Balanced World

Being in the flow is well known amongst athletes, successful businessmen and contemporary modern masters as being a key to unravelling blocks that may stand in the way of life. These people often relate that such a state of flow comes from being 100% present in the moment.

My mind thinks this is far too simple. Too easy. Questions arise, “It must be more complex than just being present, there must be something more to it,  I mean, isn’t there something that can be done, something to fix, something to take away before I am content to just be with what is?” My mind offers options, ways, ideas, possibilities. This is especially so when I’m not comfortable. In these times my mind can tend to snowball, wondering if I can ever be consistent in my ability to be Okay with life for more than what can feel like a few seconds.

The hustle and bustle of daily life, work and family commitments, house chores and all manner of activities sometimes seem to consume me.

This is when pressing pause on all the chatter and stepping into what life is really all about becomes paramount. At these times, I find solace in nature. This is my ultimate reset. In deep nature I have access to the nature of who I am within. I find myself more at ease, more able to be present.

Research indicates (as shown in this link) that our biology and immune systems are balanced and boosted when we are in natural environments.

As we recover our connection with the earth and it’s natural rhythms, stress is often resolved or at least reduced. Sunlight increases vitamin D intake. Oxygen cleanses the lungs. Walking barefoot calms the nervous system. Swimming in the ocean cleanses and invigorates the body whilst also hydrating us at the same time.

Perhaps it’s time to replenish our nature connection? When we do, it’s possible we could find a reconnection with ourselves, without needing to do very much at all, things organically shift. In my experience people who lead successful lives regularly spend time in nature.

It helps still the mind. Unravelling the not so true stories that consume us, so we can simply be with the way things really are.

Another scientific discovery called ‘Earthing’, is based on a bio-electrical relationship that our bodies have with the earth. This relationship is hampered because people rarely walk barefoot or find direct physical contact with the earth. The philosophy of Earthing states that when we ground our bodies by walking barefoot and find direct physical contact with the earth we re-establish a state of homeostasis (defined in the wikipedia as the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes) and thereby enable the body’s natural healing processes.

In nature the birds, bees and butterflies never second guess themselves, there is no doubt about any decisions made. The bee moves gracefully from flower to flower. The butterfly’s flies fluidly. Never doubting for a  moment what it will do next. The bird takes off the branch never questioning; “Will there be enough food today? Maybe I should just stay here where it’s safe or I might just be sorry I ever flew so high and became so daring.”

No, no animal is ever anything but it’s natural self. Being connected is an organic way of being and is available to all of us. I believe that is why we are drawn to animals and to nature.

In the painting ‘Balanced World’ above nature, animals and all of humanity live in a symbiotic relationship. Life is trusted and known as supportive, regenerative and productive. All species are revered by humanity and recognised as being a part of all of life.

Across the painting shamans and people of various cultures dance, pray, sing and celebrate the fabric of life. This is where all of life has come from on the earth and it is absolutely possible that we can return to such a state of balance. The book itself acts as a key to help develop presence and a new relationship with the earth.