Strengthening our Future

   As we enter the richness of May, the growth of all things birthed with spring abound. Colorful flowers, the fresh scent of earth, the sounds of various types of bird fill the air with the fullness of Life! Nature certainly is our best teacher for ways to live and trust the natural order of life. With our world being in such a state of chaos, each of us need to consider setting aside some time each day to just pause and observe the beauty outside our home or place of business. Fifteen minutes each day simply sitting on a porch swing or favorite outdoor chair offers us a time to really look at the trees, flowers, and critters that share our space with us. Even more enriching, place a comfortable blanket on the earth and gaze at the splendid display of the heavens above us. Sure, there are documentaries and programs specifically focused on nature and all her beauty; however, that requires sitting inside and observing such beauty through an electronic device. How about really going outside and experiencing the sights, smells, and sounds of nature?   
“Peacefulness: Nature shows us how it looks, feels and smell.”
From: “The Boomerang” Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path
 
In 1949 May was established as National Mental Health Awareness month. There could be no better way to strengthen our mental health then to really absorb the peacefulness and serenity nature offers. Why even a good rain storm can be invigorating. Oh, sure hot tubs are wonderful, just as a warm good shower feels rejuvenating; however, nature can touch our very soul in profound ways that words cannot even describe. All of our senses are heightened when we spend some time in nature. No doubt those of you with a dog can attest to the effects a good walk has on your faithful friend; yet consider how much you benefit from such outings. If you want to support good mental health for yourselves, your friends and your families, how about creating a daily routine for yourself to spend at least ten minutes each day among the natural world? Then ask one of your friends and/or family members to join you at least once a week on an excursion somewhere in nature. Even if it’s only ten minutes in your neighborhood or local park, create a routine, make an agreement and follow through. An important key to this is to “stick with it,” even if the other person doesn’t show up, do the activity. Keep the agreement for yourself, you will get the benefit regardless who is with you, then watch your mental dialogue change. I promise you will find less ruminating of worries and concerns IF you choose to let nature show you a thing or two about simplicity and trust. 
As we enter this month of richness, now might be a grand opportunity to teach the young ones in your life and/or neighborhood about planting, tending, and observing something that grows. I can think of no better way to teach responsibility and an appreciation for caring for something or someone outside themselves. Gather a plant pot or dig up a small patch of earth in your yard and teach them how to become “gardeners in life.” Who knows, you may just remember something your grandparents or elders in your community taught you when you were young. It’s one way to “Strengthen our Future” for the next seven generations!
 
Listening Woman is the Clan Mother for May. She teaches us how to refine our “listening” skills by hitting the pause button before speaking. To understand the true Language of Love she teaches us how to develop our inner knowing. Body cues, expressions, and the gift of discernment are developed by observing and listening to the actions, not words, of others as well as ourselves. Read a bit more about this Teacher of discernment by clicking on the 13 Original Clan mother link and considering the questions to ask yourself. Our next blog will share suggestions for developing one of the most important communication skills: Listening.
"It's about letting the "voice" of your heart speak,"
From: "Turned the Page" Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path

Check out our Events page for information and updates on ways to grow and strengthen as Sacred human beings