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Connect With Your Mother
When I was a young girl, I often felt that nature was my real best friend. I found so much comfort in the woods, among the mountains and lakes, and even in our own garden. When I was in nature, I knew that all would be all right; she was like a comfy blanket and teddy bear in my times of distress. To this day, I still get the same feelings, as if somebody is hugging me, letting me know that no matter what is worrying me, I can take a deep breath with Mother Nature and all will be well. Mother Earth is a living meditation; her beauty is everywhere, boundless in her never-ending cycles of life. This is why I make time every day to connect with nature, even if it is only in my garden, knowing that I will slip easily into a calmer state there. Nature both energizes and grounds me, providing me with the perfect energetic attunement needed in that moment. The beauty of nature is that it is available to everybody; even those living in cities have many parks to choose from, and a small spot can become your special place to relax and connect. Nature wants to come forth—wants our connection. In turn we are nourished by its abundance. There is really nothing that will bring you back to center within yourself faster than breathing fresh air and walking in a meadow, among the trees, or on a beach. But there is a difference between being in nature and being with nature. When we are in nature, we notice her beauty and what she has to offer, perhaps by going for a hike; but when we are truly with nature, we become one with her. All at once we can feel her and notice how we are all connected. We are brought out of our own awareness of our daily life and grounded in something deeper and more meaningful. We are provided a peace and a unity with all life. Take the time to go out on nature dates— sit on a rock, on a bench at a park, or under a tree: listen and breathe. You don’t need to check your messages, text, or make a call. Just close your eyes and connect. This is how you get grounded; this is how you center your energy in your body. All at once your shoulders will drop and your body will relax. Mother Earth wants to connect with you; she has been waiting for you and will receive you lovingly in her heart if you just take the time to sit still. I love nature so much—our great Mother Earth who really is our ultimate mother! Becoming more in tune with nature made me realize how we, as a species, treat the earth. When I was still taking my medication, I became aware that all of the drugs we put into our bodies ends up back in the earth and in our water. I read articles that said cities were finding anti-depressant medication in their water systems, and it frightened me. I didn’t want to be a part of that if I could help it. I love the earth so much, and we only have this one planet to live on. I realized that I didn’t want to do anything in my life to contribute to her demise. I used this knowledge as part of my motivation to become free of medications. It became very clear that I needed to care for Mother Earth as she cares for me. This is the wonderful thing about “lightbulb” moments: we never know when or what will boost us onto the trajectory of a new and healthier path. What are we doing to our planet—our home—and what can I do to help? These questions really lit a fire in me to take care of my body in the best possible way naturally, so I didn’t add to the pharmaceuticals that were ending up in our resources. Part of living on this planet is being a good steward of the land, acting for the whole of humanity, and not acting selfishly. For a long time I struggled whenever I had to take an antibiotic or another pill, as I knew where it would eventually end up. If I could be one less person adding to this pollution, I wanted to do something about it. As with all things, there must be balance, and knowing that I was aware of the issue and doing the best job I could was a good start. Communing and connecting with nature enhanced my awareness and made me fall deeply in love with Mother Earth—I wanted to protect and care for her so that she, too, could be healthy and whole. How I wanted to treat and heal my body became a reflection of how I wanted to treat and heal our Earth. The ways I try to help heal our Earth are:
Excerpted from Unmedicated. The Four Pillars of Natural Wellness by Madisyn Taylor courtesy of Atria Books/ Beyond Words and Madisyn Taylor.
Madisyn Taylor is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the popular inspirational website and daily newsletter, DailyOM and is responsible for all of its content. A recognized leader in self-help and new thought spirituality, Taylor has more than 20 years of experience in personal development and alternative healing methodologies. She has contributed to national publications and is a popular guest on many radio shows. Hay House published her international bestselling books, DailyOM: Inspirational Thoughts For A Happy, Healthy & Fulfilling Day, and DailyOM: Learning To Live, and she is also a #1 Billboard recording artist with her line of guided meditation albums. |
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Some of the most awe inspiring
moments of
my life have occurred
outdoors, in the presence
of nature: witnessing an
incredible moonrise from
behind a hill, with the moon
feeling close enough to jump
on it; feeling the power of
waves breaking at the beach,
reminding me that nature is a
powerful force; observing the
silence of a summer night and
staring at the stars, my mind
filled with questions about
where we came from; finding a
magnificent tree that beckons
me to sit beneath her.