Earth Wisdom

For thousands of years ancient civilizations lived in small communities close to nature. They worshipped the planetary elements—earth, air, fire and water. They learned from the plants, animals, rivers, and mountains. They lived in accordance with the earth’s natural cycles—the rising and setting of the sun, the cycles of the moon, the daily weather patterns, and the yearly seasons. They instinctively knew that their existence and survival was intrinsically connected to the planet upon which they lived.

Earth wisdom refers to the knowledge and understanding that our ancestors gleaned by observing the natural world around them. They saw that nature worked harmoniously and all its elements were woven together in balance. The sun shined, the rain fell, the soil nourished, and the plants grew. Seasons came and went in cycle. Life ended in death, and from death sprang new life. As they observed and contemplated the world around them, our ancestors discovered ways to live in harmony with the Earth, with each other, and within themselves.

This ancient knowledge has evolved into earth wisdom teachings from a variety of cultures all over the world. Though the specifics may vary from tribe to tribe, culture to culture, the essential elements are the same—since they all were derived from the Earth. At their core, is a realization that man exists solely because of the Earth, and that we interconnected with one another and the Earth’s elements.

Tribal people used earth wisdom teachings to maintain their communities in wholeness and balance. They developed tools to exist individually within togetherness. In essence, they honored the uniqueness of each individual, as well as the integrity of the group – much like a zebra in a herd. Over time, as man became more civilized and driven by an individual “me” mentality, we have become disconnected from nature and the core of its earth wisdom.

Today, many people in world find themselves in a quandary. The more plentiful and advanced our material civilization becomes the emptier and more anxious our hearts feel. Many of us have lost our way. We are wondering in a spiritual wasteland filled with meaningless routines that are inherently dissatisfying and draining. We are lost without a compass to provide consistent direction, without a system of life values for humanity to share collectively. We are at a critical point in our journey.

Earth wisdom can point the way. In our search for self-realization and a more sustainable way of living on the planet, many people are reconnecting with nature and seeking out the earth wisdom teachings of our ancient ones. We long to break the spell of separation, rediscover the creative force of nature, and connect with the soul of the Earth for the greater good and harmony on the planet.

To communicate with the Earth, we must come to know it as a living entity with a material body, life energy, and an eternal soul, just like man. To do this, we must reawaken our ability to sense and feel ki energy (qi, chi), the language of the soul. With this language we can communicate with all of existence and fully open ourselves to the teachings of earth wisdom.

We are not separate from nature. We are co-creators, made of the same elements—air, fire, water, earth—mind, body, spirit, emotions. To remember this is to connect with the deepest parts of oneself. Creativity, fulfillment, connection, evolution – it all begins when we re-connect with the Earth's wisdom.

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