Unplugged From Nature

These days we seem to be plugged into everything. Handheld mobile wifi platforms are making it possible to stay connected everywhere we go. Wall-sized, flat screen, high definition televisions dominate our living spaces, feeding us a, never ending, diet of information and advertising. Facebook, Twitter and texting have become the preferred method for keeping in touch with people. There is no doubt that it can be very stimulating to feel so connected and yet it can hardly be denied that there is an feeling of underlying emptiness. We have lost something. The more plugged into things we get, the more disconnected from nature we become.

Take a moment to reflect on your daily life and determine how much time you spend in front of the computer, on the phone, watching television, texting, blogging, facebooking or whatever. Now subtract the amount of time you spend sitting outside, walking in the woods, gardening or otherwise interacting with nature. The result is your Nature Deficit.

The bigger the Nature Deficit the more out of balance with the life force of the natural world you are.

All living things are connected by the life force that flows through them. If you can imagine this connection as billions and billions of tiny web-like fibers linking all things in creation, you can begin to understand how we are intertwined. This web of life is made up of the life force energy that is part of everything. And every living thing is part of it. The plants and animals of the world, including humans, all have a relationship to each other. At the most basic level this is obvious. It is no accident that the oxygen we breathe is a by-product of the plants as they go through the life process of photosynthesis. Just as the carbon dioxide we exhale is exactly what plants require to live. But the connection goes even deeper than that. In their book The Secret Life of Plants Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird proved, in experiment after experiment, that plants have a much more complex interaction with the world around them, than we think they do. They react to thoughts, feelings and emotions in a manner that could be described as quite humanlike if we were to be so arrogant as to assume we are the ones that originally developed such reactions. This is the same for animals as well.

But something has gone wrong. We humans have become blind to our connection as we rush to cut down the forests, mine the mountains, and frack everything else in between. We are destroying the habitats of wild creatures and making much of the world uninhabitable. We don’t realize or even seem to care that we are damaging the web of life and, ultimately, ourselves. The reason for this is our Nature Deficit. When we are disconnected from the natural world we lose our ability of feeling empathy for what is going on. Our obsession with technological innovation and our infatuation with electronic connectivity cuts us off from the web of life force energy and substitutes it with an artificial construct, in many ways similar to the concept portrayed in the movie The Matrix.

Most people do not realize that when they turn on their television, they are seeing a repetitive pattern of flickering images, which creates a state similar to hypnosis. Studies have shown that within the first minute of television viewing, brain waves switch from predominantly beta waves, indicating alert and conscious attention, to predominantly alpha waves, indicating an unfocused, receptive lack of attention. Our brain's left hemisphere, the part that processes information logically and analytically, tunes out while the right hemisphere of the brain, which processes information emotionally and non-critically, is allowed to function without hindrance. The result is that when viewing television, we do not consciously rationalize the information resonating within our unconscious depths at the time of transmission. We become more open and suggestible to the messages that are being conveyed.

Is it any wonder that, in a world where children spend an average of 44 hours a week connected in some way to electronic media, levels of anxiety, depression and attention-deficit have gone through the roof?  And it is no better for adults.

It is at times like this when we need to be guided back to the wisdom the other living beings of this planet have for us. We need to reconnect with nature to bring our lives back into balance. And I’m not talking about watching a show on the Discovery Channel.

The Heart of Nature

Recent discoveries in neuroscience have proven that more than 50% of the heart is comprised of neural cells. It is from our hearts that we process our energetic connection to everything we come in contact with. The problem is that we have cut ourselves off from this connection by allowing ourselves to be distracted by technology and all of its associated noise. We cannot hear it if we are not listening.

The consciousness of plants may be vastly different from our understanding of consciousness. Interacting with plants is not simply about talking to them. It is much more about opening the lines of communication with them on an energetic level and sharing our lifeforce. By opening our hearts and experiencing nature in its fullness we can begin to realize this connection. It is a purely experiential experience. We have to spend time in nature to truly feel it.

If you are reading this, then it is very likely that you already understand what I am saying. You have felt this connection to nature. You have probably also felt the frequency of distraction that comes from our fascination with electronic technology. It is also very likely that you know someone who is caught up in that frequency and unplugged from nature. It is time to pass this message on and change the dynamic that has ensorcelled us. 

Today, right now, go for a walk outside with someone you know who could really use some nature energy. Breathe deeply and open yourself to the life force energy around you. It is time to plug back into nature.

Wishing you much peace.

 

First Path - Direction

The First Path refers to a lifestyle and belief system of native tribes, indigenous people and wise sages from ancient times. For these people, walking the First Path was a way of life that linked them to the natural world they lived in. By maintaining a connection to the natural order of things, it was possible to tap into the universal energy and live peacefully and in harmony with everything in creation. I know that may sound a bit exaggerated. Words are not really helpful when explaining this stuff. It seems hardly possible that human beings could live like that anyway, human beings being human beings.
But, is it such an unrealistic goal to strive towards? What were the drawbacks of living a daily routine that was life-affirming and positive? They took what they needed from the Earth and gave back to it in return. They were an integral part of the world they lived in, not lords of all creation. They supported and cared for the world and the world supported and cared for them. By living and working in conscious, responsible and wise ways they existed in harmony with their environment.
We have lost this. In modern times we have severed our connection to the natural world. We have become dependent on technology that we believed would make life easier, happier and more fulfilling. And, while life may indeed have become easier, happiness and fulfillment have proved elusive. Instead of seeing ourselves as integral parts of the natural world – indeed of the universe – we revel in accumulating stuff and lording it over whatever we can subject to our domination. It also seems like the more stuff we have, the more we need, until we become no more than the accumulation of all our stuff. We drive cars that burn our natural resources which we destroy the planet to gather. We watch so much television that we are lucky most of us aren’t brain dead. We use poisonous fertilizers to keep our lawns green, and eat chemically or genetically altered food. We take pills for every problem this lifestyle has created and then take more pills for the problems that the first pills create.
Where does this insanity lead?

transformational alignment

A lot of emphasis has been put on the winter solstice of 2012 as a point of transition, but like the moon that is full three days before and three days after the actual full moon, we have already entered this significant time.

The ancient Vedic texts called this time the Kali Yuga, a time when humanity has reached the depths of selfish materialism. I don't think there is any doubt that we are seeing this unfold before our eyes daily...and yet still most people seem oblivious to the tremendous changes that are taking place.

It has been determined that on the solstice of 2012 the Earth will come into precise alignment with the galactic center. What this means exactly is up for debate. However, one thing that is becoming clear is that there are going to be significant fundamental changes to our lives and the way we live. I'm beginning to look at this time as a moment of opportunity for consicous evolution. It is there waiting for those who are ready for it while everyone else will be caught up in the fear and chaos of the changes.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we get our own house in order. We need to have our physical body in a healthy state - srtong, flexible and free of chemicals and poisons....and we need our mind calm, clear and able to react to whatever situations we are presented with... Most importantly, we need to open our hearts and reconnect with the Earth. For to long we have taken from her for our selfish needs without acknowledgement of the lifeforce energy she provides us. The Earth will survive for millennia to come, if the human race is to continue to have a purpose on this planet we need to get our act together.

We have passed the time for debate about whether climate change, overpopulation and depleted resources are real problems. If you think that we will soon be returning to unlimited economic growth, rampant expansion and magic technological breakthroughs that will end our dependency on fossil fuel...nevermind.

Connection To Nature

Book Recommendation - The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature by Stephen Buhner

I wanted to share this book. The Secret Teachings of Plants is a book that does much more than remind us of the importance of Nature in our lives. It provides simple skills to help us make a much deeper connection to the natural world and bring our lives back into balance. Too often we get so caught up in the busyness of the human world that we become numb to ourselves. It is at times like this when we need a sage like Stephen Buhner to guide us back to the wisdom the other living beings of this planet have for us.

The book is based on a wonderfully insightful concept of the “intelligence of the heart.” Recent discoveries in neuroscience have proven that more than 50% of the heart is comprised of neural cells. It is from our hearts that we process our energetic connection to everything we come in contact with. The problem is that we have cut ourselves off from this connection by allowing ourselves to be caught up in our rational, analytical minds.

Buhner explains that the knowledge of plant medicines that ancient and indigenous peoples have, comes, not through trial and error experimentation, but is directly transmitted from the plants themselves. And while this may seem like a stretch to the rational, analytical mind caught up in the post-industrial, television-based world, deep within all of us this truth awaits rediscovery.

The first part of the book contains scientific explanations and linear analysis. The second part is a stream of consciousness, full of quotes and practices for enhancing our relationship with plants. When I first started the book I loved the first part and was a bit skeptical of the 2nd half. But once I began reading that part, I realized that the first half was merely setting the stage and the second part is where the real understanding lies.

The consciousness of plants may be vastly different from our understanding of consciousness. Interacting with plants is not simply about talking to them. It is much more about opening the lines of communication with them on an energetic level and sharing our lifeforce. By opening our hearts and experiencing nature in its fullness we can begin to realize this connection.

Personally, as part of my Zen Yoga training, I have been cultivating my relationship with plants for many years, yet while reading this book I found my experience reaching a deeper level of understanding, to the point of profound wonder at this world we live in. See for yourself….read the book.

in peace,

Aaron

Earth Changes

There has been a lot of speculation as to what is going to occur during the winter solstice of 2012. The ancient Mayans determined it was the end of their long count calendar. The Vedic texts tell of the end of the Kali Yuga, or great age. Experts in cosmology say the Earth will come into alignment with the galactic center. Some assume it is the end of the world. Others believe it is the beginning of a new one. It could be just about anything from the next step in evolution to the extinction of the human race.

Everyone has heard a lot of talk about climate change. Most people can understand the basic concept of overpopulation. It is quite easy to realize the consequences of the diminishing natural resources of the planet. Some people even have heard of the gyre, a giant whirlpool of plastic in the Northern Pacific ocean the size of Texas. In the past few years these things have all come into sharper focus for a lot of people. At the very least there is an awareness of the rising cost of food and gasoline that seems to be heading towards heights we cannot begin to comprehend.

A result of this growing understanding is a sense of increasing stress and worry in daily life over events that we have no control over. We react to it in a number of different ways. Many people choose to remain oblivious to the changes by concentrating on all of the stuff we have created in our society to distract us from what is important.

The truth is that we are living in a precarious interconnected society that has the potential to collapse at any time. The longer we continue to distract our attention from these issues the quicker we travel headlong over the cliff. The time has come to pay attention. In order to carry on our existence we need to prepare ourselves for change; dramatic, society-encompassing, life-altering change.

Surviving whatever happens is going to be a challenge no matter who you are or where you live. However, there area number of things that each of us can do to be in a better position to deal with the coming Earth Changes more effectively. This primarily involves working on the self.

It stands to reason that given the continuing headlong rush towards destruction there is going to come a time when situations develop during which we will need to make quick decisions and then act on those decisions. If we are able to react and execute appropriately, we stand a better chance of making it through whatever challenges we are faced with.

The question here is – How are people to deal with the coming changes with bodies that are overweight and out of shape and minds that are stressed, distracted and medicated?

The short answer is that they can’t.

Instead we need to change the question – How can people get their bodies fit and healthy and their minds relaxed, focused and clear so that they can deal with the coming changes effectively?

It has to start with simple and practical ideas that can be put to use immediately. Learning to breathe properly and remembering to practice it as much as possible is usually a good place to begin. Next, moving the body in order to get the blood and energy circulating is very helpful. Taking time out to sit quietly and allow the hectic thoughts to settle is vital to keeping the stress of the world in check. These basic practices are available to anyone regardless of age, fitness level or health status. We just need to allocate the time for them. In the end, a body that is working properly combined with a mind that is calm and clear will provide us with the best opportunity to deal with the coming changes.

A place to start...
www.artofzenyoga.com/bs2.htm

Chinese New Year 2008

On February 7th 2008 we enter the Chinese Year of the Rat.

The Rat is the most opportunistic of all animals in the Chinese philosophical tradition. It is the first sign of the 12 animal cycle and signifies a time of new beginnings. It is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. It is an opportunity for new ideas, directions and ways of doing things. However, things that are begun during this year are likely to have long term consequences, so it is advisable for us to choose our actions wisely and focus on things that enrich the world instead of destroying it.

This Rat year is modified by the Earth element. The past two years have been Fire years (Boar & Dog) which have stirred things up a bit. The Earth element tends to bring a calming stability to things this year, just at a point when we need it. Unfortunately, the Rat has an affinity for the Water element which maintains a destructive relationship with the Earth element. All of this means that some dangers may lie ahead.

The problem with the Rat is that there is a selfish tendency to its nature that can undermine good intentions. The Rat can symbolize an aggressive, yet calculating, motivation towards money and status. In addition, this year will be a time of nervous energy and stress and we need to take responsibility to be aware of this. It will be easy to blame others for our own problems.
Another factor is that Earth is a sedentary element. We need to realize that inactivity can lead to problems. Be sure to get enough exercise and be on the alert for unwanted weight gains. Remember to Breathe!

The good news is that, being the beginning of a new cycle, this year offers a chance to begin walking a different path. Performing work that is spiritual in nature can have far reaching effect. We are getting close to a time when self-awareness is imperative for the evolution of our species. If you have been waiting for the moment to make some fundamental changes in your life, now is the time.

I wish you blessings of happiness and health along your journey…

Happy New Year!

Aaron Hoopes – February 2008

Author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation
www.artofzenyoga.com


You are welcome to reprint this or pass it on.

Australia & Japan

I'm leaving for Australia on Wednesday Feb 6th. It is about a 19 hour trip and I will be arriving in Brisbane on Feb 8th (australia time). Then I'm off on a 5-day walkabout in the tropical rainforest with an old friend. No phone, no computer......!

February 22-25th I'll be in Japan and will be holding a Zen Yoga workshop at Sun & Moon Yoga in Tokyo on Saturday Feb 23 8:00-10:00am. http://www.sunandmoon.jp/current-workshops

I will also be giving a talk and book signing at
Good Day Books http://www.gooddaybooks.com/contents/Booknotes?language=english
in Tokyo on Sunday Feb 24 6:00-8:00pm.

In addition I'm going to be interviewed by Reuters at the Tokyo Press Club while I'm there.

I haven't been back in either Australia or Japan for about 4 years and I'm quite excited about it.
Lot's of friends to catch up with.

I'll try and post some of my adventures here when I get a chance.

In peace....
Aaron

http://www.artofzenyoga.com/

Warrior - Healer - Shaman - Mystic - Sage

Warrior – Healer – Shaman – Mystic – Sage

At this moment in time we are less than five years from the winter solstice of 2012. Whatever your beliefs on the manner in which this Great Cycle comes to an end, it is safe to say that change is upon us. And while many would say that the shadows are growing darker, an optimist would answer that is because the light that casts them is growing brighter. A Taoist sage would smile and breathe in the present moment…for absolute reality is vastly different from what is real. And, of course, we have learned to obfuscate reality so well through technology and the media that it is no longer possible to definitively determine what is real anyway.

In the real world of business, politics, and sports 2008 is not looking too good. In the Mayan Cycle of 13 tuns that began in 1999, this year we reach the midnight hour or 5th night.

These times are like dynamite in a head-on with history, some fool’s gonna burn it all down, don’t care about you ‘n me. --- Alanah Myles

In times like these, wise men and women band together. It is not new. Along any journey it is useful to band together with like-minded people when traveling through difficult terrain. Sharing knowledge and skills is vital for survival. But now it is even more important. We are beginning to remember what we have always known…we are inseparable from the laws of nature and the laws of the cosmos…and what goes around, comes all the way back around.

In banding together each person imparts their wisdom like a piece of a great puzzle, which, when completed, creates a map showing the path forward. It is time for those who understand the difference between; knowing the path and walking the path, to walk it together.

This Earth is not much longer going to be content as humanity’s captive. It is time for us to vibrate on a higher level, to connect with the divine that exists within us all. It is time for the warriors, the healers, the shaman, the mystics, and the sages to recognize and accept their role in the present moment.

In peace,
Aaron Hoopes
12/28/07

Zen Yoga
Breathe - Move - Relax
http://www.artofzenyoga.com/