and in harmony with nature, believing that mother nature provides all that we could need. Yes, many of us complicate life and have disconnected from nature completely, but not everyone. The indigenous just often go unnoticed. Many have been killed off or unfortunately were forced to adapt to the modern world. Their wisdom and way of life need to be respected and learned from.
We need to bring about a great change in the way we look at environment.Much needs to be done in living a simple life, being mindful of not harming or putting a pressure on environment .Using only naturally made products, staying away from chemicals, and living an organic life style is slowly going to make a change if we all follow this way of living .
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