The Alien Fence
Marlow Shami
Summer 2005.

Summer Greetings-

I have just completed Nature's Way Meditations CD! If you enjoy or would like to experience nature-based guided meditation visit Nature's Way Meditations CD . You can experience four different meditations plus a special 5th track -- seventeen plus minutes of the instrumental "Homecoming"  by award-winning composer Nancy Tucker.

You may want to use the instrumental track for silent meditation or as relaxing background music. Variations of "Homecoming" are used within all four of the meditations to enhance and deepen your experience.

Meditation is an effective means to ready yourself for an activity in nature or simply as a way to relax at the start or end of the day. You'll find details on the focus of each meditation (some bring you on a healing journey) by clicking the above link.

It's a rich summer here on the hill that holds my home. The garden is climbing its fence (squash and pumpkins), the surrounding meadow and forest host all sorts of newly "hatched " young. The day is filled with gray singing tree frogs, darting red teenage cardinals, and an eccentric wild rabbit who regularly visits to watch the sun rise between diving and rolling in the sparkle of a nearby sand patch.

I hope that wherever you live -- be it a wild, rural, suburban, or urban landscape -- that you are making the time to be touched by Nature as often as possible. In the brief moments that we truly experience the details of the present moment -- as a part of nature -- we can find the courage, clarity, guidance and grace needed to live life.

During dark times, as we are experiencing today, it's critical to find ways that cultivate a sense of being centered and flexible. Nature helps us remember what we need in order to thrive (as an individual and community) and what our gifts are and how we might realistically use them. Try the activity below to help deepen your healing relationship with Nature.

With Nature in heart and mind--

Marlow


NaturalSense
SUMMER ISSUE
Volume 5 Issue 17

CONTENTS:

* Mission statement
* Essay: The Alien Fence
* Activity: Your Guiding Edge
* Marlow's NaturalSense Calendar
* Resources & Community Events

NaturalSense e-newsletter investigates how and why our relationship with nature can be a healing one. The nature of healing is rooted in our relationship with all of life.

The quality of our life is directly related to the quality of our relationship with Nature. This newsletter provides an essay, nature-based activity, calendar, and resource list to inspire the deepening of your natural healing connections with Nature.

Marlow Shami, M.S. is a Nature-based healer, teacher, and writer. She has a private healing practice in Litchfield, Connecticut. She conducts Nature and healing workshops, Nature Meditation Circles, and publishes a free quarterly e-newsletter, NaturalSense®. Her specialty is the healing connection between humans and the natural world.

It was a morning in early summer. A silver haze shimmered and trembled over the lime trees. The air was laden with their fragrance. The temperature was like a caress. I remember -- I need not recall -- that I climbed up a tree stump and felt suddenly immersed in Itness. I did not call it by that name. I had no need for words. It and I were one. ~~ Bernard Berenson  

The basis of any real morality must be the sense of kinship between all living things.
~~ Henry Salt

ESSAY:  THE ALIEN FENCE

The animal was frantic, running back and forth next to the fence surrounding my vegetable garden. How did she get in? I squinted against the rising sun looking for a hole in the fencing. Finding no hint of a break in the fence I decided to quietly approached the frenetic streak of gray. First the animal ran to one end of the fence then down to the other end with a feeble attempt to scale the 5 foot high netting mid way. She ran the same route over and over again growing more agitated with each round.

The squirrel, aware of my approach, intensified her efforts to get free. Her mobility and speed was impressive, yet futile. I speculated on how to shepherd her out of the fenced in area wondering all the while, why, if she climbed in, (and indeed that would be the only way in), why, won't she simply climb out?

As I drew closer, the animal's predicament became clear. It was not imprisoned. The squirrel couldn't climb out because it was not in the garden. The fence was not a barrier to the animal's freedom. She was outside the garden, free to roam as she pleased, but she had convinced herself that the fence was blocking her only path. The up and down routine continued until I took a few steps closer, giggling. My close proximity, and I suppose my teeth, shook the animal out of its pattern and she dove into reality loping off in graceful arches. The animal laced through the long grasses, pink clover, buttercups and wild daises with the ease of a swallow in flight.

"Thank you" I whispered as she vanished into the dark recesses of forest bordering the meadow. No wild creature is born knowing about the human invention of the fence. The fence was alien to the squirrel. In fact, the fence was so strange and unnatural, that the squirrel was unable to experiment with options. It could have walked away from the fence at anytime. It was caught up in experiencing the fence as a block to the only route out. The squirrel's experience of the "alien" fence elicited a flight or fight response and as a result it became stuck in an unproductive and extremely stressful pattern.

When we grow up without learning to relate and rely on the natural world as an intelligent part of us, we naturally suffer.  Nature is to each of us, no matter where we live, as our arm is to our body. We need nature to thrive and sustain life on all levels.

We're encouraged when living in a high speed consumption based culture, to get caught up in negative patterns, habits and often, addictions. On the average an adult spends over ninety-five percent of life indoors. The truth is (and there is an abundance of solid research backing my point) that we are multisensory creatures and need contact daily with the outdoor world of trees, animals, sky and wind. Simply put, we need the diversity of life to thrive. When we intentionally interact with nature the very moment is enlivened, our many senses blink us awake, we align ourselves with our natural system whose job is to balance and heal.

We too get stuck, like that little squirrel, in unhealthy patterns, thinking we need to get to the other side, via one route only, so we push against the tide, or we feel imprisoned and paralyzed by our situation and give up or simply numb ourselves.

Over eating, over working, excessive anything, is an indication something is not right -- something is wrong in our life. Often, these excessive behaviors are used to numb the suffering we can't bear to face or relegated long ago to our subconscious.

Paradoxically -- the discomfort we experience can be taken as positive information. Be it emotional, spiritual, or physical pain, our suffering is nature's way of talking to us. When we listen and make an effort to understand what the discomfort is communicating we are naturally lead to what is needed for relief.

Listening to Nature takes courage and a quiet mind.

Imagine our personal "fence" to be the alien -- unnatural stories about ourselves and Nature we were taught to believe were true. Stories like, humans are separate and superior to nature. I am loved and successful only if I do ... (you fill in the blank). Any story that tries to convince you that you are unworthy of living a creative, fulfilling life begs to be transformed and our relationship with nature is key.

This is a process that requires detective work, an open mind, patience, and compassion.

Nature is not a side show to enjoy when you have time.  Nature demonstrates our ability to live in sustainable ways, and ultimately, become whole and healed. Listening to nature is a skill developed through regular practice.

Be interested in the thoughts and activities that cultivate equanimity in your life. This is a powerful place. Observe the outcome of engaging in the activities, people, and thoughts in daily life. If you experience life giving outcomes (create positive energy and movement) you're honoring your true nature and needs. If the outcomes are life taking (create negative energy and movement) you might want to reflect on what you're doing and thinking.

Remember, we are far more intelligent and whole when we intentionally relate to nature. Try the nature based activity below to help you identify an alien fence interfering with the quality of your life.

ACTIVITY: YOUR GUIDING EDGE

~Each time you intentionally engage nature with an open heart and mind you straighten your multisensory connections as a part of Nature. This silent dialogue of sense and metaphor happens here. ~

1) Go outside and find an attractive natural area you feel welcomed in. You might sit on a rock, lean up against a tree or simply stand in a patch of light on a sidewalk.  Make sure you still feel welcomed once you have been with the area a minute.

2) Breathe in and out slowly. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice your breath as you breathe. Allow your focus to bring you into the present. Let the worries and "to do" lists take a back seat. Don't let them draw your attention. Let them float by.

3) Look around and notice where a border exists.  A number of places may catch your attention; sky meets hillside, field meets woods, wind meets leaf, rain meets earth, skin meets atmosphere, grass meets pavement...go with the border that has the greatest attraction.

4) Notice how movement occurs between the areas residing on either side of the border. Notice how the border is crossed.

5) Ask the border for council on how you might recognize and negotiate the crossing of an internal border -- one you keep bumping up against, one that does not support your well being now.

**Remember ... take what you get. Don't judge or edit what you notice, hear, sense or feel. Drop all expectations and simply note what attracts your attention. You'll allow your rational mind to "think" and write about this experience later. Right now just be present and open to what catches your attention. Attraction is the language of Nature.

6) As always, when you feel your nature connection has come to a conclusion, express your gratitude for this experience in your own way. Gratitude grows compassion and your multisensory nature.

KEEP A JOURNAL. After you thank the area take a time to write down what you noticed and what it may mean to you. How did Nature council you on an "alien fence"?

~~I love reading about your experiences. If you would like to share your activity experience with me email your comments. Email comments to Mshami@aol.com. ~~

CALENDAR

Monday Sept. 19, Nature As Healer Meditation Circle 6:15-8:00PM ,  White Memorial Rt. 202, Litchfield, preregistration necessary: 860-491-2067 or MShami@aol.com. $15. Pre-register via Paypal

This gathering is for anyone interested in experiencing the simple power of nature's healing effects through guided meditation, natural energy touch, and the Natural Systems Thinking Process. No experience is necessary. Bring a blanket/mat if you prefer to lie down for meditation and wear comfortable clothes.

Sept. Sat. 24,  9:30 AM-12:00  Growing a Meaningful Life; What's Nature Got to Do With It? Everyone has the capacity to create a meaningful, satisfying life. If your feeling confused, frustrated, overwhelmed or simply in need of a supportive tune up this workshop can help you over the hump!  

You'll focus on how the quality of your relationship with your true inner nature determines the quality of your life. You will tap into your natural ability to receive wise council and creative inspiration. You will take home practical, easy to use skills, designed to support you on your creative life path. LifeLearn West Hartford. Call (860) 523-3535 for details and registration.

Monday Oct. 17, Nature As Healer Meditation Circle 6:15-8:00PM, White Memorial Rt. 202, Litchfield, preregistration necessary: 860-491-2067 or MShami@aol.com. $15.
See September 19 for details.
 

RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

Sept. 10, 9:30-5:30, The Cosmology of Love- It might seem unrealistic to look to Love for solutions to the problems we are experiencing on Earth. But nothing could be more realistic. Find out why, and learn how you can see your life journey as a story of love unfolding. Location: Marion Town Music Hall 164 Front St., Marion, MA. Cost $100. students $45. Details & Reg. Mindshift Institute,  Email Info@mindshiftinstitute.org, Tel: 212-721-6785

Sept. 24, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, 4th Annual Women’s Festival celebrating body, mind, heart & spirit! Workshops, demonstrations, talks. Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Rt. 202), Litchfield, CT $5 suggested donation Info. 860.738.1608 or walkinthewoods@5pillars.com

Oct. 11, 4PM-9PM Sacred Trust Forum: Religion and the Environment
Keynote : Peter B. deMenocal is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of Columbia University on Understanding the Global Warming Forecast: Using the Past as a Guide to the Future. Workshops include; Mysticism and Creation Care, Ecology Begins at Home, Smart Growth: Balancing Economic, Human and Ecological Needs in Development Planning and much more!

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Cost: $30 includes dinner. Info: dbarrett@hartsem.edu

RESOURCES

ProjectNatureConnect www.ecopsych.com/homepagenature.html- Readily available, online, natural science tools for the health of person, planet and spirit. Founded by Dr. Michael Cohen who has been teaching, living and learning outdoors for 40 years. PNC offers workshops and Internet programs for socially responsible environmental education. Dr. Cohen created the cutting edge the Natural SystemsThinking Process, a powerful educational tool.

NatureConnected Resources page http://www.mindspring.com/~sasmith/resource.html In addition to an expanded selection of on-line resources, the offers free materials online and books available for purchase through Amazon.com.This arrangement allows a wider range of resources to be offered to visitors to the NatureConnected Resources page.

Energy Guide - your complete resource for free unbiased advice about today's energy choices. www.energyguide.com    
 
The Earth Charter http://www.earthcharter.org/ - This document sets out values and principles for a sustainable future.

National Green Pages http://www.greenpages.org/ - A directory of qualified green businesses available online! Search for over 25,000 products and services from 2,000 green companies.
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Copyright © 2004, all rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute NaturalSense® Newsletter as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author of this article is: Marlow D. J. Shami. Contact her by email at: MShami@aol.com, or by phone at (860) 491-2067

Create balance and healing by deepening your relationship with Nature.

Marlow Shami
NaturalSense ®
PO Box 333
Goshen, CT 06756
TEL: (860) 491-2067
Email: MShami@aol.com
www.naturalsense.org