Finding Your True North
Marlow Shami
Spring 2004.
Spring Greetings-
This issue features the essay "Find Your True North" which explores
the inner compass each of us holds within our body, mind and soul.
You'll learn creative ways to sort out and brush up your powerful
sense-abilities, your compass's guide, and in the process receive
wise counsel and restoration.
"Come to Your Senses Via Your Inner Compass" provides an
opportunity for you to create a first hand experience navigating
life with your inner compass. I shared this activity with you a few
years back and use it often personally and in workshops because it
works. You cultivate your healing connection with nature each time
you engage in an activity like this one.
With Nature in heart and mind--
Marlow
NaturalSense
Spring ISSUE
Volume 4 Issue 14
CONTENTS:
* Mission statement
* Essay: Finding Your True North
* Activity: Your Nature is to Love
* Marlow's NaturalSense Calendar
* Resources & Community Events
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 realize and experience the fact that we are a part of
nature, our thoughts, actions, and life reflect the innate
compassion and creative change of the natural world. 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.
ESSAY: Finding Your True North
There are plenty of paths to follow for personal growth:
teachers, books, meditation, counseling, dreams, nutrition, and
spirituality, to name a few. Some of us hope someone or something
far wiser than ourselves has left a path for us to follow while
others want to blaze their own path. But how to know we are on the
right path? Getting to know our personal True North is indeed the
guide
However you choose to travel, hope and faith work to keep your feet
well “souled.” Our outer and inner journeys are tied together like a
bird to the wind and tree to the ground. But sometimes we need trail
blazes, markers, and indications assuring us that we are in
alignment out our life purpose.
This need for external guidance is connected to our lack of regular
daily contact with the natural world, resulting in a disconnection
between what we think we need and what is really needed. We each
possess the ability to heal this gap, an ability I call “body
compass.”
Our inner compass can direct us in creating a sense of purpose. Once
you get a sense of how your body compass feels, you’re off and
running with your True North in the lead.
What is True North? True North is a wonderful metaphor about
discovering right direction, your purpose. One’s direction may shift
often during a lifetime but when purpose is the thread connecting
each experience, the journey becomes an adventure rather than a
series of unrelated successes, failures and dormant periods.
When we feel purpose in our lives, the joy, suffering and confusion
are less likely to press my judgment button.
Judgment thoughts usually focus on a negative perception of
experiences and sound like this: “Oh gosh, I can’t be feeling this
way again! Why do I keep getting hurtfully entangled with this
particular type of person? Why can’t this painful hip just stop
hurting--I must be doing something wrong. I really should/shouldn't
do it even though…”—you fill in the blank. This kind of self-talk
exacerbates an already difficult situation stemming from a core
disconnection most of us live with unconsciously.
“Is it a sense of bliss?” a woman asked during a recent workshop
discussion, her eyes wide with a clear desire to find her true
north. “Do we feel bliss when we find our True North?”
The answer in my experience is yes and no. We experience a
variety of sensations and emotions in life. This mass-technological
culture we live in would like us to believe anything short of the
bliss of immediate gratification implies something must be wrong
with us or we have failed in some way. Sounds like a goldmine
philosophy for a consumer-based culture and the few (corporations)
profiting from this mass illusion.
From the day we are born we are taught to see ourselves as
separate and different from nature. We are misled by our culture’s
obsession with conquering and exploiting nature rather that
co-creating with it. When we expand our definition of what it means
to be alive to include the fact that our species is a unique
expression of nature, we begin to uncover our body compass.
Remember, homo sapiens evolved out of at least 3.5 billion years
of our living planets evolution. Our heritage is rooted in Earth’s
family tree and we are an intrinsic part of nature. Due to our
cultural conditioning, it can take some work to integrate this truth
Each of you has a north star buried deep within every atom of
your body. The trick now is how to learn to sense this compass, how
to listen. When we remember we are already a part of nature, this
becomes easier.
Why not just go to the source for guidance, nature? The Natural
Systems Thinking Process (NSTP is a process I teach in my workshops)
has proven itself effective in tuning into the body compass. This
process cultivates your ability to think and act in healthy ways via
nature based activities and meditation.
For an example, notice how, in the following story, my senses
informed me and communicated my body compass directions. It was dusk
when I drove down that rural road in Pennsylvania still scattered
with tree branches left by a recent storm. I noticed a fragile
silhouette in the road. It looked like a tiny bent winged airplane
and instantly knew it was a bird. Given the position of
its tiny outstretched wings with the tips touching the
ground, I knew she was still alive.
I backed my car up quickly hoping to beat the
oncoming traffic and jumped out to gently scoop her up. She did not
resist but simply looked at me with her wings pulled close to her
body.
She was a fledgling sparrow with a little baby
down beneath her wings and one downy thread above her right eye. For
the next nine hours we lived together and developed a simple yet
intimate relationship whereby I listened to the bird and learned to
communicate without words.
All that was required to create the connection
necessary for me to accommodate her needs was a mutual observance of
each others' movements and responses. She soon showed me just what
she needed and I, in turn, learned about tending my relationship
with nature within and all around me.
I quickly learned she didn't like having her
body covered, preferring to perch on a finger in my cupped hand. She
also objected to having anything move directly over her but she did
like the feeling of my hand against one side of her body. When we
returned home, she was trusting enough to fall asleep on my chest
just below my chin.
How is this swallow story connected to
familiarizing ourselves with our inner compass and finding our True
North direction? It's very simple. If I listen to what my sore hip
is saying rather than berate myself for not healing quickly enough,
I have listened to my compass. Softly investigating what triggers
uncomfortable feelings rather than chastising ourselves for having
them makes room for empathy and insight. If we ask ourselves why we
feel compelled to do/not do something we don't really want to, our
true values start to emerge and we can learn to act from authentic
priorities, led by our True North.
To find your True North or body's compass, your own personal
details need to be heard, felt, sensed and honored. This kind of
self-care brings you into alignment with the wisdom of your inner
compass and grows your sense of purpose. There is great freedom to
be found in the details of your truth. Take care of your swallow by
learning to listen and see what she has to tell you about your real
needs, healing, and purpose.
ACTIVITY: COME TO YOUR SENSES VIA YOUR INNER COMPASS
Each time you engage in an activity with nature your experience
will be unique. This is how nature works, always flowing and
changing. You will learn how your inner compass guides you via
following the flow of your sensory-attractions in this activity. The
skill you cultivate in this activity contributes greatly towards the
quality of your life. Enjoy!
STEP 1: Go outside and follow what you are attracted to in nature.
Choose only natural attractions such as a tree, pool of light, bush
or rock. Once you have found a place you feel welcomed and safe in
proceed to step 2.
STEP 2: Pick one situation you would like to deal with this week.
Maybe you have been meaning to clean that basement for the past
year? Hope to pick up on your exercise routine? Is there a workshop
you have been meaning to attend but keep putting off? Have you been
meaning to call that old friend or make a new one? It might help to
think about the following: What is going on in your life right now
that distracts you from an important goal?
STEP 3: Once you are clear on the life situation you would like
address ask the natural area or entity for counsel on your
situation. Be clear about your particular situation/concern as you
ask for guidance. You may talk out loud, to yourself or write your
question down on a piece of paper.
STEP 4: Quiet your mind and just be present. Drop any
expectations; they block receptivity towards nature’s guidance.
Notice whatever you notice in the natural area (smells, sounds,
colors, animals, etc.) and within your self (feelings memories,
images).
After 5 to 20 minutes write down some of the highlights of what
you experienced and notice how they address your life situation.
Take your time. Trust more understanding may be come apparent the
following day, or in a dream.
Make sure you thank the area for joining you in this activity
before you leave. Gratitude feels good! Remember the sense of
gratitude amplifies the healing effect of your connection with
nature.
~~~~I love 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 if your intentions. Email
comments to Mshami@aol.com
CALENDAR
March 26-27 True Colors XI:
Opening Minds, Opening Doors Conference
-- a conference for LGBT youth, adults and families. Central
CT State Univ. New Britain, CT. I'll present Nature As Healer:
Experience Nature's Role in supporting your emotional, physical and
spiritual health. Fri. 2:45-5:45PM, Sat.1:00-4:00PM. See
conference's full workshop listing
www.OurTrueColors.org
http://www.OurTrueColors.org tel: (860) 649-7386 info/registration
April 21,
Wednesday,
Nature As Healer Meditation Circle
6:15-8:00PM, White
Memorial Rt. 202, Litchfield, pre-registration necessary:
860-491-2067 or
MShami@aol.com . $15. 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. Pre-register via Paypal
April 22-26 3rd Annual Spring Gathering of
Highly Sensitive People-
Bryn Mawr Retreat Center, Honesdale, PA. I'll present "An
HSP's Guide to Accessing the Healing Power of Nature". Dr. Elaine
Aron, author of "The Highly Sensitive Person, How to Thrive When the
World Overwhelms You", is the Keynote speaker at this once a year
east coast conference. Learn more about HSP's
www.hsperson.com . Reg. &
Info. call (970) 484-0840, email
womenoutdoors@yahoo.com
or www.lifeworkshelp.com
May 8, Saturday,
Nature As Healer Workshop
10:00am-1:00pm.
Litchfield, CT. In this introductory course you will reclaim
the healing language of Nature. This sensory-based language has the
power to improve your life and our world. You will experience new
ways to create peace, compassion, relieve stress, and increase your
daily energy. Marlow will offer a Nature-based-healing for each
participant, and lead the group through a guided meditation and an
out door nature connection activity. Dress for in and out of doors
and bring a mat or blanket for the meditation. Cost $35. register:
1(800) 3000-4781 or
www.educationconnection.org
May 11 & 18 Tuesdays
Nature As Healer Workshop
6:00-7:30pm Falls
Village, CT. Details...see May 8th. Cost $35 Register: 1(800)
3000-4781, www.educationconnection.org
May 15 Saturday
Nature Knows Best Workshop
10:00am-1:00pm,
LifeLearn West Hartford, CT. Cost $19 resident, $24 non-resident
Want to feel more alive, creative, and able to lessen daily stress?
Learn simple & powerful methods for cultivating sustainable thinking
and balance in daily life. Join in forming a group of like-minded
adventurers on this experiential journey with the master teacher,
Nature. You will receive a nature based healing via
laying-on-of-hands, solid tools to support your connection with
nature, and inspiration! Dress for both indoors and outdoors and
bring a blanket or mat for guided meditation if you like.
May 19 Wednesday Nature As Healer
Meditation Circle 6:15-8:00PM,
White Memorial Rt. 202, Litchfield, pre-registration
necessary: 860-491-2067 or
MShami@aol.com . $15. See April 21 for details. Pre-register via Paypal
May 22 Saturday
Nature
As Teacher and Healer 9:00-12:00noon, White Memorial,
Litchfield, CT. Adults of any age and physical ability will
experience nature’s wisdom and healing ways in this workshop. You
will learn how to access nature’s intelligence using the cutting
edge Natural Systems Thinking Process, nature based activities,
guided meditation, journaling, and group discussion. Marlow will
conduct a natural-touch healing with each participant. Dress for
both indoors and outdoors and bring a blanket or mat for guided
meditation if you like. Pre-registration is necessary: Call (860)
491-2067, email
MShami@aol.com
May
25 & June 1 Tuesdays
Nature As Healer Workshop
6:00-7:30pm.
See May 8 for details. Cost $35. Registration:1(800)
3000-4781 or
www.educationconnection.org
PLEASE NOTE: Remember, some people are sensitive to chemicals
and scented products. Please do not wear any perfumes, scented skin
creams, hairspray, or cologne to workshops. If you feel you may be
coming down with a cold or the flu (any contagious illness) please
be considerate to your self and others by staying home and resting.
RESOURCES & COMMUNITY EVENTS:
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Monday, April 12 & May 10 7:30PM
Earth Prayers
First Baptist Church of West
Hartford 90 North Main Street, West Hartford (860)
521-9460
Sunday, April 18, 9:00 AM
Guest Speaker: Rev. Tom Carr, Old Lyme United
Church of Christ 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme
www.irejn.org/specialevents.html for directions (860)
231-8554
Sunday, April 18, 12:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener Spirt of Ecology, Cheshire
United Methodist Church Cheshire United Methodist Church
205 Academy Road, Cheshire
www.gbgm-umc.org/cheshireumc (860) 231-8554
Guest Attraction Retreat (AR), a
non-profit organization which specializes in the eco-therapy and
eco-education methods of applied ecopsychology has moved to 1515 "I"
St., Bellingham, WA. The center has launched their newest project
the EcoIntegrity Center of Bellingham (ECO Bell). Learn more about
the centers good work and upcoming programs by contacting Dave
Paulsen or Allison Weeks Phone: 360-756-7998 Email:
nature@attractionretreat.org,
www.attractionretreat.org/ECOBell
www.ecopsych.org.uk
March 27 3-5:30pm
7th Annual Serenity Award Given to
Judi and Lou Friedman Environmental and Peace Activists
- Concert by Sirius Coyote, First Baptist Church of West
Hartford 90 North Main St. West Hartford, CT The event will benefit
People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) and Center for Serenity,
Inc. $10 donation requested. Info: 860-561-2343
www.centerforserenity.org
Resources
Project NatureConnect- Learn more about how you can enhance your
relationship with Nature at 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.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.ecopsychology.org
READERS WRITE COLUMN
NaturalSense® from time to time 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 07656-2025
USA
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NaturalSense®.
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 33
Goshen, CT 06756
TEL: (860) 491-2067
Email: MShami@aol.com
www.naturalsense.org
