Nature Finds a Way
“There is a force in the universe, which, if we permit it, will flow through us and produce miraculous results.” – Mahatma Gandhi
When I think about nature, I think about my childhood, which was spent constantly out-of-doors. As a family we were campers, picnickers, hikers. If we could do anything outdoors, we did.
I grew up in New Mexico where nature was as intimate to our daily life as our own selves. Unlike life in an apartment building in a city, where the environment is highly controlled, in the mountains, lakes and canyons of New Mexico, the elements dictated our lifestyle.
It was only when I learned Transcendental Meditation that I realized that Nature is not just to be found outside of ourselves but within our minds and bodies and all that exists in the universe. It was enlightening to experience the interconnectness of everything. We are not just connected to Nature when we are in the forest or at a lake. Nature is the intrinsic creativity, intelligence, energy and organizing power within all the forces and phenomena that exist in the ever-expanding universe.
Nature inspires us, propels us, nourishes us and guides us–it is the most powerful evolutionary force of life.
William Wordsworth wrote:
And I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime
Of something far more deeply interfused,
Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,
And the round ocean, and the living air,
And the blue sky, and in the mind of man,
A motion and a spirit, that impels
All thinking things, all objects of all thought,
And rolls through all things.
Who hasn’t felt wonder at the uncompromising pursuit of life when Nature helps a tender shoot find its way through a crack in stone to not only survive but to flourish. This infinitely creative force can transcend all obstacles.
To realize our full potential requires that our mind and body are able to express in some way—like a shoot growing through a rock crevice—our inner creativity, organizing ability, and intelligence. We don’t need to be an athlete, or an artist, or a CEO, because every act—even making up a child’s bedtime story—reflects those abundant qualities. Every chance to give expression to our creativity and intelligence allows that tender shoot of our nature to grow.
To be fulfilled as a woman requires that whatever we express is supportive to everyone’s most tender feelings. We need to nourish, to uplift—and the gentleness in our nature finds a path to those around us. I found early in life that deep-enough rest is necessary for me to be in my most generous state of mind and emotions.
I have found TM to be the most valuable way to reduce tiredness and stress. If, before meditation, I feel restricted in my productivity, happiness, creativity or loving feelings, during meditation the restrictions melt.
We can be dynamic, powerful, successful—but always with a foundation in love. Our words and actions are beautiful and most effective when they’re wrapped in love, because, in this way, whatever interaction we have with others removes their doubts and sustains their wellbeing. This is truly living with the full nourishing power of Mother Nature.
About the Author
Vanessa Vidal is the national director of TM for Women in the USA
