Wiccans: How do I learn to appreciate nature more?

Question

I think I aprreciate nature, but how do I really, really, do it? Please don't tell me about the God and Goddess and what they have to do with it, because I'm nontheist. Any help is appreciated! Blessed be~

I would also appreciate answers that aren't bullshit! I would also like to be able to appreciate even simple nature, like my backyard or a small forest or meadow.

Answer 1

Not much to add. There is lots of good stuff here.

One suggestion:

Make it fun.

If you hate to garden. Don't do it. Remember that play is/can be sacred. Boredom and drudgery is boredom and drudgery.

Another fun idea.

Learn more about air: Fly a kite.

BB

Pablito

Hey Storge07... (see below) Don't knock it will you've tried it.

Answer 2

Go out and be in it. Sit in the park and listen to the birds, feel the wind and the sun, listen to the leaves rustling. Try to feel the rhythm of the world around you. Pay attention to the phase of the moon, maybe see if you feel different during a full moon as opposed to a new moon. Plant a garden and tend it - pay attention to the new growth, the flowers, the way that the plants reach up to the sun. Watch the ants as they forage for food - is there a pattern there? Why do they go *this* way instead of *that* way? Watch the butterflies dance across the way. Watch the birds play in the trees. Why do they do what they do? What are they saying to each other?

Answer 3

Have you ever heard of a mathematical pattern called the Fibonacci sequence? It starts 1 1 2 3 5 8 ... in which the next number is the sum of the previous two. Well, this sequence yields spiral patterns, branching patterns, and so forth. Now, look at an unopened pine cone, a conch shell, the branches of a cedar tree... This is just an exercise in finding order in beauty and beauty in order.

Answer 4

Nothing to do with Wicca necessarily, but each time you go out, try to find a new tree or plant that catches your eye and try to identify it using a good field book (Peterson or Audubon is good).

Learn a little about that plant, its life cycle, try to understand and appreciate how it fits into the its local environment. Learn its properties. If its edible, try it! (Be sure you've positively identified first). I find its easier to identify things when they are in flower, because then you have everything: flower, leaf, stem, bark.

Each time you pass, check up on 'old friends' (previously identified plants) - see how they are doing, how they have changed.

Take your time learning plants, you have the rest of your life. I've been doing this for about 7 or 8 years, next thing you know you're a walking botanist --- and you DO appreciate nature more.

Answer 5

Next time it rains, go outside and stomp in a puddle, or 10.Take your shoes off and walk barefoot on the grass.Take a nap under a tree and appreciate the shade that the tree gives you.Take a deep breath next time you're around a wooded area and appreciate the clean air the trees are giving you to breathe.Try to run faster than the wind.Hope this helps!

Answer 6

In my tradition we spend a year getting to know each of the elements personally. Find all the metaphors behind the elements (water represents emotions, etc) and really take the time to see what you can learn from that element everyday. One thing that makes nature-based paths different is that it's the journey that is important, not the destination. You aren't racing anyone to see who can appreciate more nature faster.

Answer 7

Go outside first thing every morning. Watch the plants in your area ... note how they respond to the light, temperature, and moisture.

If you have blooming plants, notice what they are doing.

The best way to appreciate nature is to notice it ... look at the sky, play in the rain, tend your garden yourself, notice the scents and sounds around you. Finally, teach yourself that everything is a part of your life, including rocks, weeds, and nasty bugs that eat your plants.

Enjoy life and feel gratitude for the natural world around you.

Answer 8

Simply put... spend time with nature.
Goi to a lake and sit by the shore, as close tot he water as you are comfortable. Close your eyes and feel the resonance of the water, the air and the shore beneath you. Listen tot he water and ask, with your mind, any questions you feel the desire to ask.

Take a walk in the woods, watch teh animals there, allow yourself to feel the resonance there too. It may not come right away, but be patient and give it time to come to you.

As another good start, recycle whenever possible.
~blessed be

Answer 9

take a walk in the woods and get lost in the sounds of the birda overhead and notice how the sunlight finds it's way through the canopy of the trees. if you have a creek,stream,lake,ocean close go there and submerge yourself (if only your feet) and feel the cool water and how it runs, fast or slow, across your body. feel the wind on your face and notice how it blosw your hair. just taking time out of a "normal" day to experience how awsome Nature is is a gift in its self. all you have to do is pay attention :D

Answer 10

Dear one.. I was going to suggest to you that try and find a way to contact someone from the Minis Kitigan Drum.. or MDK. Do a search on the web.. They are more Native American though. So do this.. susunweed.com
Peace to you.. and God bless..