There is a common Life energy that flows through nature connecting both animate and inanimate forms. There is an intricate dance and balance between sun, earth, plants, animals etc. The energy of the sun, nourishes the plants that in turn feed the herbivores providing food energy for the carnivores. Nothing in nature is in isolation.

The common, creative and conscious energy is the driving force for all - including us humans. Our bodies are made up of the same elements, minerals and life energy that make up the planet. The best way to feel our connection with nature is to spend time in nature. The air we breathe, the food we eat and the sun rays we bath in are some of the major keys to our survival and well-being.

As a human and natural-being we have the ability through our Ego, to recognize ourselves as  separate individuals. We are able to go beyond mere instinct and tap into free-will, advanced problem-solving and creative pursuits. With these unique abilities, we have the power to choose to fall in or out of alignment with our natural selves and nature itself.

We must have a deep respect, reverence and conscious awareness of how our interactions with nature affects the energetic flow, harmony and interconnections of the various hierarchies and ecosystems in nature. To destroy nature is to destroy ourselves.

Awareness begins by recognizing that we are an integral part of nature and as such we need to nurture this connection everyday.

Simply ways to connect with nature can include:

- focusing outdoors on the simple act of conscious breathing; remembering how oxygen is produced by plants
- swimming in or being near water; a large percentage of our bodies are made up of water
- walking barefoot on the ground; connecting with Earth's energy
- listening to the sound of birds or the wind in the trees; nature's sound therapy
- mindfully walking outside and observing nature in the neighbourhood or in a park
- picking and tasting the fresh, fruits of nature
- regularly getting outside soaking up some sun; gardening, exercising, meditating in a special spot that is calming, peaceful and dominated by nature

Just as this Life energy feeds, nurtures and guides nature's natural rhythms, it does the same to us as well. However, humans can choose to ignore the natural ebb and flow of things and become out of alignment. We cannot successfully thrive separate from nature. We must remember that we are an extension of nature. Communion with nature, re-sets us, centres us and opens our hearts to our true nature and the confirmation that there is a more powerful, loving, creative energy continually working in the background.

What does success look like to you? Is it measured by the number of possessions you have accumulated? Is it the amount of money in your bank account? Is it the position you hold in the corporate world? Is your level of success measured from the outside? If so, how is that working for you?

Ask yourself:
"Why do I want so much stuff?"
"What does the drive to obtain more and more money bring me?"
"Am I looking outward to be accepted, to belong and to be validated?"
"What really matters to me and where do I go to get it?"

Do we not all want the basic human needs to feel safe, secure, to be connected and loved? Do we not all strife in some form to find love, peace, joy and personal freedom? If so, where is it hiding?

Success is not found in that next job, that next promotion, in the accolades from peers, a ten pound weight loss or the ability to finally purchase your dream car or home. There is nothing wrong in obtaining various goals or milestones. The downside to such endeavours is the importance we put on them to make us happy and to prove to ourselves and others that we do matter and that we are worthwhile and noteworthy.

True, meaningful and lasting success is an inside job. We need to be willing to take a closer look at ourselves, our thoughts, our beliefs, our habits, our feelings, our physical health - the whole package, before we can have the clarity to take action and to successfully move forward.

Are we taking self-responsibility for our lives? Are we being compassionate and forgiving towards ourselves? Are we willing to be vulnerable and real? Are we giving time and space for our emotions to be acknowledged, to be felt and allowed to flow through us?

If we are not willing to be curious about who we are and experiment with what feels right for us, then society will continue to string us along its path of fear, separation and empty dreams.

Meditation, stillness, time alone, freedom from distractions, the courage to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, the ability to breathe into emotions and allow space before action and room for an alternate perspective are some methods into the world of self-discovery.

Our true power is within; our true connection with the Source who feeds and guides us is found within. A seed must be planted in the dark earth and watered before it is able to build strong roots and flourish. Continue to look inward for peace, guidance and a source of joy and success will naturally follow.