Giving Gratitude
In our modern world, where convenience often overshadows reverence, we can easily forget that each step we take, each branch we trim, and each stone we collect ripples into a larger tapestry of life. Nature isn’t merely a backdrop to our lives; it’s a living, breathing entity filled with spirits, benevolent guardians, and infinite wisdom. When we approach nature with awareness and respect, we enter into a sacred relationship, one that acknowledges and honors the interconnectedness of all beings.
Imagine this: before you reach to cut a branch or pick a flower, pause. Speak to the spirit of the tree or plant. Let it know what you intend to do so it can withdraw its energy from that place, softening the impact of your touch. This simple act of asking permission transforms a moment that could be taken for granted into one of mutual respect. Trees, flowers, medicines, stones, rivers—they each carry their own essence and spirit. By taking the time to honor them, we deepen our connection to life itself.
The same respect applies when you’re in a place such as majestic as a river or a mountain. If you find a stone you’d like to take, ask the river keeper for permission. Imagine this unseen guardian who watches over the stones, the water, the flow. Approach with humility and gratitude, asking to be a part of the river’s story. The stone you take holds memories, energies, and stories of that place. Taking without acknowledgment disrupts the harmony; asking for permission maintains it.
When climbing a mountain or trekking through a jungle, honor the guardians and spirits of that land. Even if you can’t see or hear them, they sense your presence. Enter each place with respect, for Nature listens, sees, and feels you.
Every act in the microcosm—the small, seemingly personal actions we take—creates ripples in the macrocosm, the larger web of life. Just as the flutter of a butterfly’s wings can shift winds on the other side of the world, each movement we make impacts the balance of nature.
And also, remember to honor the animals. When one crosses your path or catches your eye, take a moment to give thanks for the medicine it brings. Animal spirits carry profound messages and wisdom if we are willing to listen. Each creature has a purpose, a sacred role in the vast web of life, just as we do.
Nature’s harmony is rooted in a deep awareness, a profound interconnectedness. Each tree, stone, river, and creature fulfills a purpose beyond what our eyes can see. They remember who they are, why they are here, and are part of the sacred dream. When we honor them, we too awaken to our purpose and return to a place of unity, stepping with reverence upon the earth. Every interaction becomes an act of respect, a prayer, a remembrance of home.
Next time you find yourself amidst the wonders of the natural world, pause, ask permission, give thanks, and remember that everything you touch and every place you visit is sacred. This awareness transforms our relationship with nature, with ourselves and our journey on this Earth. Together, let’s awaken from the sacred dream and remember our place in the grand circle of life.
Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related)