Human Nature — or Humans “Naturing”
By Maria Bliss
Autumn is in full swing here in the Pacific Northwest, with the trees glowing in rich gold, deep reds, and little hints of orange. The days are growing shorter, and the crisp, cool air is a reminder that the season is shifting—summer has faded, and winter is just around the corner.
This time of transition has me reflecting on the deep connection between human nature and the natural world. As someone who loves to cycle, hike, run, practice yoga, and meditate, I feel most alive when I’m outdoors, surrounded by nature’s raw beauty and in tune with the rhythm of Mother Earth. Whether I’m swimming in a mountain lake, riding along a country road, reading by a river, or running through forest trails, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s my teacher and my guide.
Recently, I had the privilege of co-leading a hiking, yoga, and meditation retreat in the North Cascade Mountains, where we explored mindfulness amidst the breathtaking wilderness. Nature constantly reminds me how deeply we are connected to it. When we pause and really pay attention, nature reflects back to us lessons in change, stability, and resilience—gently but unmistakably. Retreats like these offer us the essential space to step back, care for ourselves, and reconnect with what truly matters, so we can return to life feeling more grounded and refreshed.
When we pause and really pay attention, nature reflects back to us lessons in change, stability, and resilience—gently but unmistakably.
In our mindfulness practice, we bring attention to our shifting thoughts and emotions without judgment. Nature invites us to do the same—witnessing its transitions, like the shift from summer to fall, with curiosity and acceptance. There’s no rush, no resistance, just a patient unfolding. Personally, I find powerful lessons in resilience, balance, and letting go when I’m immersed in the natural world. The trees, for example, adapt gracefully, shedding their leaves in preparation for what’s next, reminding me that we, too, can find ease in transition.
Just this morning, I heard a flock of geese flying overhead, their familiar calls filling the sky as they began their journey south—a reminder that, like the geese, we are all navigating our own seasonal shifts. When I spend time outdoors, I love finding these gentle reminders of how to accept life’s changes with less struggle and embrace acceptance rather than getting stuck in resistance. Nature teaches us to let go—not with sorrow or clinging, but with trust and grace.
Nature teaches us to let go—not with sorrow or clinging, but with trust and grace.
As we each navigate life’s cycles—whether you’re stepping into a new chapter like starting a job, moving homes, or, as I am soon, becoming a grandparent 💚—or moving through deeper transitions like healing from grief or rekindling a sense of creativity, we’re reminded of the beauty in every stage. Life has its own seasons, and mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us weather these changes with grace, allowing us to feel the joys and meet the challenges as they come.
Click below for a guided meditation with Maria:
“Life has its own seasons, and mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us weather these changes with grace, allowing us to feel the joys and meet the challenges as they come.”