Flex Your Mental Muscles and Connect With Mother Earth

My Introduction to Mother Earth

When I was a child, my father introduced me to the stars and planets. The dark, black canvas sprinkled with diamonds stretching endlessly above my head made me feel as though I could spread my wings and fly amidst the stars.

"Always respect nature and connect with the earth every day," my father lovingly said. This was my first introduction to Mother Earth. I immediately felt a powerful connection to my creator, my own significance, and life itself.

As I turned to nature I found endless inspiration and creativity surrounding me. I used this energy to make my piano music come alive. A lovely walk through fields of flowers taught me how to interpret the music of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Flowers." I no longer just played notes on the piano. I began to capture the playful feeling of the field of flowers, the varieties of shapes and colors and transposed this vision into my piano music. I could interpret the mood of each flower. The notes on the printed page began to take on a life of their own. The sound was magical.

I was learning how to flex my mental muscles as I connected with Mother Earth and all her beauty. These experiences taught me how to play piano with such expressiveness I became a professional pianist for cruise ships, hotels, venues, and musicals.

Today, I live in a magnificent forest where tourists visit year-round just to experience the peace of this divine environment.

Maintain a Flexible Attitude for Healthy and Happy Living

Science is proving what we've always known intuitively: nature does good things to the human brain—it makes us healthier, happier, and smarter.

Nature teaches us that we must relax the death grip of logic and use our intuition which is more powerful. Many of the problems of life come from the mind within rather than the external world.

Flexing our mental muscles is healthy in the same way as flexing our physical muscles. We can maintain flexibility in our encounters and avoid becoming set in our ways, especially as we age. Being flexible also opens the door to more possibilities.

When we are in a state of inflexibility we are closed off to opportunities. Let go of fear, the obsession to be right, and resistance that brings on inflexibility. Keep your mind open to change and new ideas.

Nature teaches us to:

• Let go of attachments.
• Not take ourselves too seriously, which brings on stress and worry.
• Adapt to new ideas and concepts.
• Go with the flow.
• Be tolerant.
• Let go of rigidity.
• Stay positive.

It is impossible to flex our mental muscles regularly when we are negative and inflexible. So, how do we become more receptive to the lessons Mother Earth can teach us? How is it possible to flex our mental muscles by connecting with nature?

I get my ideas amid the freedom of nature, in the woods, on walks.

— Beethoven

Recommended

How to Let Go of Past Mistakes and Move on With Your Life

Ways to Connect With Mother Earth

I've provided the following daily checklist for ways to connect to Mother Earth and become more receptive to her teachings:

• Allow your feet to kiss the earth. Feel your feet connecting to the ground. Walk gently absorbing the earth's energy with every step.
• Wake up your awareness. Inhale gratitude for each flower, blade of grass, the trees, and painted skies. Notice the freedom of a small bird, the whiteness of the lily, and the bubbling sound of a brook.
• Dig into the dirt with your hands. Plant flowers or tend to a vegetable garden. Build a sand castle or gather a pile of autumn leaves noticing the texture and color of each leaf. Digging into the earth with your hands will ground you.
• Hug a tree. I do this often. I live in a forest at the top of a California mountain where Oak and Pine trees surround each step I take. Experience the spiritual and physical energy and peace that awaits you as you give your love to the tree. Give thanks for its beauty, strength, and protection. Trees produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide and contaminants from the air. When you give a nice warm hug to your selected tree, take time to linger a while, be still, and listen to the message that fills your entire being. Experience the energy, love, and peace as your mind and body accept these wonderful gifts.
• Connecting to nature involves all the physical senses. When is the last time you walked barefoot in the grass or in the sand at the ocean's shore?
• Talk to Mother Nature. The plants are much like ourselves. They love to be talked to. Make this a daily habit. Even sing to nature. This is a powerful way to connect with Mother Earth.
• Go for a walk. Hiking and walking trails offer a pleasant alternative for connecting with nature. Parks are another way to enjoy getting outside.
• Create alone time with nature. When we're with others we tend to talk and become distracted. This is a time when we can focus and deepen our spiritual and intellectual relationship with nature.

An Exercise to Help You Connect With Nature

Nature isn't just a collection of trees and rocks and animals. Nature is a presence unto herself, and you are part of it. The following exercise will help you learn to be more observant of nature:

• Stop whatever you're doing.
• Grab a pen and some paper.
• Go to your garden. You can stay indoors if you like.
• Close your eyes and clear your mind of all anxieties and problems.
• Wait a few minutes until your mind is generally free of images.
• When your mind is calm and clear, open your eyes and notice all that is physically present in your immediate world. Notice a sparrow's eye or head, the buds on a bare tree limb. Pay attention to the top of a coffee mug, the shape of a baby's toe, or the feel of a fabric.
• Record and list everything you observe and your impressions.

3 Herbs That May Charge up Your Brain

This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn, and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.

— John Muir

Hug a Tree!

Our three-pound brains get bored with too many indoor routines. Tasks such as studying, writing, reading, and sitting at the computer too long can make you brain dead. Even playing a musical instrument for hours on end can become boring.

When I was the pianist for the Nordstrom store in Northern California, I performed four to six hours straight with only a brief break now and then. I loved my job, but even so, after a few hours, I became totally drained both physically and mentally. Even with all the busy activity surrounding my black grand piano I was so exhausted I barely noticed the thank you's from shoppers passing by.

As soon as I left the store and headed to my car, I began to summon enough energy for the drive home. Thank goodness I had discovered an alternate route that would keep me off the busy freeway. The new route took me through hills and valleys surrounded by trees and rolling hills.

As I began to concentrate on the landscape and its unlimited beauty I began to feel revived. At one point I noticed a lonely tree standing near the road. I could relate to its feeling of loneliness. I suddenly had an urge to give the tree a hug. I pulled to the side of the road, got out of my car, and wrapped my arms around the tree.

Instantly, I felt a surge of energy. I gave thanks to my new friend for the very special gift.

When we take time to appreciate nature and take in the beautiful surroundings we feel rested and our mental performance improves. Our brains need the kind of stimulation only Mother Earth can supply in order to keep sharp.

Recognize that each person is free to create their own reality and personal relationship with Mother Earth.

The sacredness of Mother Earth teaches us the futility of judging others who have not experienced the benefits of connecting with her. Allow yourself and Mother Earth to become one. Through this divine connection, you will be flexing your mental muscles.

A Closing Poem of Gratitude

All who are one with nature
can achieve success in many forms

Our ideas come from the freedom and beauty of nature
A walk in the woods, the fire in a sunset

The fruitful intellect, the birth of the imagination
Inspired by the marriage of the soul to nature

The power of your imagination
Activated by magical colors, sound and movement.

Allow your words to arise thoughtfully
Inspired by the kiss of the wind

Enter Mother Earth and embrace her spirit
Her beauty and harmony will show you what is possible in your own life.

Resources

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/01/call-to-wild/

http://www.ayurvedicindia.info/periwinkle-plant/

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2017 Audrey Hunt

Comments

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 14, 2018:

rdsparrowriter

Thank you for being here. I appreciate your taking time to read my hub and leaving such a nice comment. Blessings to you, my friend.

Billie

Thanks for liking my hub. Your comments mean a great deal to me.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 14, 2018:

Hi Dennis,

Your story is so touching. Thank you for sharing this. I'm sure the readers here also loved your beautiful message. I must visit your profile and treat myself to some of your hubs. Thank you.

Jay

Meditation consists of all those that you have so beautifully mentioned. Thank you for adding this.

Dream On

Thank you, my friend, for your lovely story. I can just picture you, in that tree, taking in all of nature as a young boy. Wonderful! I'm glad to find a fellow tree hugger too. We are all a powerful part of nature.

Best wishes.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 14, 2018:

Jay

I absolutely agree with you. Thank you for commenting with such a lovely statement.

Manatita

I am blessed to live in the heart of nature's beauty. So many spiritual lessons to be learned and shared. I value your comments. Thank you for participating.

Hugs,

Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 14, 2018:

Linda Lum

You and I are among the blessed. I also live in the forest, in a log cabin. Any day of the week, you can find me outside, hugging a tree and admiring the singing brook nearby. Thanks.

Bill,

I sure needed to hear this today! You're the best, my friend.

Love,

Audrey

Billie Raucci from Illinois on January 28, 2018:

Such a positive article! I loved it. Thnks for sharing.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on January 12, 2018:

FlourishAnyway

Your love of nature, feeding the birds and squirrels, represents the lovely person you are. Thank you my friend and a Happy New Year to you!

Audrey

whonunuwho

Thank you for reading my article. So glad you enjoyed it. Have a terrific New Year.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on January 10, 2018:

Genna East

You and I share a childhood of closeness and a lovely connection to nature. No wonder your comments stirred so much within my heart. I've known for years that we share a deep love for music...and now our deep appreciation and experience with Mother Earth....wow!

Thank you my friend.

Audrey

Rochelle Ann De Zoysa from Moratuwa, Sri Lanka on January 10, 2018:

Interesting article :) I learnt New things :) Thank you and may God bless you through out this New Year!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on January 07, 2018:

Adrestia

As you wrap your arms around one of mother nature's prize trophies be sure to linger a while. Take a deep breath and inhale the nurturing energy of the tree. Practice "feeling" positive and loving emotions as you hug and give your own love and appreciation to this child of nature.

Thank you so much and lasting peace be with you.

Audrey

Tammyswallow on January 07, 2018:

This is excellent information. No one can be angry while walking in the woods. I find myself missing nature during this hard winter. Great article!

DREAM ON on December 14, 2017:

Your hub was so personal and heart felt. The video fit wonderfully. As a young boy I would climb our tree in our back yard and sit up there and see the world a whole different way. Hugging the tree on windy days was one of my most favorite things to do. Even if I felt powerless against the wind the tree held strong. I haven't hugged a tree in years. I have to go now and hug a few trees in my yard. Thank you so much for sharing and caring.

Jay C OBrien on December 06, 2017:

Meditation promotes coordination at three levels: physically, we begin to relax; mentally, our busied thoughts become quiet and focused; and spiritually, we get reenergized and are able to deal more lovingly and effectively with the people and events around us. By following a few simple steps, anyone can learn to meditate; even beginners may experience the calming effects of a few moments of purposeful silence.

It is not musing, not daydreaming; but as ye find you bodies made up of the physical, mental, and spiritual, it is the attuning of the mental body and the physical body to its spiritual source. -- Edgar Cayce reading 281-41

Dennis Thorgesen from Beatrice, Nebraska U.S. on December 05, 2017:

As a child I spent more time outside in nature than indoors. As a young adult it was the same. While I did have to spend time in my office it wasn't my favorite place to be. Many times my office was a porch or deck.

Then life changed for me. I was a shut in for a few years. There was no nature. It wasn't until my father realized what was happening to me that it changed. He made arrangements to have me moved to a mountain top surrounded by forest.

Even though it took years, being in the forest did healing that I am sure would have never happened elsewhere. Freedom for me became horseback riding. On the horse I was once again able to become totally one with nature.

I have never been a tree hugger. Being close to them and able to smell, touch, and experience what they give the world has always been spiritual.

Those who were my writing mentors always told me write about what you know. Although what I write doesn't go into spirituality much it is there, in some of my hubs.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 29, 2017:

Hi Eric

A six mile hike certainly is impressive! I am doing three miles and I thought I was a rock star:) Do you find those inspiring thoughts for your sermons while hiking? Thanks so much for being here.

Audrey

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 29, 2017:

Mary

How nice that you have a farm. And that fresh air through your open windows is so healthy. Sitting still, watch birds, admiring the open sky is refreshing and so good for our brain.

Thank you my friend.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 29, 2017:

Hi Linda

We are "nature sisters'. I can picture you enjoying Mother Nature and all her many gifts. This speaks highly of your character and spirit.

Thank you for your constant support through the years. I am grateful for you.