Lesson in Nature #2: To Get Nature’s Lessons One Should Probably Go Out…In Nature

I learned this gem sitting at my kitchen table.  Trying to write about nature.  After having been indoors for seven days (except to go to and from my car). Granted, it’s been windy, kind of rainy, my cute slip-on shoes aren’t really cut out for spring in Wyoming, and I can see nature from my window.  But, I was starting to feel like a robot and didn’t realize it until I changed my shoes and went for a short walk this morning.  Amidst the chirping birds and chipper squirrels I was reminded of spring, creation, the sensation of sun on my skin and the slight discomfort of crisp, air on my ears.  I was reminded what it feels like to be alive in this greater scheme of things.

Granted, we all don’t have mountains, oceans, or bike paths in our backyard.  But, we do have a little patch of something; a front or back step, a local park, a city playground.  Go outside for 10-15 minutes a day.  Remind yourself what it feels like to be alive and part of something fabulously grand.  Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Nature’s pretty cool, I’m sure she’s up for hanging out.

Why Yoga, Nature, Spirit?

Welcome to the Jess Ryan Yoga blog, a forum celebrating our most sacred connections; connection to self, others, spirit, and the natural world.  My yoga practice and my nature practice are one in the same.  In gentle ways, they force me to be present.  In the awareness of a mountain stream’s quiet ripples or the slight pause between my breaths, I access the present moment connecting to grace, Source; something bigger than myself.  On a daily basis we are inundated with artificial stimuli, overlooking simple gifts given us in this present moment; our breath, our spirit, a sunset, dew laden grass.  It is in this present moment when our lives occur, yet, we constantly miss it, stuck in regret about things we didn’t accomplish or worrying about how to complete our to-do lists.  This forum is about learning to connect to the moment with the uncomplicated tools we have all been given.  Nothing brings us into the present faster than paying attention to our breath, our physical body, and the natural world.  Spend some time outside, go within, and see what unfolds.

Lesson in Nature #1: Nature Doesn’t Give a Flying Leap Who You Are Or How Many Friends You Have on Facebook

Lessons in Nature

I have learned a lot of things in nature; some practical, some metaphorical, some humbling and grounding.  Things that are easy to forget because we have created a concrete reality based on jobs, houses, status, and stuff.  We’ve forgotten how to be outside, how to be ourselves, and that we are part of something bigger.  Nothing like the forces of nature to remind us…

Lesson in Nature #1

Nature Doesn’t Give a Flying Leap Who You Are Or How Many Friends You Have on Facebook

The trees, majestic mountains, rolling oceans, awe inducing animals are all unaware of how cool, popular, or successful you are. Nature also doesn’t seem to care about how insecure you might feel, your bad self-esteem moments, or your lack of current employment; a potential bruise to the ego, but completely freeing in many ways.  You can be exactly who you are in nature.  No need to impress. No need to put on false pretenses and pretend to be someone you’re not. Hell, you don’t even need to put on make-up or do your hair. The birds don’t care, nor do the oceans, trees, or animals.  You’re perfect in this greater scheme of things.  Don’t forget it.

Stay tuned for more of Nature’s lessons.  She’s wise peeps.