The Seed of Self

Nature always wears the color of the spirit. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

The world abounds in waves of loving energy, one only needs to open the heart to receive it. Each of us has the capacity to discover the spiritual wealth of the universe. We only have to re-learn how to be natural. The word capacity means the maximum amount something can contain and also the maximum amount that something can produce. I learned while studying linguistics, as infants, we are one with the world around us. There is little distinction between me and “it”.

Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. — Albert Einstein

It is during this time before language creates distinctions we are at our most natural state. Life’s miraculous potential begins to unfold. As babies, our emerging spirits have the innate capacity to embrace the boundless Universe, and our awakening minds have a world-building capacity for curiosity. The power of curiosity animates the seed of self.

Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is. — Albert Camus

Like a flowering seed is rooted in the local soil, our individual self is rooted in our immediate social environment. An individual can be nurtured or negated by their surroundings. Each of us carries numerous artificial characteristics. Many limitations are placed upon a maturing individual. Whether or not these limitations become permanent is up to the nature of the self. Human nature allows us to overcome our circumstances and transform our lives. The capacity for changing our self is a defining attribute of self-awareness.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. — Mahatma Gandhi

Humans are not plants, or lower forms of animals. Each of us is capable of sublime and profane actions. Choosing between the extremes of human nature, grows out of the capacity of negativity we carry. There are times when the world around us is tempest tossed. Some days it seems darkness will carry the day and nothing short of annihilation awaits us. During our darkest hours, the tides of loving energy we floated upon as children return us to the innocent shores of our true natural being. We only need to learn to Be Natural.

Lies, deceit, violence, hatred and countless other negative expressions are aspects of human nature. But our capacity for compassion, empathy, and kindness will blossom when we cleanse our souls in the sacred creation all around us. Step into the natural world. Remove the artificial boundaries between your self and the world. Switch off technology. Embrace your unbounded primal nature.

No matter what happens, always keep your childlike innocence. It is the most important thing. — Federico Fellini

(Note: The flowers are from my native wildflower patches I have been creating, in order to bring back some of the former wild beauty of the area. The bees and butterflies love them. There are well over two dozen varieties. They cheer our hearts whenever we visit our garden. Peace)