Unsplash/Hisanari Kunimoto
by Terez Hartmann
A Challenge to create and feed consistent clarity, serenity and joy.
The Decision—and The Gift
I stopped to hear only the whisper of the wind through the trees and faint birdsong in the distance. As I sat to breathe with intention and listen longer, I was able to detect a small lizard (ooh – and then an armadillo!) moving stealthily through dried grasses. Then, the sound of moving water. Then, the buzz of a dragonfly—and a honey bee!
Soon after, my vision came alive and I felt a prompting to look at just the right leaf in just the right moment to spot a gorgeous caterpillar that looked as if the patterns it carried on its back were a maze of intricately crafted Native American beadwork! And then in my peripheral vision, I glimpse a butterfly dancing among the flowers, which, to the caterpillar, unconsciously transmitted a message of the expanding world and mobility that is yet to come.
As I continued to gaze outward, it was as if the trees and multi-tonal greens were becoming more vibrant with each passing minute. Quiet, unassuming, small flowers that would have gone completely unnoticed, and possibly even fallen underfoot, beaconed me to reach for my camera to zoom in and capture the essence of their delicate and intricate petals.
The natural world is ablaze with color, beauty and LIFE, and each time I give myself permission to engage the magic and constancy of “Great Nature,” I again discover the clarity, serenity, and joy that dwell eternally within my spirit.
In February, 2019, I knew it was time to re-engage with nature and beauty in a more intentional way, and that doing so would be great medicine for my soul. But along with giving myself the opportunity to unplug, recharge, and immerse myself in an environment of flow, this decision brought benefits and new pathways that were FAR beyond the original scope and expectation I had set in motion (the details of which I will continue to share via future articles, social media, in my next course and beyond!)
…But the largest gift of all? An abiding sense of peace that has become a constant companion and touchstone, even in the darkest of circumstances.
Below is my original Facebook post from February (with small changes for the sake of relevance). May it ignite a fire in YOUR soul to get to discover the power and magic of YOUR Human-Nature.
February 4, 2019
My friends—as many of you know, I have one HECK of a mega-schedule filled with shows, many projects in process amd “family support” time (like many of my entrepreneurial sisters and brothers, or those caring for a parent/loved-one).
Well, today I made a decision to take a powerful step to amp up MY well-being, create greater balance, and start a new Monday tradition, and I’d love to have you join me if the spirit also moves YOU!
After a particularly intense few days, I knew I needed to do whatever it took to “loosen up & vibe right,” as nothing good is EVER accomplished (or done WELL) from a state of stress or feeling overwhelmed. Watching the Superbowl and yelling at the TV (yep, I REALLY get into the game!) with some fab peeps helped to an extent, but I knew I definitely needed to shake things up before jumping in to my week, so last night (Sunday), I decided to put my well-being first and take myself on a “date with nature” the next day.
After an EPIC day at Lettuce Lake Park today in Tampa, FL, USA, I came away feeling SO clear, blessed, happy, and ready to rock, that I decided to start a new weekly tradition, designating Mondays as “Human-NATURE Day.” So, here’s what I’ll be doing/sharing:
Each Monday, I will be visiting a beautiful natural space for at least two hours and post/share photos and any special insights/gifts that flowed during that time.
If you also love nature, feel like a change of pace could help you allow a new groove, and you’re ready to experience greater clarity, serenity & joy, I’d like to challenge you to:
- Visit a beautiful natural space for at least an hour EVERY Monday (or the day of the week that works best for you)—rain or shine! Sunset time and stargazing totally counts!
- Post your fav photo/s and insights in honor of #HumanNATUREMonday
- Include nature time—or at least one activity that brings you joy—in EVERY day.
Nature is such a magnificent teacher and has SO many gifts to share with us—including remembering that we are connected to something FAR bigger. It gives us perspective, beauty and inspiration. Why not partake of her many great gifts?
…And BTW: EVERY end result, dream, vision, goal, and intention is linked to feeling good (or at least better) with the hopes that we will eventually get to do what we love…so imagine how rich life can be if we stop waiting to live and decide to love our lives NOW? (And, interestingly enough—Law of Attraction/Allowing peeps know this: Feeling good now invites MORE feel-good experiences later!)
You’re worth it, and you deserve it! Let’s play and remember our true Human-NATURE.
Author’s Note: To view photos from the experience described above, visit this link:
https://www.facebook.com/TerezHartmann/posts/10218795183780525
For photos of recent experiences, visit my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TerezHartmann
And/or search (inside of Facebook) for #HumanNatureMonday
The Bottom Line: #HumanNatureMonday
May you stand firm in your resolve to reach ever upward and outward like the mighty oak.
May you rise above to ride the winds and discover ever-expanding perspective like our winged brothers and sisters.
May the waves of the ocean sing serenity to your spirit and remind you of the good that is eternally in motion.
May you always know that even when you cannot see it, the sun absolutely, positively continues to shine for you, and ALL who call this planet home.
…And whether you choose to engage, share, or simply observe the power of nature in your own unique way, I believe that if you’re willing to listen and to look closely, you too may find your center—and the best of YOUR Human-Nature.
Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann,“Your catalyst for all things Fab-YOU-lous,” is the author of Allowing Your Success!, a proud contributing author of Transform Your Life! book one and two, a professional Keynote Speaker/Workshop Facilitator, Singer-songwriter/Recording Artist, “Allowing Adventures!” & “Savor Vacation” Facilitator, and true Renaissance Woman, and Visionary. She keeps her fire lit by embracing and promoting a lifestyle of “Allowing,” and by using creative expression to elevate and ignite the human spirit, a passion that she shares with her husband, soul-mate and creative partner of over 15 years, John Victor Hartmann. Together they share “Allowing TRUE LOVE” workshops and experiences designed to help others attract, allow, and maintain extraordinary relationships, and create custom jingles and voice-overs in their studio, THE Creativity Express. Visit: http://www.TerezFirewoman.com