I went out on a limb to write this humorous poem: My aging years with my favorite actor, Johnny Depp. My apologies, Johnny.

The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.

Sakyong Mipham

Nature Encourages Me To Grow Into New Dimensions

You can see forever when the vision is clear. My own, sometimes clouded vision, is never more clear then when I spend time here in the forest high above the desert city of Palm Springs, California.

I moved from Nashville, Tennessee to Idyllwild, California a couple of years ago. I'm a California girl and I wanted to go home. Following in my mother's footsteps, I chose to spend my remaining years in the mountains. Clean, pure air and clear blue skies, surrounding the thick forest, offers me an opportunity to connect with nature in a deeper way.

Waking up to tall pine trees, filling the forest with the fragrance of pine, magnificent rocks, strawberry creeks and a variety of birds that dine throughout the day, from feeders hanging from the deck, I give thanks to the endless variety of the earth's treasures.

It is here that I know, here that I feel, here that I understand the very meaning of life. I breathe in the very breath of nature itself. It is here that I find freedom from illusion.

I long to live my own honesty. There is no better way to do this than just to stop for a moment, be still, and breathe. Mother nature encourages me to create the space in which to grow into new dimensions.

There are those who see creation in God and there are others who see God in creation. I see God in creation and creation in God at the same time.

Idyllwild, California

I Sail The Skies Forever

Become One With Nature

Our spiritual center manifests its light

Peace and intimacy with Mother Earth

Stirs our soul with awareness

As we become one with nature.

Strawberry Creek

Spiritual Energy Resides in Nature

Spiritual energy resides in every tree

Every flower, each blade of grass, weeds that heal

Drawing inspiration from many sources

Recognition for the oneness of life.

Spiritual Love Found in all Nature

A Portal toLove

Divine presence found in nature

Meditates on Mother Earth's harmony, balance, and creativeness

A portal to the love within

Transitioning from one realm to a new one.

Mother Earths Sacred Sites Help Us Heal

The Balance We Need

Time to balance our spiritual needs

With our physical needs and priorities

Giving us the balance we need

Leading the lives for which we were created.

Savoring The Good Employees Mindfulness

A beneficial effect on your sense of wellbeing is to savor the good that is happening around you:

• Notice the delicate beauty of a flower.
• What are you feeling when your favorite music is playing?
• Simply be aware of the moment without doing anything but being in the present.
• Open your eyes to the source of wonder all around you.
• Savor past happy events.
• Appreciate the stunning view or glorious countryside.
• Train yourself to listen to the sounds of nature. How does the sound of a bee differ to the chirping of a bird? The wind blowing through the trees can send harmonious music to our ears.

Nature is a great resource for seeing the beauty and instilling feelings of wonder. Spend time in a green space when you can.

Nature's Natural Principles

Humans can learn that the future of all life on Mother Earth requires that we live wisely and more simply now. Consider the following examples:

• Most animals consume only as much food as necessary to sustain their lives. Unlike humans, they do not endanger their own or other life-forms by over-eating.
• Trees and other plants blow in the wind or bend downwards to avoid damage during a rainstorm. Most animals will abandon their customary or preferred food during times of scarcity and will eat whatever is plentiful. This is a lesson in flexibility. We must avoid becoming set in our ways, especially as we age.
• Our life has many ebbs and flows, just as Mother Earth. We can learn to live in harmony with the natural rhythms around us.
• Mother Earth is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom, waiting to help us live a more spiritual and peaceful life.

Final Words: Interconnection With Mother Nature

Open your eyes to the world around you and look for the good. Nature is a great resource for seeing beauty and instilling feelings of wonder (the kind you had as a child.) Spend time in nature whenever you can.

We are both spirit and nature. Each of Mother Earth's life forms is an individual life unit; however, each living unit has a relationship with and a value to the whole. Thus, all life is interconnected.

We can experience ourselves as part of the web of life and feel the strength that this interconnection provides.

If we feel this strength, we may feel less threatened by life's challenges. Interconnection is the strength and teacher of acceptance, balance, and trust.

Divine presence can be found in the touch of a leaf, or the radiance of a sunset. It is all around us if we are still and if we listen.

Natures Painting Found in a Sunset

Reference:

John McMurphy, Ph.D. Author "Speaking of Mother Earth" Amaranth Publishing

Which place would you most like to see?

Reverence For Nature

© 2018 Audrey Hunt

Comments

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on July 05, 2020:

Sally

You must have an amazing collection of photographs. You share the same love and appreciation for nature that I do. It's a beautiful thing to realize how little insects, bees, and butterfly's very lives depend on plants. Thank you.

Sally Gulbrandsen from Norfolk on July 04, 2020:

Nature and the wonder of it deeply ingrained into my very being. As a macro photographer I cannot walk past a plant without noticing the little insects, bees or butterflies whose life depend of it. The outdoors is definitely my spiritual place.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on December 23, 2019:

Kelly

How nice it is to meet you. I recently read one of your articles which brought me new knowledge on the subject of narcissism. Thanks.

Living here, in this beautiful forest, is a blessing. I treasure being able to connect with mother earth and her amazing offspring.

Thank you for being here, Kelly.

Kelly Ann Christensen from Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas on December 23, 2019:

I can almost smell the fresh scent of the pine trees in some of your photos! What a stunning video, too. Thanks for sharing this article.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on July 22, 2019:

Patricia

Your mother gave you an amazing gift when she taught you to love the land. A most honorable thing to do!

I have recently discovered connecting with mother earth through a process known as "Earthing." A fascinating way to heal and cleanse our body.

Thank you

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on June 26, 2019:

O yes....I am right there with you in nature....my most glorious moments are in and among nature's offerings. My Mother taught me to love the land and the sweet loamy soil and to embrace the magic and joy that growing things brings. Lovely article....Angels once again are on the way ps

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 04, 2019:

Lisa Kroulik

Yes, nature is very powerful. I'm sorry that the last two winters in Minnesota have been so depressing. Hopefully, spring is helping you to feel better.

Thank you for being here and enjoy the summer.

Lisa Kroulik from Minnesota on June 03, 2019:

I adore nature and don't get enough of it living in Minnesota where it's freezing half the year. It restores my soul in a way that nothing else can do. The last two winters have been brutal and sent me into terrible depressions. Nature is powerful!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on July 18, 2018:

Hi Linda,

My face breaks out in a smile when I see that you've visited my hubs. Thank you for being here and for your lovely comments. Have a wonderful rest of the day.

Linda Bryen from United Kingdom on July 18, 2018:

What a wonderful and inspirational hub Audrey about connecting with nature. I love your beautiful photos as well. Thank you for sharing it with us. Voted as well Audrey.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on July 09, 2018:

Rajan

You are so right! We must do all that we possibly can to preserve and respect our beautiful planet. Thank you.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 09, 2018:

The peace and ease one derives from being with nature can never be got in the concrete jungle we are living in today. Nature has and will always remain supreme.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on July 07, 2018:

Verlie

How nice to see you here. I appreciate your lovely comments. I wish you peace and harmony.

Verlie Burroughs from Canada on July 06, 2018:

What a lovely inspirational gift you've given us here Audrey. Gorgeous poetry. It is, as you say, healing to be in touch with nature.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 15, 2018:

Eric

It's hard to imagine anyone not connecting to nature. There is such peace, so much beauty, just waiting for us. Thank you, my friend.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 15, 2018:

Paula

Hello, dear friend. I think of you often and hope you're in good health and stirring up trouble. :) Thanks for being here. Hugs aplenty.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 15, 2018:

We all must work to respect our planet and keep it clean. As you've said : " Getting back to nature helps put things into perspective and more.' Thank you, Eileen, for your insightful words.

Ethel Smith from Kingston-Upon-Hull on June 15, 2018:

Beautiful hub and words and wise words at that. We humans can be so destructive. Getting back to nature helps put things into perspective and more. We are so tiny in the great scheme of things but as I say can be so damaging. Thanks Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 14, 2018:

Sha

Your description of how you connect to God through nature is absolutely lovely. I totally share your inspiring receptivity. How I wish we could share this experience together.

Thank you, dear Sha, for your years of support and kindness. You are heaven sent.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 11, 2018:

Manatita44

Thank you for liking my pictures. I'm working on my photography as there is so much beauty to be captured and preserved here in my forest. Sri Chimnoy is right. It's natural to meditate when we connect with nature. Thank you for watching the video. Blessings to you, dear friend.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 11, 2018:

Dear Mike

I couldn't ask for a more beautiful and touching comment. Thank you for taking time to read my poetry. Love, to you.

Audrey

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on June 08, 2018:

Very nice. I wonder much about folks who do not find love and harmony and spirituality in nature. I wonder what that would be like.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 07, 2018:

FlourishAnyway

When I take time to observe nature's wonders, my own troubles seem so small. I seem to find clarity in the simplicity of nature itself. I love your comments and always appreciate your kind support. Thank you so much. I wish you outrageous joyness each day of your life.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 07, 2018:

carolynkay

Thank you for your nice comments. Sometimes we get so loaded down with life we fail to "see" the many gifts mother nature provides.

Wishing you peace and joy.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 07, 2018:

Dear Maria

I love it when I see your beautiful face gracing the comment section. I can think of no better way, to live out my golden years, than embracing the beauty of mother nature. I'm blessed for sure.

Thank you for being here and may each day be a vivid one textured with glorious sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches.

love,

audrey

Suzie from Carson City on June 07, 2018:

Audrey.....WOW, girlfriend...just Wow. This gave me goosebumps. You are such a pure & beautiful soul.....Peace, Paula

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on June 07, 2018:

Audrey, this article really speaks to me. I see God when the sun's rays pour through the clouds and illuminate the tree tops. I hear His whisper in the wind. I feel freedom and peace while standing with my eyes closed, face lifted to the sun.

I can really see your spirit shine through the stunning photos you've taken and shared in this article.

Thank you for such an uplifting reminder!

manatita44 from london on June 06, 2018:

Yes. Nature is extremely inspirational and so are your pictures.

Sri Chinmoy, in Indonesia, said that nature would help us to meditate.

The four Chinese places are awesome! So are Colorado and the waterfalls. Alaska as well. A charming write, Audrey.

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on June 05, 2018:

Hell Audrey - The simple beauty of your poetry is drawn so well from nature's majesty that you have surrounded yourself with. The wisdom and peace you brought here is refreshing.

FlourishAnyway from USA on June 05, 2018:

This is such a serene, inspired message, and the photos are gorgeous. You look so abundantly joyful to be out among the trees. I like the insights you provided under Nature's Principles particularly and your creative verse.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 04, 2018:

Hello Dora

Very sweet of you to like my photo in the woods. Sometimes I think of myself as a tree. :) At least I can live to follow the example of nature. So many lessons to learn and apply. Thank you, my friend.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 04, 2018:

Shyron

Thank you for your beautiful comments. Spending time in the forest is a renewal for the spirit and the physical.

Chitrangada

Yes, nature is a wonderful healer. When I am lost deep in thought and the memories of Todd, my son, only mother earth can bring me comfort and peace.

Thank you for appreciating my pictures. I wish you spiritual riches to flow through each day of your beautiful life.

carolynkaye from USA on June 04, 2018:

This is such an inspirational article and a reminder to appreciate the beauty of nature. Thanks for sharing it :)

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on June 04, 2018:

This post is filled with peace, hope and beauty, dear Audrey.

I love your picture - you are surely in your element.

Thanks for this burst of inspiration. Love, Maria

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 04, 2018:

whonunuwho

It's easy to see, when one reads your lovely poetry, that you are connected with nature. Thank you, my friend.

Hi Linda

It's always a pleasure to see your lovely face. Thank you for reading and commenting on my hub.

Peggy

Feeling "at home" in nature shows how connected we are to our surroundings. With all the many alternatives offered today in the name of entertainment, spending time among nature's bounty has to be the most satisfying. I'm happy to know that you join me in this endeavor. Thanks, Peggy.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on June 04, 2018:

That scene is even more beautiful which shows you in the picture. Thanks for an inspiring article about the benefits we receive from our connecting with nature. All true!

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on June 04, 2018:

Wonderful article, highlighting the beauty of Nature!

Like you, I am immensely inspired by Nature. I believe that Nature is the ultimate healer, both physically as well as emotionally. Nature has an amazing, calming effect on our mind and body.

You have included some amazing pictures of Nature, and I loved your happy picture.

Thanks for sharing this refreshing article!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 04, 2018:

Hi Bill

I find an intimate connection with trees along with a realization that there is something larger than myself. I know you understand this. Thank you, dear friend.

love,

audrey

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on June 03, 2018:

I love the deep green forest with all it creatures big and small, I love to hear the songbirds call. This is beautiful.

Blessings to you my dear friend.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 03, 2018:

Like you, I love nature and feel most at home in its midst. It is wonderful that you now live in a place that you love and can enjoy on a daily basis.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on June 03, 2018:

This is a lovely article, Audrey. Your photos are beautiful. I share your love of nature and your sense of its importance.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Idyllwild Ca. on June 03, 2018:

Jay C

Thanks for your comments. I'll take a look at your link. Peace be with you.

Mary Norton

I'm glad that you like this hub and the photos I included. I enjoy taking pictures of the beauty that surrounds me. You, too, are blessed to be surrounded by trees, the lake, and nature. Thanks, MARY.

whonunuwho from United States on June 03, 2018:

Nicely done my friend. I too feel more at home and as in a church among the wild forests. The quiet and solitude there is a welcomed sensation to my weary mind. I've always found myself there from the early years to the present. Many blessings. whonu

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 03, 2018:

I am in complete agreement. I have not been in a church for at least a decade..maybe longer....but a forest? I'll always find what I need among the fir trees.

love,

bill

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on June 03, 2018:

The moment the snow clears, we are back in our cottage by the lake in the midst of so many trees and nature surrounds us not the huge buildings in the city. We love being here and feel rejuvenated. Nature teaches us so much. I love your hub especially the pictures.

Jay C OBrien from Houston, TX USA on June 03, 2018:

Nice article. Here I offer my personal experiences of telepathy which was Verified by the other person. Therefore this is not my experience alone, but a shared and confirmed experience. See

https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/...