We, as western-thought humans, have not been taught to listen to the Land. This causes problems when it comes to understanding how best to be stewards of Mother Earth, her waters, and all beings who live upon her. This is one of the reasons we struggle with what it means to have dominion over creation.
Dominion: Governing of People
When we think of dominion and having sovereignty over people, we think about the voice of the people. There is an expectation that those in power, in our case, the President of the United States, our Senators and Congress-persons will listen to the voice of the people. Our country was founded upon that. “No taxation without representation.” Voice of those being governed is key to being a healthy, respected sovereign.
Dominion: Sovereignty of Creation
However, this concept does not seem to be thought of the same when it comes to Earth and all the creatures, plants and trees that live upon it. Many of us do not think about listening in relation to Earth, to plants, to rocks, to animals.
Listening to the Voice of Plants and Nature spirits:
However, if we believe that everything is created by Spirit; if we believe, as Hildegaard of Bingen did, that everything contains the spark of God (soul); then we need to open ourselves to listening to the voice of creation.
All plants, all animals, all trees, all insects, all rocks, the waters — everything has voice because it has spirit. Our indigenous brothers and sisters know this to be true. They have taught their children and grandchildren the practices of listening.
The Singing Plants of Damanhur
“The Music of the Plants research began at Damanhur in 1976, when resident researchers created an instrument that was able to capture the electromagnetic variations of the surface of plant leaves and roots, and turn them into sounds.
The desire for deep contact with nature has also inspired the “Plant Concerts,” in which musicians perform while accompanied by melodies created by trees. The trees learn to control their electrical emissions, so they can modulate the notes, as if they are aware of the music they are producing. This research has continued, and today, the device used for concerts is available to the general public so that this profound experience of plant world communication may be shared by anyone who wishes to do so.” (http://www.damanhur.org/en/research-and-experimentation/the-plant-world)
To me this is so cool. The trees and plants change their song according to the music that humans are playing. They listen and respond. For me, these videos, this experience, shows us that plants do have voice and are in conversation with us — if only we had ears to hear.
However, we, western-oriented people, have never learned to listen. We were not taught to listen. There is no one way to listen to the Land and all of Creation.
You can listen through:
Art:
I have a friend, Damini Celebre, who taught Conversations with Land, a way of connecting to the Land and allowing it to paint through you. (http://creativeworks.daminicelebre.com/creative-works/conversations-with-land)
Walking meditation:
Take a walk out in nature, away from houses and busyness of life. Allow your mind to quiet as you walk. When something catches your attention, stop and spend time noticing the beauty of whatever it is. Open your heart to that plant, flower, tree, rock formation, petroglyph — whatever it is. Allow yourself to listen from your heart, to feel the nature-being’s presence and sharing. Something will come: a vision, a sense, a color, a word. Listen with open ears and your will experience communion.
Prayer and meditation:
Crystals are awesome beings to pray with. Find a crystal that you are attracted to and meditate with it. Open your heart and listen. The crystal will bring forth a vision, a word or phrase, a memory, a healing, a feeling.
These are only a few ways in which you can listen. Spirit invites you to find your own way. Trust in Spirit’s guidance and you will hear God’s Creation speaking to you.
Reflection:
Chose one of the above suggestions and give it a try. Be aware that when you start a new spiritual practice, it can take a few times before anything noticeable happens. That does not mean it is not working. It means that it will take a few practices before you truly open to this practice.
How do you listen to God’s Creation?
Sing or speak to your plants and see if you notice them listening. Do this daily for awhile and be aware of how your plant’s health is transforming.
As you read this blog, what blocks, limiting beliefs, obstacles arose in you? Write them down. Spend a few moments meditating on them. Look underneath each limiting belief, each disbelief response for what is below the surface, what is truly bringing that forth. Offer that prayer to Spirit, noticing how Spirit offers healing, transformation and Love.
Prayer:
Help us to remember that you are the source of life, and are intimately connected with all living things. You bring form out of chaos, and call all things into being. Everything that we have is thanks to you, O God.
