Teachings From Nature
Our most valuable life skills certainly can’t be learned from a book. They develop during times of adversity. Times when we needed to dig deep to find strength we didn’t know we had, patience when we didn’t want to wait and humility to receive help when we couldn’t admit we needed it. Spending time in nature can teach us many of these lessons and help equip our toolkit of skills for “regular life”. I’ve also found, humans are generally at their best in nature, so the “classroom” is a little more pleasant. If you’re on a mission for growth this year, consider exploring what nature might be able to show you. Likewise, if you’ve got someone in your life who seems to be wandering down a not so great path, I’d encourage you to use time in nature to help them develop the skills that will allow their path to take a different turn. Ultimately, difficult trails, storms, animals and natural shifts like avalanches and tides teach us respect. They provide us an opportunity to learn how to balance patience with perseverance, bravery with caution, tenacity with gentleness, and recognize when we can push on solo and when we would be better as a team. All valuable tools for our “regular” life and if we have learned the skill, we’ll be able to apply it, regardless of the scenario.
Nature has power that can quickly dwarf our human egos which often get in the way of learning and growing. If you’re not sure what I mean, think back to a time when you turned your back on the ocean, came across a large predator, heard the echoing of an avalanche, or needed to find shelter from a storm. These experiences might have seemed like “negatives” at the time, but they were actually learning opportunities.They show us that we can be flexible and patient, we can be brave and resilient, we can be vulnerable, and we can persevere and overcome our fears. In these situations, we also often realize the value of teamwork - even with strangers.
When you’re out on the trails, (especially the more difficult ones or during tough conditions), I think you’ll discover that others, whom you’ve never met, quickly become your cheerleaders and you’ll encourage each other along the way. It’s quite fascinating really. When out on adventures in nature, people are much more willing to turn around and extend a hand or a kind word to fellow humans who are also challenging themselves. Yet, when we’re busy climbing the corporate ladders and struggling to keep our heads above water in the stress of “everyday” life, those taking the same path are not so likely to offer words of encouragement. Perhaps we are also more willing to receive the encouragement in nature, without questioning if there might be an ulterior motive behind it. We also become more open to asking for and accepting help when it’s nature throwing obstacles. It appears we are both quicker to give and quicker to receive. Just imagine if we could apply these same principles to our “regular” life.
Can you picture that someone struggling with a mental health challenge, maybe a physical challenge or addiction - heck, maybe just someone having a rough day, could reach out to a stranger walking past them and say “hey am I going to make it, is it going to be worth it?” And then know that the other person would eagerly say “yes!” and would offer a word of advice and a “you’re almost there! keep going, it’s totally amazing and worth it in the end!” Sounds a bit bizarre, but wouldn’t that sort of teamwork and enthusiasm make the classroom of life a little bit easier?! That’s what happens on the trails, so I think that means we could get there.
The storms in our lives can be rough, but the weather, hazards and encounters that mother nature can throw out can help us gain the skills we need to make it through more smoothly. So no matter what area you’re looking for growth in, I’d invite you to get outside and just see if nature can help you develop and strengthen the life skills that you’re seeking. And as you learn them, don’t be shy to bring them back with you to the city!