Undertake Practices That Lead To A Sense Of The Whole
Connecting With Your Natural Roots Satisfies Essential Needs.
Spiritual practice begins in awareness—a self-sensing of objective reality—and leads to consciousness—the “very substratum of all existence” (Paul, 2004, p. 214). Awareness pin-points an object, bringing it into one’s perception.
Undertake practices that lead to a sense of the whole.
Consciousness “is complete and inclusive; it is a sense of the whole . . . Spiritual practice (ought to) always be undertaken on behalf of the whole. That is why the systemic development of consciousness is essential to spirituality” (Paul, 2004, pp. 214-215).
Spiritual practice begins in awareness—a self-sensing of objective reality—and leads to consciousness—the “very substratum of all existence.”
Doing spiritual practices in the midst of everyday life is too full of distractions. That is one reason why we will be asking you to find an attractive natural being and, even better, an attractive natural being surrounded by an attractive landscape or seascape, free of unsettling artificial distractions. This finding will reveal that your deepest roots are in nature.
Connecting with your natural roots satisfies essential needs.
Fulfilling these needs are reason enough to search for and connect with a natural being and its nourishing realm, as you will be directed to do over and over again along the Heartwood Path. “Whether you’re aware of it or not,” writes Charles Cook, “you still have a vital need for regular, meaningful contact with this nourishing realm” (2001, p. vii).
Remember that the tragedy of your life will not be about what makes you pass out but it will be about what you pass up.
Do not miss an opportunity to actually visit a natural being as you conduct Heartwood Path activities. Do not try to save time by being an armchair course participant. And do not try to avoid the tribulations of being exposed to nature.
The big mishap of your life will be about what you pass up. Don’t let nature be among these.
To track down an attractive natural being, commune with nature by lingering; by being quiet; by not identifying or naming; by following your heart; by not worrying what others may think; and by looking where animals find food, shelter, or water.
“ . . . it’s difficult to stay stressed out or maintain a negative mood while quietly focusing or meditating on nature . . . troubles shrink to more manageable sizes while you are away, and you can later view them ‘through fresh eyes’ from a more balanced perspective affected by your experiences in nature . . . (Cook, 2001, pp. viii-xv).
For these reasons and more, the Heartwood Path will help you develop a meaningful and lasting personal relationship with nearby natural beings and their natural surroundings.
“When you begin weaving more of nature into your everyday existence . . .your sense of life may open up to encompass the much richer, more complex, more communal, and more timeless universe that you’re actually part of . . . What we have to gain from our efforts is no less than the preservation of life on this remarkable planet” (Cook, 2001, pp.255-258).
Consciousness of awareness is vital.
Awareness refers to our capacity for perceiving and comprehending information, while consciousness refers to being aware, possessing self-awareness, and having subjective experiences.
Assimilation into nature through awareness and consciousness can provide essential satisfaction on many levels: physical, psychological and spiritual. Here's an in-depth exploration of how this connection can satisfy fundamental human needs:
Being mindful of your natural roots means understanding where your food comes from, appreciating local and seasonal produce, gardening or foraging activities and exploring practices like these that help connect us to their source for sustainable nutrition. Being more connected can lead to healthier diet choices.
Consciously connecting with nature often involves participating in outdoor activities like hiking or walking as ways of staying connected—including forms of exercise like cardio fitness training—that engage with nature directly. Engaging in these activities can promote physical health, cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being.
Spending time outdoors under natural sunlight allows the body to produce vitamin D—an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immunity and mental wellbeing.
Environment has long been recognized for its stress-reducer effects. Being mindfully present within natural settings can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and promote a state of relaxation that may contribute to increased overall well-being.
Nature can provide cognitive benefits and restore our minds. Engaging with nature offers a way to relax while increasing focus and productivity at work.
Joining nature can involve mindfulness practices like meditation or simply being present in nature, which can reduce anxiety, improve mood and bring about feelings of peace and centeredness.
Biophilia, our natural affinity with nature, suggests that having regular contact with natural elements is essential for our emotional well-being. Making deliberate efforts to incorporate natural elements into living spaces can have positive impacts on mood and happiness levels.
Many attempts at reconnecting with nature involve communal activities, such as community gardens, conservation projects or outdoor events. Such endeavors help foster a sense of community and social cohesion.
Exploring nature with others—be it through hikes, camping trips or environmental initiatives—can lead to unforgettable shared experiences that strengthen social bonds and foster feelings of belongingness.
Connecting with nature's roots is often seen as a spiritual practice. This involves acknowledging its interdependency, cultivating an awareness of awe, and experiencing something greater than themselves.
Rituals, ceremonies, or spiritual practices conducted in natural settings can enhance our connection to divinity or spiritual dimensions. Many cultures throughout history have considered nature sacred and integrated it into their religious practices.
Unifying our ecological awareness with reverence for Earth can bring individuals a greater sense of responsibility and stewardship for its well-being, encouraging individuals to care for the planet's sustainability and promote ecological preservation.
Connecting with nature through mindfulness and awareness satisfies essential needs by improving physical well-being, supporting psychological health, building social bonds and contributing to spiritual fulfillment—fulfilling essential requirements as part of an all-encompassing holistic approach that respects humanity's intrinsic relationship with nature.
Armed with these motives, the following activity offers some tips you can use for tracking down an attractive natural being.
