A Conversation With Mother Earth

Earth Day is every day in my book, but I certainly can’t turn down an opportunity to celebrate this phenomenal planet we call home. I’m astonished and in awe of the beauty that persists, despite the countless negative impacts of man. 

As a nature and forest therapy guide, my mission is to connect people to nature, themselves and each other. The goal is for us to remember and deepen our relationship with Mother Earth. After all, we ARE nature.

Last year on Earth Day, I had the pleasure of attending a remotely guided forest therapy walk with a fellow guide in Portugal. She invited us to go out and listen… “What message does Mother Earth have for you?”

We were in the midst of the pandemic; less cars on the road, people staying home, more gardens being planted. While it was frightening to be in quarantine, it was also a lovely lesson in slowing down and appreciating simple pleasures. After a solid month of isolation, it was quite lovely to be on a Zoom call with like-minded folks, each of us exploring our own backyards, sharing our experiences.

Silent and still, I sat beneath my trees, listening. Then I heard Mother Earth let out a great sigh of relief. It brought tears to my eyes. Our planet received a much-needed break from the busyness of humans last spring. You probably heard about the improved air quality due to fewer planes, trains and automobiles traveling. Marine habitats thrived due to fewer boats on the water… parks across the world shut down. I think Mother Earth desperately needed a pause.
​
So, this Earth Day, I invite you to take a stroll in your yard, favorite park, or along the ocean’s edge. Allow yourself 30 minutes of stillness and silence. Listen to Mother Earth. What is she telling you? How might you respond? As always, journal your thoughts or share what you're noticing with a friend or family member. 

I wish you a beautiful and insightful Earth Day, full of connection and gratitude for Mother Earth.

​Tree hugs and kisses!
xoxo Kelly

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. 
Photography by @zailaffitte. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine.