I've always been captivated by the breathtaking beauty of nature. Its vastness and allure have a profound effect on me, evoking a sense of wonder and tranquility. Whenever my mental health is at the weakest, I have been drawn to bodies of water. The magnificence of a lake or the allure of the Arabian Sea in Goa has evoked thoughts of merging with their depths. What is it about water that calls to me during my darkest times?
And then, nearly two years ago, I stumbled upon the magical effect of trees. Their mystical ways of communicating with us transcend our human perception. On the days I have cried over a lovers' spat or felt abandoned by my loved ones, trees have provided me a safe haven. Trees emanate a calming presence that makes us yearn for a lifetime of tranquillity. Have you not felt the same? The immense bliss we experience in nature's embrace often defies any rational explanation.
The magic as to why this happens feels mystical. There are studies outlining psychological, physical benefits behind nature’s calming effect but nothing provides a clear picture. Yet, we will keep going back because there is something known and familiar in this unknown that lets us achieve this bliss. AND it's probably best to be left unknown, preventing the essence from getting commercialized. Haven't we already seen retreats promising you bliss by charging an exorbitant cost? I find that hilarious.
To know everything, and the urge to know everything is CONTROLLING. To know everything is impossible because there is vastness of knowledge, a finite lifespan, there will always be unknown and unexplored realms of knowledge and of course cognitive limitations. In the pursuit of knowing everything and controlling, one can lead oneself to overwhelming pressure, a narrow worldview, hinder personal development, ignoring personal meaningful relationships and social connections, and rigidity.
I find that the suspense always makes it more exciting. Does a surprise excite you more or knowing what's the surprise already?
When we try to control the narrative and things don’t happen as planned we feel hopeless. The reason we keep living is because we have a positive hope for our future. So, by trying not to control the narrative, we keep hope alive by believing that whatever the universe has planned is for the best and we can always anticipate with hope as to what's to come next.
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita makes this clearer:
"You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
This verse emphasizes the significance of focusing on one's duty or action rather than being fixated on the outcomes or results. It suggests that one should perform their responsibilities sincerely without attaching themselves to the desire for specific outcomes.
Drawing a connection between nature and ourselves is simple, we are nature too. We are not anything or anyone separate.
We find bliss in nature because it's unknown and the vastness of it, the mysticism of it. Similarly, recognize the vastness and mysticism of ourselves and don't control, just enjoy the bliss by looking and feeling the vastness that you are. We are nature, and nature is us, we are one.
In our relentless pursuit of knowledge and control, we often overlook the captivating magic of the unknown. Nature, with all its splendor and mystery, serves as a constant reminder of our boundless capabilities.
So, keep that hope alive, embrace the unknown, and let nature's enchantment guide your journey! Remember, we are nature too—interconnected and intertwined with the very essence that awakens our soul. Embrace the vastness and mysticism within yourself, for in doing so, you'll discover the profound magic of nature that resides both around and within you. We are nature, and nature is us—we are one!