Each of us–as children of Mother Earth–can benefit from a spiritual relationship with the natural world. Countless studies disclose the mental and physical benefits that emerge from time in nature. But two groups are especially ripe to have that relationship be intentional and radically transformative: environmental activists and Buddhist practitioners.

Environmental Activists
Precious environmental activists, the men and women on the front line protecting ecosystems, preserving endangered species, and otherwise unwinding the mess of our extractive economy, you are a community whose hearts break daily. I understand this because I was the founder and director of a conservation organization for many years. You should know that fundamental insights from ancient teachings are non-religious. Secular. You do not have to be Buddhist to benefit from wisdom.

Specifically, there is nothing religious about calming down and growing mindful of the reality of the present moment–what’s really happening. You too can nurture inner happiness by practicing gratitude for the gifts of society and the natural world; you can find joy in the beauty and magnificence of the world. You can come to forgive failings in yourself and others, release regrets about the past. You can make use of suffering to strengthen compassion and understanding and grow more effective in your efforts to bring peace and healing to the world. You can completely let go of anger and fear in your life so that your work is an expression of love. You can regain faith in the future of humankind and the world and partner with like-minded people in acts of non-violent planetary healing.

Buddhist Practitioners
Ancient teachings on emptiness awaken you, Buddhist practitioners, to the reality of ancestors and future generations present in the here and now. The notion of emptiness has the power to dissolve the illusion of separateness from others and put an end to feelings of loneliness and isolation. When coupled with the practice of loving kindness, you create nourishing bonds with people both near and far.

But when you awaken to the truth of emptiness or inter-being with the natural world, your sense of self broadens to include the whole cosmos, human and non-human forms. Walking through the Dharma Door of earth practices, you see teachings on emptiness and dependent co-arising in every flower and rock; the animate and inanimate world becomes a Dharma Talk. This transformative insight helps us find our place in the universe (stopping the superiority complex, the inferiority complex, and the equality complex) and puts us into relationship with all things, beyond space and time.

I know these things are possible because I lived the transformation. Contact me if you’d like to learn more.