These are confusing and unusual times. Freedoms often taken for granted have been curtailed and access to the outside world – to nature – has been limited. We are facing unprecedented challenges, yet this time also offers us a wonderful opportunity to press reset and look at life from a different perspective.
How many of us are used to interacting with the outside world on a purely transactional level? We are aware of the immense and essential part that nature plays in sustaining every living thing on our planet, but with the complexities of our day-to-day lives it can be easy to take that for granted.
When walking past a majestic old tree, smelling the refreshing scent of lavender or watching the magical swirling dance of fallen leaves, we need to be aware that we are spectators to incredible events. It’s up to us to tune into the ancient waveband of the natural world and learn how to appreciate all its gifts.
Now that we find ourselves confined at home for long periods, connecting with nature has never been so important. In this difficult time, it will help us sleep better, improve our mood and keep us sane. This is a great opportunity to reconnect to our roots that will help us not only now but continue to enrich our lives as life gets back to normal in the months to come.
Many of the rituals in this book can be done indoors, looking out through a window or an open door. Even if you live in an apartment in the city, you can still watch the clouds and listen to birdsong. The great thing about these rituals is that they can be easily adapted to suit your environment. For example, one ritual builds on the ancient meditative art of mandala creation – using fruit and vegetables to create inspiring and reflective pieces of art. Mandalas are very much focused on the process rather than the end product so if you don’t happen to have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, then simply adapt the ritual using whatever you have to hand, whether that be fallen leaves and sticks, or items made from natural materials in your home.
Another of the rituals makes use of our phones’ fantastic capacity to take stunning high-quality photos of the nature around us, either in the garden or in our houses. We don’t need to go into the countryside to appreciate nature; simply being mindfully aware of the granular make-up of leaves, plants and roots can make us see a seemingly mundane potted plant in incredible new ways.
Bringing the outside indoors ensures you are surrounded by the healing, grounding and protective qualities of Mother Earth at all times. Crystals are especially handy to have around as they lift your vibration and make you feel better. Certain stones, such as shungite and black tourmaline, can even neutralize electromagnetic interference from computers and phones – particularly useful if you are working from home. Pop a few of your favourite gems in the bath with a handful of raw sea salt and some essential oils to cleanse and balance your energy field, or keep some under your pillow for a restful night’s sleep.
The aim of this book is to guide and inspire you to deepen your connection with nature, wherever you are right now. All the rituals are very simple. You don’t need any previous experience of practising rituals to do them. You don’t need to be a yoga master or a New Age practitioner or therapist – you just need to be you.
Just bring your consciousness, positivity and open mind – nature will do the rest.
Stay well,
Krysia & Alexandra
With love and gratitude from Theresa