When we view the natural world as something outside of and separate from humankind, we get caught in dualistic thinking and fail to see reality.

But when we break the cycle of dualistic thinking to view people, animals, plants, and minerals as extensions of our own bodies–the natural world as our own self–then we see the truth of existence: I am literally, without separation, water, air, soil, bird, fish, and you.

This insight transforms everything.

Knowing our true relationship to the cosmos, our oneness with the whole of existence, we see plainly how to be and act. Because there is no separation, we begin by nourishing and gently healing our own hearts; then, in expanding circles of care, we have the stability to generously nourish our family, community, landscape, civilization, and earth. The wisdom of inter-being makes possible the healing of ourselves, our society, and our planet.

It is a profoundly simple idea to shift the mind from the dualistic thinking of me-you, us-them, and animate-inanimate. But it takes determined concentration and deep looking to hold the truth of oneness in the forefront of the mind. With mindfulness we discover evidence everywhere of the single, dynamic living consciousness–the divine force with countless manifestations–as it dependently co-arises in the great song of life.

This is the boundless truth of reality. This is enlightenment. This is the invitation.