At the very beginning of my Mystical Rainforest Tours and Self-Discovery Quests I like to talk a little bit about adopting a particular mindset of gratitude before entering a forest.  I think most of us understand what gratitude is, but perhaps don’t express it as well as we could when entering a natural habitat.  I think the reason for this is because we tend to view Nature as a resource, a place where we can go and help ourselves to whatever we want or need.  This can be innocent enough, like when we simply go for a walk in a park and take away a feeling of calmness.  Or it could be based on industrial greed, where a forest is clear cut without any consideration for the surrounding ecosystem.  I am not trying to say that we should not be availing ourselves of the many things that a forest can offer.  I use the term ‘offer’ deliberately, as I believe that a forest is a living conscious entity that actually wants to share its resources with us.  It could be said that humans and forests grew up together and evolved in ways that require us to be in right relationship with each other.  The land has many things to offer us, but it is a huge mistake to think of Nature solely as a natural resource.  I like to propose a relationship with Nature that is very much the same as a relationship to a very dear and close friend.  For example, if you were invited to your friends place for dinner, what do you do when you show up at the front door? Most of us would show our gratitude by acknowledging our hosts generosity and perhaps even bring a bottle of wine as a reciprocal offering.  We would not just brush past our host and simply help ourselves to the refrigerator.  I think this is a very good metaphor to use when entering into a forest or natural habitat.  Take a few moments to acknowledge the generosity of your host and enter with a deliberate mindset of gratitude for all the things that Nature has to offer you.  This might seem strange to some, but I genuinely believe that any natural habitat that you enter into is aware of your intentions and will respond accordingly.  Be kind to Nature and Nature will be even more kind to you, bestowing gifts that could surprise you.

The following is a poem that was written by one of my Mystical Rainforest Tour guests.  I think it beautifully captures what I am trying to say, smile.

hello forest

hello forest,
is now a good time?
are you up for a respectful visitor?

hello forest
may I come in?
if I promise to slow down my breathing?

I know you are hurting
and so am I…
may I share my burdens,
and promise to hear yours,
the way trusted friends
listen to each other?

it has taken too long
but I’m beginning to understand,
that we are both extremely
sensitive and empathetic.

so when I come to your
door,
I won´t barge right in
but pause —
and reflect on how I enter.

Dr. Melissa West (www.MelissaWest.com)