The Language of Spirit in Nature by Asha Hawkesworth

The Language of Spirit in Nature by Asha Hawkesworth
The Native Americans believe that Spirit lives in the mundane, as well as the ethereal. Spirit resides in every thing upon the earth, and all things (animals, plants, weather and other acts of nature) work together to help us with our lives every hour and minute of every day. The medicine man, or shaman, knows how to interpret this world of Spirit, and how to use the insight thus revealed to assist the members of the community. For example, if someone sees a rare animal, this event is significant to the individual, and probably to the community at large. It is up to the shaman to interpret this event and apply it to the lives of the people he or she serves. The shaman will consider what the animal was doing, the time of year, and the time of day. Was the animal hunting? Did it seem sick? Was it a nocturnal animal being active in the daytime? The context of the animal's appearance helps the shaman to unravel the meaning. However, the lessons of nature do not have to be spectacular to carry a message. Suppose the shaman sees a wren, a very common bird, building a nest. The shaman knows that wrens are very resourceful and can build a nest almost anywhere. The shaman may conclude, given her life circumstances, that the wren is telling her to make the most of her available resources. If the wren sings, it may remind the shaman that she, too, needs to sing and live with joy. The language of nature is worth learning, but the syntax is something that we have to figure out for ourselves. What does the wren say to you when it sings outside of your window? Everyone is a unique individual, and Spirit speaks to each of us differently. A singing wren may mean something completely different to two people. Whatever comes to your mind first is the message for you at that moment. But be prepared! On another day, that singing wren might have a completely different message for you. If you live in an urban area, you may wonder how Spirit can advise you if all you see are squirrels and pigeons. But even in a large city, there are many opportunities--including the squirrels and pigeons! For example, there are pets. Whether I bother to look out my window or not, my four cats are always present, and they have a lot to say. If I'm anxious or worried, Jack comes to remind me that the world is a joyful place, and that all will be well. And I have to believe him, because Jack is the happiest cat I've ever seen, even though he only has one eye, and it doesn't see very well. He has a different way of seeing the world, and he tells me so every day. When we slow down enough to hear and contemplate the language of nature, it enriches our lives. It gives us a chance to think about what is truly important, and to be thankful for our many gifts. It also helps us to grow and reconnect with the world around us, because, as the Native Americans say, the Earth is our mother, and we honor ourselves when we honor her.

The Language of Spirit in Nature
by Asha Hawkesworth

The Native Americans believe that Spirit lives in the mundane, as well as the ethereal. Spirit resides in every thing upon the earth, and all things (animals, plants, weather and other acts of nature) work together to help us with our lives every hour and minute of every day. The medicine man, or shaman, knows how to interpret this world of Spirit, and how to use the insight thus revealed to assist the members of the community.

For example, if someone sees a rare animal, this event is significant to the individual, and probably to the community at large. It is up to the shaman to interpret this event and apply it to the lives of the people he or she serves. The shaman will consider what the animal was doing, the time of year, and the time of day. Was the animal hunting? Did it seem sick? Was it a nocturnal animal being active in the daytime? The context of the animal's appearance helps the shaman to unravel the meaning.

However, the lessons of nature do not have to be spectacular to carry a message. Suppose the shaman sees a wren, a very common bird, building a nest. The shaman knows that wrens are very resourceful and can build a nest almost anywhere. The shaman may conclude, given her life circumstances, that the wren is telling her to make the most of her available resources. If the wren sings, it may remind the shaman that she, too, needs to sing and live with joy.

The language of nature is worth learning, but the syntax is something that we have to figure out for ourselves. What does the wren say to you when it sings outside of your window? Everyone is a unique individual, and Spirit speaks to each of us differently. A singing wren may mean something completely different to two people. Whatever comes to your mind first is the message for you at that moment. But be prepared! On another day, that singing wren might have a completely different message for you.

If you live in an urban area, you may wonder how Spirit can advise you if all you see are squirrels and pigeons. But even in a large city, there are many opportunities--including the squirrels and pigeons!

For example, there are pets. Whether I bother to look out my window or not, my four cats are always present, and they have a lot to say. If I'm anxious or worried, Jack comes to remind me that the world is a joyful place, and that all will be well. And I have to believe him, because Jack is the happiest cat I've ever seen, even though he only has one eye, and it doesn't see very well. He has a different way of seeing the world, and he tells me so every day.

When we slow down enough to hear and contemplate the language of nature, it enriches our lives. It gives us a chance to think about what is truly important, and to be thankful for our many gifts. It also helps us to grow and reconnect with the world around us, because, as the Native Americans say, the Earth is our mother, and we honor ourselves when we honor her.