In Harmony with Nature.

I am always amazed at how quickly I can get caught up in the hectic energy of the city. Even as the owner of my own business, I find that I am subject to the pace and madness of other people's agendas and often find myself caught in the very same stressful patterns that I offer counseling for. I struggle with keeping a finger on the pulse of what's happening in the moment, right now, and can become consumed with fear of what's to come, worries about money, opportunities, the economy, etc. I find myself daydreaming about the simple life, and living in a place where there are tons of trees and fresh water.

I was raised in upstate NY, near the foothills of the Adirondack mountains. As often as I can, I like to visit, recharge my batteries and reconnect with nature. This past week I spent a few days camping at a beautiful place called Fawn Lake with the intention of clearing away my stress, reclaiming my love and respect for nature and humbly receiving the lessons which the Earth has to offer me.

Fawn Lake is a gift to me. I started camping there when I was a teenager, with my close friends from the Adirondacks. While I was there I lived silently and simply. My best friend Sheila and I built fires made of fallen wood that we gathered from nearby treefalls, and cooked fresh veggies that we were given by local farmers over an open fire, roasting them right in the hot coals. We swam and bathed in the lake and we sat quietly for hours, just listening to the wind caress the trees, the call of the many loons that grace that area and the lapping of the endless waves off the lake upon the shore.

It was the sound of true harmony.

Breathing in fresh air and relaxing my mind from the stress of city living was blissful. I know that this close relationship with nature granted me the feeling of balance and fulfillment that I was reveling in. I vowed to keep this feeling alive inside me and to find a way every day to witness nature, to connect with the Earth and all her many lessons.

When I thought of ways to do this, many questions came up.


Am I living in balance with nature? Do I do my part to contribute to preserving this beauty and natural wonder for the next generation? Or do I make excuses and take the easy way out when I can? Do I recycle and compost everything I can? Do I volunteer for a local community cleaning day? Do I avoid making garbage and waste when I can? Or do I just think "Well, let somebody else deal with it..."?

I will be planning a full week-long cleanse in September 2010 where we will focus on this topic. Connecting with nature. Reviewing our vows to our own balance and that of the Earth. Removing the stressful burdens of waste in our lives, and striking a true connected relationship with the one thing that continues to feed us all: NATURE.

Please take time for yourself in these last few days of Summer to indulge in the beauty of our natural surroundings. Get to Central Park. Take the train out to one of our beaches and swim in the majestic Ocean. Visit the Cloisters. Get yourself close to nature and just observe. There is so much harmony to be shared.

Peace,
Deborah