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Return to Nature

“It is always possible to begin anew.” (Pope Francis)  

Sometimes, when we are struggling to be the person we want to be, it can help to return to our roots, return to nature.  Nature is a great teacher. All we have to do is learn to observe and become aware. 

Anywhere you look in nature, there is a lesson to learn. Nature can teach us about patterns, cycles and relationships. It can restore love within us in a way that we helps us to begin to see the world with new eyes. Nature has a built-in capacity to let go, make peace, and eventually flow into new life.  We can learn about peace and love.  

In nature, we see the wonders of the present moment. There is always something to notice, appreciate, and celebrate. We can be inspired by the creativity and playfulness around us. We can learn about compassion and kindness.  

Being in nature can provide a sense of calm. Nature is a great place to untangle our thoughts and find fresh perspective. We are reminded that nothing is permanent. Things change from moment to moment. And during the change, we see how nature can adjust or revitalize or be liberated. We can learn about humility and patience.  

When we struggle, we can look to nature as our teacher and apply the lessons learned to our daily life.  There is always something new that can be awakened in us and in our relationships if we allow. We have opportunities each day to grow, heal, and change. We can begin anew.  

In today’s Wellness Wednesday, we share a strategy to help us return to nature. 

 

Try this: 

As a class, group, or family:  

  • What is something that you saw, heard, or felt?  
  • How did the walk help you gain a deeper awareness of the beauty of nature?  
  • What is one message or teaching from God that you found in nature?  
  • Another idea is to provide time to draw or write about the experience. Invite people to share.   

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer: 

How do you feel after walking with God in nature today?  

Is there a situation in your life that might change if you took advice from nature?  

 

Connecting to our faith: 

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)  

Nature shows the greatness of God. It’s a continual display of His love and work. We can feel God’s presence in the wind, or see Him in the waves. Nature is also a daily reminder of Jesus’ resurrection. We see from death that God restores life. He creates living.  

Taking time to acknowledge and celebrate the world around us, all of the living and non-living things that God created, provides an opportunity to make meaningful connections to Scripture and to Him.  It also provides opportunity to live our Catholic values and virtues through action. 

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15) 

Like nature, we are continually growing, healing, and changing. We can choose to accept and “clothe ourselves” in the qualities that God has offered. We can begin anew. 

Let us pray: Loving Jesus, guide me. Help me to live so that words like “peace,” “unity,” “humility” and “love” will be the main qualities that others see in me. Amen. 

 

 

Further Learning: 

 

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell.  

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