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[smilyflower]

OurConnection to Nature
The realities explored in science and spirituality are often assumed to be unrelated to oneanother. Both find their basis in a spirit of inquiry. Modern science isobjective analysis, while spirituality is subjective understanding. Scienceexplores the outer world with a series of questions beginning with the basicquery, "what is this? What is this world all about," while spirituality beginswith the question, "who am I?"

In the ancient world these two formsof knowledge were not in conflict, but were understood to have a deep andsubtle connection. Man's knowledge of himself complemented his understanding ofthe universe and formed the basis for a strong and healthy relationship to thecreation in which he lived. It is the disconnect between these two types ofknowledge which is causing many of the challenges that we face as a globalcommunity today.

Ancient wisdom describes human beingsas having five layers of experience: the environment, the physical body, themind, the intuition and our self or spirit.

Our connection with the environmentis our first level of experience, and one of the most important. If ourenvironment is clean and positive, it has a positive impact on all the otherlayers of our existence. As a result, they come into balance and we experiencea greater sense of peace and connection within ourselves and with others aroundus.

An intimate relationship with the environment is built into thehuman psyche. Historically, nature, mountains, rivers, trees, the sun, the moonhave always been honored in ancient cultures. It's only when westart moving away from our connection to nature and our selves, that webegin polluting and destroying the environment. We need to revive theseattitudes that foster our connection with nature.

Today we live in a world where manyhave become greedy and want to make quick profits and achieve quick results.Their actions disrupt the ecological balance, and not only pollute the physicalenvironment, but also stimulate negative emotions on a subtle level, within themselvesand also in those around them. These negative energies expanded and compoundedagain and again are the root cause of much of the violence and misery in thisworld.

Most wars and conflicts are triggeredby such feelings, and result in damage to the environment,which then takes a long time to restore and repair. We need to attendto the human psyche which is the root cause of pollution, both physical andemotional. If compassion and care are kindled within our selves, they will formthe basis for a deeper connection to, and care for, both others and theenvironment.

In ancient times, if a person cut onetree, he planted five in return. The ancient people did not wash clothes inholy rivers; only ashes from cremation were submerged in the river so thateverything dissolved back into nature. We need to revive traditionalpractices of honoring and conserving nature.

Nature has its own means of balance.If you observe nature, you will see that the five elements which form its basisare opposed to each other. Water destroys fire, fire destroys air. Then thereare so many species in nature – the birds, reptiles, mammals; all thesedifferent species are hostile towards each other, and yet nature balances themout. We need to learn from nature how to balance opposing forces, withinourselves and in the world around us.

Above all, we need to be able toexperience our world with an open mind that is free from stress, and fromthat place we need to create the means of protecting our beautiful planetearth. For this to happen, human consciousness must rise above greed andexploitation. Spirituality, the experience of one's own nature, deep within,provides the key to this vital relationship with oneself, with others and withour environment. This connection to our own essential nature eliminatesnegative emotions, elevates one's consciousness and creates a spirit of careand commitment for the whole planet.

What would help to elevate ourconsciousness and deepen our connection? Here are a few basic and effectivepointers:

1.         A proper diet. Our food influences our mind. The Jain traditionhas done much research on the effect of food on the mind. Ayurveda and Chinesesystems and many other native systems the world over have recognized the effectof food on the psyche. Modern science confirms that food can have a directbearing on our emotions. Emotionally disturbed children tend to eat more andsuffer from obesity.  A properly balanced diet has a positive impact onour emotions and thereby on our consciousness.

2.         Light to moderate exercise.

3.         Panchakarma. In the ancient medical system of Ayurveda, there isa process of internal cleansing called panchakarma that involves massages, aprescribed diet and cleansing. This has helped thousands of people to come outof stress and behavioral disorders and is also a curative for many illnesses.

4.         Yoga, Pranayama and meditation. These are extremely vital toinduce a sense of respect for one's own body and the environment. They help tomaintain a toxin-free system and thereby reduce the occurrence of emotionaldisturbances.

5.         Music and dance. These can bring rhythm and harmony in thebody-mind complex; especially music that is not too loud and violent. Musicthat is soothing and creates a gentle sway and rhythm in one's system, likefolk and classical music.

6.         Nature. Spending time in nature, observing silence and engagingin prayer is very congenial for helping us to reflect on our own mind.

7.         Last but not the least: service to the less fortunate.



by Ravishankar.

[mahendra]

very good postings helping to all gr8 happy keep going best wishes

[smilyflower]

Thank you fatherji:)

[mahendra]

always welcome Daughter Hemaji but n't necessary to tnx