Throughout this program I will offer you nature-based practices. I encourage you to approach them all with the attitude and orientation I outline here.
Imagine when you are wandering that you are actually entering another dimension. You aren’t taking a stroll in a park or going for a hike. Think of it more like a psychedelic trip, a mysterious realm where anything can happen.
Here are some ways to cue your system that you are entering this kind of world:
Cross some kind of threshold. This could be a root you step over, close trees you walk through, or anything with a clear edge. It helps to pause before you do this and acknowledge it, ideally out loud. “I am crossing this threshold from the ordinary day and into the realm of the Mystery (or Wild or Dreamtime, or The Possible, or Unknown—whatever feels right)”
Observe these taboos. Do not speak to other humans. In fact, I encourage you to hide from them. Turn your back. Look away. And they will pass you as if you are not there. Do not enter human made shelters. Do not eat. Do not use your phone. Bring a watch or other time piece so you don’t have to look at your phone. Or, set a timer on your phone for when you have to turn back and don’t touch it until you hear it.
Allow your intuition, felt sense, and physical senses to guide you. Abandon your agenda-mind. Do not try to make something happen. If you notice you are doing this, turn your attention out and describe what you see, hear, smell, and feel.
Speak out loud. This is essential. If you aren’t in a wild enough place to feel comfortable doing this, consider finding a wilder place. You can also whisper. And sing.
Speak directly to the world, not about it (use “you” instead of “it”). e.g. “Do you even notice or care that I’m here?” “You’re a very pretty flower.”
Listen out loud. Dictate what you are noticing. “I feel you wind, and hear you in the leaves”. Take in what you are experiencing as communication from the Others, allowing it to stir feelings, memories, and thoughts.
Resist the urge to make easy meaning or draw final conclusions. e.g. “The wind blew, therefore I should let this all blow over.” The wind isn’t your personal problem solver, but what it stirs in you is worth exploring. We don’t turn to nature to “get answers” for the same reason you wouldn’t treat your friend like a solution machine. Be in dialogue and relationship. Keep it open.
Give some kind of gift or offering. This can happen right at the beginning, at the end, or at any point. Choose culturally meaningful gifts or simple gifts like water, a song, an intentional breath, strands of your hair, a poem, or even just “Thank you!”, out loud of course.