The Nature of Healing

The Nature of Healing

"Nature is always lovely, invincible, glad,
Whatever is done and suffered by her creatures.
All scars she heals, whether in rocks or water or sky or hearts."

- John Muir

As a teen girl struggling with depression and a distorted sense of self, I often found myself walking in the woods near the river, searching for answers and a desire to feel connected to something, anything. At that time, I didn’t understand, nor was I aware of the incredible healing powers of nature’s embrace. Yet, I have constantly been called back to her in times of confusion or heartache. Each time she has been there for me, to remind me of the miracles that exist in our world, to show me the beauty and light that surround me, and to connect me with all that is.

When I began photographing Intimate Portraits of Nature just over two years ago, I was suddenly struck with a realization - a truth. I knew, in that moment, that nature has messages for us. Nature communicates with us in ways beyond our limited understanding. Through our senses, our feelings, our inner wisdom, nature is constantly reminding us of our connection to life and all that life entails.

We often forget that we are animals, creations of nature. We believe that we are above nature because we mistakenly think that we can control the world around us. Yet we are naïve in this belief, as nature exudes a much more powerful and life determining force. She gives birth to new life, destroys life and renews life. She heals us, feeds us, teaches us and blesses us with her majesty. She is our nurturing Mother, yet many of us have turned our backs on her, forgetting that She is a part of us, and we a part of her.

Look at a flower, a tree, a mountain or a stream for a moment. Breathe it in. Feel it’s vibration, it’s energy, it’s love. If you take the time to do this, you can not help but feel alive and connected to a Source. Stop to watch a bee collecting pollen, and take a step back. Understand the magnitude of this seemingly insignificant action. Without it, would we have fruit? Vegetables? Life? We are all connected.

In times of sorrow, confusion and trauma, take a walk along the river and hear the song of the birds. Listen to the roar of the water as it flows, following it’s pre-determined path and creating new paths along the way. Know that your path is ahead of you… and that you can follow it down the river, instead of battling against the current.

I invite you to spend time each day returning to Nature. Remember that you have the capacity to heal yourself, as she heals you. Know that you are surrounded by the miracles of life, and in that knowing, trust that you are lacking nothing.

"Nature is the one place where miracles not only happen, but they happen all the time."

- Thomas Wolfe

"Look deep, deep into nature, and then You will understand everything better."

- Albert Einstein