By Terez Hartmann
Connecting with nature can be one of the shortest (and surest) paths to gratitude as we soar through life.
As I soar thousands of feet above North America in a beautiful silver bird gazing out at the shapes, textures, and colors below, I can’t help but smile to myself. Yes, we humans are wonderfully intelligent and resourceful. However, in my opinion many of our greatest inventions would never have been even a glimmer in our eyes had we not first looked skyward to the birds in flight; witnessed the grace and speed of jaguars, impalas or mustangs; or marveled at the many different ways and means nautical creatures circumnavigate our oceans and waterways.
Have you noticed that when you mirror the many positive aspects of nature, your life also seems to flow better? Have you noticed when you take a moment to breathe like a dolphin coming up for air, play like a squirrel bouncing from tree to tree, or keep your roots firmly planted in what nourishes you like the trees, you stress less and enjoy the journey more? It’s true that we humans came into this plane of existence with an expanded ability to create, grow, and sort through more details than our animal friends. But isn’t it nice to know when we do get a little out of balance that the Great Mother and all her inhabitants seem to serve as a beacon to show us the way back to our human-nature and the being part of Human-being?
Fly Like an Eagle…
From the time I was a small child, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of flying. I always look forward to being in an airplane, I can’t wait to ride “Soarin’” in Walt Disney’s Epcot Center as many times as I possibly can, and I even did an indoor skydiving experience once (which was way cool!). Perhaps one day I’ll get the guts to try hang-gliding or some other form of human-ish flight, but in the meantime I discovered a way that we all can fly high—whether or not we choose to leave the ground: Feel and express deep love, bliss, or appreciation and gratitude!
Have you noticed that when you are dancing in those high-flyin’ emotional states, you physically feel lighter and more buoyant and often use words like being “high on life,” “flying high,” or “light as a feather?” Yes, I know it’s a stretch, but when you think about what flying truly represents (joy, freedom, fun, and ease) and you spend a few minutes focusing on thoughts of love and appreciation, you truly feel like you can “fly like an eagle…!” The more consistent you are with this practice (In my case, I put appreciation in writing because I have found it easier to stay focused), the more you’ll notice that life sends beautiful people, opportunities, and experiences to appreciate! Remember, as fellow Divine beings, it is also our nature to soar!
Let’s face it, I know I’m a weird bird and writing down appreciation may come a little easier to me than some, but even the bright-and-shiny hummingbird girl has an out-to-lunch moment from time to time! As much as I may love my human friends and life overall, sometimes reaching for thoughts of appreciation can be a bit more challenging when I’ve experienced a funky moment with a fellow human or during a time of unexpected contrast. Whether you are having a “moment” or dig the concept of putting appreciation in writing but find it a bit of a struggle, take heart and consider the ideas below.
When you attempt to jump into appreciation by diving headfirst into a subject that is hard to feel good about because there is ample downward momentum gathered around it and the Law of Attraction is simply doing what it does, shifting into gratitude/appreciation on that subject—or even at all—can feel like the proverbial uphill-in-the-snow scenario. When you change the subject and focus on something that has no resistance attached to it, such as the beauty and ease of the natural world, you stop feeding the funk, lighten up, and jump on the fast track to feeling better. Yes, you can eventually get back to an attitude of gratitude by digging for the good stuff, but why crawl when you can fly with a little help from Mother Nature!
Think of how a tiny hummingbird seems to float in midair as it happily sips the nectar from a nearby flower or feeder. Hear the hum of its wings and its sweet chatter.
Think of catching your first glimpse of mountains, the ocean, fall foliage in full blaze, or some other natural wonder as you walk, cruise, roll, sail, or fly into a new landscape—especially for the very first time.
Think of your favorite furry, feathered, or scaled pet and how much love, fun, and entertainment it adds to your life!
How do these thoughts or ideas make you feel? I would guess, at the very least, that you feel lighter or are smiling a little wider—and by virtue of the Law of Attraction—you are already, in this moment, on your way back to a vibration of appreciation.
The Bottom Line on the Nature of Appreciation
A great quote from Einstein that speaks volumes is: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” But once you plug back into the circle of life and start feeling better, you are then in a position to discover solutions, get back to your true nature of appreciation and remember that it really is all good!
“I get by with a little help from my [furry/feathered/scaled] friends…”—The Beatles
Thank you Great Mother Earth!
Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann is a Visionary Creative & top-rated instructor, Law of Attraction & Allowing YOUR Success specialist, published author, speaker, singer-songwriter, recording & performing artist & composer, “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” and true Renaissance Woman who has already helped over 10,000 students in over 130 countries allow success and live life on FIRE. She is deeply passionate about helping other Powerful Creatives and Leading-Edge Thinkers live unique, empowered lives on their terms by cultivating the courage to dream, to express themselves boldly & authentically, and to focus Onward, Upward and Forward into new possibilities. http://www.terezfirewoman.com