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The nature of healing is rooted
in our relationship with all of life. When we wake up to our
authentic self, our thoughts, actions, and life reflect the
innate compassion and creative change of the natural world.
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"Why Are You Teaching What We Already Know?"!
Marlow Shami
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NaturalSense
Summer ISSUE
Volume 3 Issue 12
Greetings--
NEWSFLASH!
Welcome to my new website
www.naturalsense.org. You'll find a calendar of events and
workshops, archived NaturalSense newsletters from the past two
years, resources to support healing with nature, and more! We worked
hard on it and feel good about the outcome. The site will change
over time, just like Nature, so keep checking in! Thank you Sherri
Owen,
http://www.nononsensedesign.com/, a most fabulous web designer
and pitch hitter for NaturalSense!
Now, onto the topic of the newsletter. Summer is half way through.
The weekend festival's sounds and smells travel on the wind the half
mile into my office window. I am thinking about how that air
connects me to the festival and to you. How easy it is to forget how
tightly woven our lives are. We each witness and are touched by the
violence, fear, frustration, beauty, generosity and love in the
world. What to do with what we see, hear and feel? What do we do
when we turn our heads and hear, smell and feel the events, knowing
in our gut that we are all a part of this incredibly beautiful world
that is now going through a very dark time.
Come with me for a few minutes and read my essay about our
interrelated nature and how it touches our lives personally and
globally. I offer you a simple nature based activity to assist in
you in seeking counsel, solace, restoration, and with a little time,
inspiration and healing.
With Nature in heart and mind--
Marlow
NaturalSense®
CONTENTS:
* Mission statement
* Essay: Why Are You Teaching What We Already Know?
* Activity: Cultivating Your Sensory Lifeline
* Marlow's NaturalSense Calendar
* Resources & Community Events
Mission Statement: NaturalSense e-newsletter offers you an
opportunity to investigate 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. When we wake up to our authentic self
as a part of nature, our thoughts, actions, and life reflect the
innate compassion and creative change of the natural world. This
newsletter provides an essay, activity, calendar, and resource list
to inspire the deepening of your natural healing connections with
Nature.
Marlow Shami M.S. is a teacher, and writer. She has a private
healing practice in Litchfield, Connecticut. She conducts nature
based healing workshops, healing with nature meditation circles, and
publishes a free quarterly e-newsletter, NaturalSense®. Her
specialty is the healing connection between humans and the natural
world.
I believe our largest problems have grown from the earth's
remotest corners as well as our own backyards, and that salvation
may lie in those places too. ~~ Barbara Kingsolver from her book
Small Wonder
Essay ~
"Why Are You Teaching What We Already Know?"!
by Marlow Shami
I am often asked to explain just what it is I
"do." After giving my sixty-second elevator speech: " I help
people experience the healing they need through their relationship
with outdoor nature," the first question asked is "What does
nature have to do with healing?" When we talk a bit more, they
often ask; "Don't you think it's common sense that we like nature
and go out to enjoy it whenever we can?" and "Why are you teaching
people what we already know?"
I nod in agreement but the question remaining is why then do so
few of us go out doors on a daily basis and experience the
restorative effects of nature. Why do so many people suffer from
stress, depression, heart disease and cancer? If it is indeed a
human need to get outdoors to rest and recreate why don't we? If
we do get out, why are the effects so short lived? And, by the
way, what does heart disease, cancer, and depression have to do
with Nature?
I'll use two brief stories to begin to address these questions. A
wildlife rehabilitator friend excused herself from a dinner
gathering explaining that she needed to feed an orphaned baby
squirrel in her care. One of the guests commented on how odd he
thought it was that she would do such a thing. Just the week
before a visitor commented on the tree frogs that sing outside my
home... "Why they used to sing in my yard but haven't for years."
Earlier that day I had visited her home and noticed her very green
yard was weed-less. She remarked "My husband would be horrified if
he found one weed here."
Tending an orphaned baby animal would make as much sense as
choosing to not use poisonous chemicals on lawns and gardens, a
bane to tree frogs, birds, millions of micro organisms in the
soil, and humans. Likewise, choosing to seek answers and take
actions that address the cause of uniquely human problems like
environmental pollution, global warming, homelessness, suburban
sprawl and war is to become conscious of being a part of the
system we all share. When we make the everyday efforts to wake up
to the deep bloodlines we share with all of life we reclaim our
soul, heritage and natural wisdom.
Lets look at the definition of a system...A system is a regularly
interacting or interdependent group of bodies under the influence
of related forces (Merriam Webster.) What's missing in the above
stories is the regularly interacting ability many have let fall by
the wayside. It is easy to forget that we are a part of the system
of nature while living this fast paced consumer based indoor
society. Those of you reading this newsletter understand this
point. The challenge is how to put this understanding into every
day thought and action.
Scientists are finding solid evidence suggesting we humans are
wired to be in deep contact with the natural world on a regular
basis. Hospital patients with tree-filled window views need less
pain medication and are released earlier than those with a view of
the parking lot. Children's cognitive abilities are enhanced after
spending time in green activities as opposed to their choice of
non-green favorite activities like baseball or TV watching. Adults
too experience positive effects on how they feel and think after
spending time in nature.
If we are a part of Nature, and Nature is a healer, why is cancer,
heart disease and depression so widespread? The following list of
possible causes came from David Orr's book Earth in Mind (1994).
Note, this is really a list of symptoms. These problems occur as a
result of living and thinking as if we were not a part of nature.
~~Human breast milk often contains more toxins than are
permissible in milk sold by dairies.
~~At death, human bodies (as well as the bodies of whales and
dolphins washed up on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and the
Atlantic shore) often contain enough toxins and heavy mental to be
classified as hazardous waste.
~~Roughly 80% of European forests have been damaged by acid rain.
~~There is a marked decline in both fungi and amphibians world
wide and no one (as of 1994) knows why.
~~The U.S. releases some 11.4 billion tons of hazardous wastes to
the environment every year.
You get the gist. Modern culture is spinning out of control and is
out of touch with its very source of self and of life; our
environment.
Listen, I know this picture looks overwhelming, and yes, even
depressing. But this is when building our relationship with nature
will most definitely help. Nature is the master teacher of
creating homeostasis, and we intuitively know this. How do we rake
away all the cultural debris that blocks us from nature's wisdom
and restorative affects? This process takes time, devotion,
community, and nature.
So I'll stop harping about our modern problems and simply leave
you with a suggestion. Try the activity with Nature following this
essay. Do it at least once a day for a minimum of fifteen minutes.
Taking action is required in order to counter the numbing effects
of this consumption addicted culture and its mind altering media
blitz. Just as a plant needs water, nutrition, sun and protection,
we too must nurture our native home within nature.
The idea here is for you to create a simple structure to cultivate
your authentic self. In making the time, using your intention, and
opening your heart and mind to this activity you are saying yes to
life, and contributing to the positive change our world needs now.
POST ESSAY ACTIVITY: CULTIVATING YOUR SENSORY LIFELINE
Try the following activity on a daily basis and listen to nature's
healing guidance. This activity is based on the Natural Systems
Thinking Process. Learn more about tit at
www.organicpsychology.com.
~~Preparation: You will need a pencil and small pad of paper for
this activity and a safe and attractive outdoor natural area.
STEP 1: Go outside and follow a positive attraction in
nature. Choose only natural attractions such as a tree, pool of
light, bush, rock, bird song, etc. Once you have found a place you
feel welcomed and safe in, proceed to step 2.
STEP 2: What are three qualities you find especially
attractive in what you have been attracted to? (example: I love the
sound of the wind, how powerful it is and how soothing it can be on
this humid day).
STEP 3: Now write down the three qualities and a sentence or
two about why you find each of them attractive. (The sound of the
wind reminds me of Cape Cod; a place that brings me great joy and
relaxation. Feeling the power of the wind gives me perspective,
etc.)
STEP 4: Put your paper and pencil down and quiet your mind.
Simply pay attention to your breathing for a minute.
Ask this natural area or entity how these qualities can help you in
your life right now. Don't judge or edit what comes up, just notice.
You may hear a song, see an image or
notice an insect involved in an activity, just notice what you see,
sense and feel.
Once you feel the activity has come to completion write about your
experience. Write about how you experienced informs and guides you.
STEP 5: Make sure you thank the area for joining you in this
activity before you leave. Gratitude feels good and acknowledging
your relationship with nature builds your sense of connection to the
natural world. Remember the sense of gratitude amplifies the healing
effect of your connection with nature. This activity helps to
cultivate your very best qualities and all of life benefits from
your caring in this way.
~~~~I enjoy reading about your experiences. If you would like to
share your activity experience with me or the whole activity group
simply email your comments and let me know your intentions on
sharing. Email comments to
Mshami@aol.com.
RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
August 16 and 17, 8th Annual NorthWest Herbal
Faire, The Faire is in Van
Zandt, WA at the River Farm
http://www.nwherbalfaire.com on August 16 and 17. Ecopsychology
therapists and educators Allison Weeks and Dave Paulsen from
Attraction Retreat will be presenting two different, one hour long
Reconnecting with Nature workshops each day entitled Organic
Psychology: Shamanism for the 21st Century. Last year over 1,200
people enjoyed the offerings from about 50 workshops and 60 vendors.
This event is designed for the whole family!
September 4-7 The Water Of Life Conference Peril & Promise in
the 21st Century, Omega Conference Center, 150 Lake Drive,
Rhinebeck, NY.
www.eomega.org or call 800-944-1001.The World Water Council
projects that by 2025, much of the world's population (including
that of the United States) will suffer severe water scarcity. The
vice president of the World Bank has stated, "The wars of this
century will be about water." The United Nations has proclaimed 2003
as the international Year of Freashwater, encouraging governments
businesses, and activists to address the impending global water
crisis. This conference will focus on finding solutions to the vital
challenges of sustainable water management, protection and use. All
are welcomed to participate.
September 8 7:00pm You Have The Power, First Methodist Church
941 Old Rock Hill Rd., Wallingford, CT. Explore the renewable energy
possibilities in Connecticut.Info: (860 493-0696 /
www.irejn.org/powerpanels.html
September 8 7:30pm Earth Prayers, First Baptist Church of
West Hartford, 90 North Main St., WH, CT. Inspiration, teaching,
prayer and music are parts of Earth Prayers. We seek guidance and
strength to commit to caring ecological life-style. Info: (860)
493-0696/
www.centerforserenity.org.
October 4 9:00am -6:00pm 2nd Annual Women's Health Fair,
FREE! Litchfield Community Center, Rt. 202 in Litchfield, CT, Free
workshops, lectures, demonstrations, information, vendors! Join us
for a day of sharing community, health and wellness. Donations
appreciated, proceeds to will go to the Litchfield Community Center.
For more information, a listing of the events or directions, call
860.738.1608.
September 30 4:00pm-9:00pm A Sacred Trust: A Forum on
Religion and the Environment, St. Patrick's and Saint Anthony's
Church 285 Church St, West Hartford, CT. Info: (860) 493-0696
YES a journal of positive futures: An award-winning quarterly
magazine invites the reader to be part of a global community of
change makers. Each issue focuses on a theme, showing the
possibilities and practical steps that can lead us all to a more
positive future. To learn more / subscribe
http://www.yesmagazine.org/
Small Wonder essays a book by Barbara Kingsolver. Read this
book. Taken from the back cover "From one of history's darker
moments, Barbara Kingsolver brings us an extended love song to the
world we still have...her essays are grounded in the belief that our
largest problems have grown from earth's remotest corners as well as
our own backyards, and that answers may lie in those places too..."
WEBSITES OF INTEREST:
~~www.hsperson.com
Learn about Dr. Elain Aron's ground breaking research on Highly
Sensitive People. Details on upcoming HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)
gatherings on both the west and east coast are listed here.
~~
www.Organicpsychology.com -- Learn more about how you can
enhance your relationship with Nature when you visit this cutting
edge website created by a leading researcher in the field of sensory
ecology. Dr. Cohen created the Natural Systems Thinking Process, a
powerful and effective nature connecting tool. I use NSTP in much of
my work.
~~www.naturalsense.org
You'll find a calendar of events and workshops, archived
NaturalSense newsletters from the past two years, resources to
support you healing with nature, and more.
~~www.ecopsychology.org
Learn more about how nature heals by visiting the International
Community for Ecopsychology website. List of events, resources,
essays, and links for more depth.
~~www.yesmagazine.org
Website amplifies the reach of the stories published in YES! to
hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, many of whom
may not have access to the hard copy publication. This organization
also uses the Web to respond quickly to events such as the attacks
of September 11, 2001. We post discussion guides to each issue of
YES! and links that help people find relevant events and
organizations they can work with to make change happen.
READERS WRITE COLUMN
From time to time NaturalSense®
publishes a Reader's Write column. Please don't be shy, email any
questions or comments and I'll do my best to respond to them in a
future column.
MShami@aol.com
Marlow Shami~NaturalSense®
PO Box 33
Goshen, CT 07656
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Copyright © 2003, 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
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