Dreamtime Consulting

A key point in the development of mythology centers around it bringing a person's spiritual and physical life into accord with the natural world. As such, for those who follow a spiritual tradition of any kind, there is a connection to the natural world which can not be ignored. That connection also brings with it certain implications for us as human beings.

One of the pitfalls of our rapidly growing society today is a term which Shamanic traditions of old, and psychological/spiritual growth have termed "Soul Loss". To understand this term one must understand the most fundamental teaching of any myth, which is to give us as human beings clues on how to live life under any circumstances. For our ancestors as well as us, the natural world was/is literally, our mother.

However, there are many places today (which are increasing in number)where all connections to the natural world do not remain. Solid earth has been replaced by concrete, asphalt etc.... In many inner cities, and many non-inner cities there are children who will grow up and never see animals in the wild, or walk a forest path. Many city and county parks are more zoo like than natural. The night sky is blotted out by what Astronomers have termed "Light pollution". Increasingly tracts of land which once held wildlife are parceled off into houses which literally rest side by side, their roof tops almost touching. In the metropolis cities, birds of prey such as the falcons now roost among roof tops where there were once trees and rocky crags.

How do we, as human beings maintain our connection to the natural world when it is being blotted out before our eyes? Worlds such as those found in the science fiction stories of Isaac Asimov, "The Caves of Steel" and others are becoming more of a reality as opposed to fiction. The natural world is a vital link to our survival, as the myths remind us. The concept of totems sees the natural world full of teachers for us. The Wolf, Elk, and Eagle (to name a some) all have something to teach us. We watch the falcon survive skyscrapers, and hold on to it's way of life while we struggle with learning how to un-poison our world.

One of the main things we are taught is we can keep that connection with the natural world. One way we can do this is to keep a garden. Even in the most crowded cities, roof top gardens have become common place. If you can't have a garden keep potted plants, in door or outdoor. These will serve as a connection to the natural world. If you are near a park, go to the park as much as possible. Although this can have a zoo like atmosphere, they are at least a connection with the natural world and should be cherished for the simple fact they are not a high priority for many people, and thus stand the chance of vanishing long before the ten story office building three blocks away.

Another truth we are taught is that no matter where we are, in the depth of an inner city or on the top of a mountain, or anywhere in-between, the natural world will always be with us and will last much longer then we will. Any connection we can maintain, must be treated in a sacred manner. Very hard to do in a world were artificiality has become common place. Even among the food we eat, we are punished for accessing natural food. Organic vegetables/fruit is often higher priced than the chemically treated ones. Our beef and poultry are loaded with antibiotics and hormones in an effort to speed up growth and produce "better" eating. When in reality, non treated meat and poultry are much more healthy and better tasting for us. But again, we are punished economicly for eating naturally.

In the world of modern medicine, ruled by HMO's and insurance companies, Homeopathic medicines and alternate treatments are heavily discouraged and when available economicly tax our expenses. Many of our man made medicines are helpful, but the toll they take upon our body leaves one wondering what unforeseen effects a man made chemical has on our body in the long term. In our attempt to stamp out all disease, we are also creating mega strains of germs which are increasingly resistant to our efforts.

A third key, and foremost above all else, is that of treating ourselves and our world in a sacred manner. As a starter, this can be done by way of walking barefoot as much as possible. In many sacred traditions, we are instructed to remove the shoes from our feet when in the holy places. This is so we have no barrier between us and the divine world. Walking in our bare-feet reminds us we have a physical connection to the natural world and that it is sacred to us. Another way is to adopt a daily regular ritual to remind us the natural world is still there. It can be as simple as sitting on a patio or balcony, letting the breeze blow against us. Watching a rain or thunder storm. Letting our toes sink into the sand or grass, knowing that in some small way we are interacting with the world in a sacred manner. If you live in an apartment, plants are an excellent way to stay connected with the natural world. For those of us who are lucky enough to have them, pets provide a therapeutic solution to keep aware of the preciousness of all living things.

When we live with artificiality, our lives will reflect the degree to which it is present in our life. When we live in opposition to nature, we live in opposition to our higher power. Especially our spiritual lives will reflect such things, until the line becomes so blurred as to what is natural and what is man made living, we become lost within our own dogmas/traditions.

Natural living is by no means easy, and all of us to one degree or another live in artificial ways. We live in a world of almost instant gratification and luxury which we see as necessity. The natural world becomes one which is to be shunned, to be dominated over and placed under our strict rule. The world of rocks and trees slowly gives way to high rise buildings, sidewalks, fast food and soaring crime rates. When all is said and done, the natural world will remain and leave us far behind. Nature will let us self destruct, and then it will cover us with grass, trees, dirt, clouds and wildlife.