Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.
~William Wordsworth
Our existence here on Mother Earth comes with many lessons, blessings and challenges, and great joys. Some bemoan the fact that there is no textbook to help us flow the waters that are life, but in actuality, there is a text that is available to all of us. Nature is the patient and silent textbook for all of Earth’s inhabitants. Through nature, we can find many truths about ourselves, the environment around us and the challenges we are currently working through. We can find our center and clear our energy system.
There is no wrong way to get back to nature and there is no right way to hear her. People will hear differently; just as different as our lives are, so are our messages. Sometimes the simplest exercises in nature are the ones that bring the most obvious clues and information regarding our life paths.
How does nature greet you every day? Is it the song of a bird outside your window? Is it the fragrance of a flower or a tree? Is it the crow cawing out or a robin perched upon a fence post? Acknowledge these greetings – and notice how much stronger the greetings become. You’ve stepped onto the pathway of communicating with nature with a simple hello and thank you.
Take time to sit under a tree and imagine roots descending deeply into the soil. Sitting quietly, be aware of what is present with you. Are there birds singing? Is there a scent of a tree or of the soil? Does the wind blow upon you or whisper through the leaves? Is there a gentle hum about you? What are you feeling as these things occur? These are all the gentle ways of nature communicating with you. How they are interpreted is up to you.
Trees are living beings who have an actual heartbeat which can be heard with a stethoscope. Trees have a special affinity for the human race, their inviting energy so strong that many of us have a favorite tree without really knowing why. They each have distinct personalities, provide healing oxygen, can help clear and align your chakras and are often our most important signposts. Touch a tree. Quietly rest your palm upon the tree and allow yourself to attune to its energy. Can you feel its heartbeat? Do you sense its personality, hum, or laughter? Trees are bridges between heaven and earth; they carry age-old wisdom which they are willing to share if we ask respectfully. Sit amongst flowers and it’s easy to be delightfully overwhelmed by their aroma.
We may also delight in hearing the gentle hum of bees gathering nectar. But what else might there be? Flowers are great sources of 
energy, romance, and inspiration. They are sources of strong energy vibrations, even when dried. A fairy, or nature spirit, oversees the essence of each flower. Flower fairies and sprites speak to us often through the fragrance of their flowers, or the way the color of their flowers speak to us. Many people keep a nature journal, drawing fauna and faery or documenting what they’ve come across on their journeys, their experiences and even what they’ve dared dream during their time out of doors. Nature provides a creative spark to all areas of your life.
You may realize there are patterns of seeing certain animals, shapes and situations in nature. Repetitive aspects in nature are messages you should remember, as these are important messages that nature wants you to receive. You should always trust your own impressions first, but if you’re finding you need some inspiration or direction, there are many wonderful reference materials written by knowledgeable individuals who wish to assist you on your journey. These can be used as starting points for your exploration into what nature has presented to you, for clarification, or to build on what you strongly acknowledge as truth. These observations can also be present when you walk, run or ride your bike in nature. Try leaving your mobile phone and music player at home, and allow yourself to feel the elements of your world around you. Let your mind relax and permit nature to flow over your senses. Enjoy yourself.
Exercising often allows us to go into a semi-meditative state, erasing stress and empowering our inner guidance to be more fully present. Exercising in nature heightens these positives. Nature is always communicating with us, even when we aren’t aware of it. With pleasing colors, gentle beauty and wonderful aromas, nature is continually inviting us to remove ourselves from the indoors, from technology, and to actively play with her. Learn more about the different fauna you are drawn to by reading Nature-Speak by Ted Andrews. This essential reference book describes legends surrounding trees, flowers, and other plant life, as well as providing their healing qualities.