Kariwentha Lee Scott

Category / branch (in the tree of contemplative practices): Stillness, ritual/cyclical

Awareness through Haudenosaunee worldview and “All Our Relations”

How do You commune with the natural world?

We are all a part of the natural world in every way and are unable to exist without our Mother the Earth.

When we recognize how scrumptious that fresh picked apple is we are acknowledging that being, maybe we even express our appreciation to it.

What about the fresh breeze that sneaks in and touches our face in the midst of a heat wave? What about the medicines growing close to our doorsteps, a reminder that we may need their help during the winter.

• All our natural foods come from the soils of the earth, our water comes from the skies and underground water supplies.
• We breathe air, we drink water, our food is grown in soil.
• What we refer to as “All Our Relations” provides everything we need to survive and prosper in our body, mind and spirit.
• It is up to each one of us how we recognize and express thanks for/to “All Our Relations”.

The Healer within – what does this mean?

I think of it as the place inside of humans that knows how to learn from communing with our natural world.

It is quiet and observant of ourselves and the other (whether it is a person, a gust of cool air, a bug, a frog or other living being) we have the opportunity to listen deeply, with every cell of our being. Listening deeply can mean opening all of our senses and our awareness to possibilities. We can listen to Ourselves, to our own needs, our health and our wellness.

Do we need fresh air, do we need quiet, do we need to unravel an issue, do we need someone to show us how to do that etc.?

We share the earth with many beings, mammals, fish, insects, water, winds and tend to forget we can commune with these beings as we do with humans. All of Our Relations/Nature supports us as we discover what it is that we need for ourselves and our communities.

Instructions

This is a solo activity.

Sitting on the earth is an opportunity to check in with yourself. Some good ways to start is to introduce yourself to nature.

Acknowledge the life around you and take a really good look at what grows and lives beneath, above and all around you.

Acknowledge these beings and express your gratitude for everything they provide; that you may have fruits, vegetables, water, clean air, etc.

Ask yourself about your needs and wants in your life at this time, then listen and open yourself for the answer(s). The live beings that share the the earth with you may have something to share with you.