Rob: So I want to ask about, or at least discuss in some way, witnessing nature as a spiritual practice. And given that, of all my guides, I’m thinking this has got to be Humfire/Humphries. As a Native American, this just seems like the natural choice.
Humfire: Greetings, all. Yes, in the interest of moving this right along, we will just jump right into it.
You’ve been having, recently, thoughts of taking a trip and seeing parts of this great country of yours, of ours, and that is for a reason. It is exactly as you assumed. There is a deep spiritual practice in going to any place, including your own backyard, that is in nature. Nature evokes in each of us – and I include myself in that for my time on planet, in physical form – nature evokes feelings – deep, deep feelings – of awe, witnessing the majesty of all that is before you, the wonder of creation of the physical planet itself.
This is a planet of such extreme diversity in its environments. There is so much to see in so many different places. The options seem endless.
In every one of them, there’s an opportunity to connect at a much deeper level to Gaia herself, to the processes that are at play, whether it’s witnessing the grandeur, the majesty of a mountain range in front of you, or the wide expanse of the ocean on the beach, or something as simple as seeing a lowly caterpillar climbing on a reed by the water’s edge. There is a deep spiritual connection in witnessing all of that.
It brings you into a state of calm, a state of peace, and yes, a state of wonder. All the cares in the world can just drop away for those moments where you allow yourself to feel that connection. And it is true, even witnessing that in the experience of others will evoke that same feeling.
So I would encourage you, and all who may read this later, to put yourself into that place, even if you’re not in a place at the moment to witness nature [directly]. Close your eyes. Remember a scene. Remember that feeling, that connection that you have deep in your heart, that feeling of peace and calm. That, in itself, is the spiritual practice, just getting you in touch with who you really are.