I have had a deep bond with nature since I was a child living on the outskirts of Gillingham, Kent in the UK with my family on a small holding on the banks of the river Medway. Born in 1952, the youngest of my 2 brothers and sister by 9 years my best friend was the family pet Labrador dog who I roamed and discovered the great outdoors with at every opportunity.
By the time I was 18 I had lost both of my parents after they had suffered long term illnesses and any spirituality I had disappeared. The the next 33 years or so were spend in various stages of inner-chaos and mental torture needing to be registered as an alcoholic and going through what the society of the time called mental breakdowns.
It is clear to be now that these breakdowns were in fact Mother Nature calling me to reconnect with her as it was during these times that I would run away from everyday life and spend weeks on end walking the English countryside and coastal pathways. It was also during these times that I felt a true sense of freedom and my soul rejoiced at everything I saw and did. But society always dragged me back.
It is only in the past few years that I have realized the deepness and spirituality of my connection with Mother Nature and all of her marvellous creations, and the discovery process has been truly life changing in my attitude to and my appreciation of my life in general.
Currently working on a consciousness and awareness book with co-SelfGrowth Expert Debra Oakland and as of January 2011 will be writing a monthly piece for Debra's Living In Courage newsletter and blog.
“This we know... the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to earth.
All things are connected, like the blood which connects one family. Whatever
befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life -
he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” ~ Chief Seattle, 1854
Appreciation, Gratitude and Natural Healing
To me the most natural healing of the mind, body and soul is found all around us, in the sights, sounds and smells that fill each day. The secret trick is to learn to appreciate each moment for what it is, simplify it, don’t search for hidden meanings, just accept it and be grateful for it. The sight of a sunset or sunrise, the sound of laughter, the smell and feel of herbs and plants as you run your fingers through their leaves. Each of these moments have a healing power second to none and come absolutely free of charge. OK, I know that not every moment can be idyllic, but if you take a few moments out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life to be still, be at one with yourself and with your environment the magic will start to work – naturally.
I have always found peace and harmony in nature but whilst visiting friends in America I learnt some new lessons on enjoying the moment. Positive energy surrounded me; not only in the beautiful environment but in the people I met and shared my time with. Everyone was in appreciation mode and the experience is one that I will nurture and expand upon now that I am back home in England. Appreciating those around me and showing gratitude to them just as I appreciate my connection with nature.
By embracing natural healing and showing appreciation and giving gratitude as often as possible you will be amazed at how much better you feel about life. Only by healing yourself will you find true peace, only by healing yourself and releasing old negative beliefs about the environment you live in and the people around you can you truly find and live the life you desire.
Only YOU can do this, the change must come from within. Spend as much time as you can in appreciation every day, it works and makes you feel great. Try some natural healing, you deserve it and you’ll be grateful that you did.
Steve Tallamy (www.stevetallamy.com Nov 2010)
Watch this space .... currently working on projects to share with you.