Even in a large urban setting, Nature surrounds us – on the ground, in the sky, in the variety of weather conditions passing through each day. We can find constant inspiration from Nature if we take the time to notice the small and large ways in which it constantly changes around us from day to day.

Walking through Central Park today, I rounded a curve in the path and found myself looking at a view that captured my fancy. The snow from the storm we had on Christmas was still in the park, and had created patterns I hadn’t noticed over the last couple of days going here and there through the park. Because of the direction of the winds during the storm, the trees looked like cookies covered with white icing, a thick layer of snow only on one side – the side facing me as I walked. It was enchanting and beautiful, and I appreciated an opportunity to be surprised, yet again, by the creative expressions of Nature.

For this week’s experiment, here at the end of one year and the beginning of another, give some time and awareness to Nature’s creative expressions around you and notice how you feel when you do. These expressions needn’t be anything major or dramatic. You might discover the color of a sunrise you hadn’t expected, or you might hear the sound of the wind, heralding a coming storm. There might be an unexpected clump of snow on the branch of a familiar tree, like the one I saw the other day that looked like a little animal sitting there. A colorful bird in a winter landscape might capture your attention, or the slant of light through a window in your home might touch you in a particular way you hadn’t anticipated. If you live in an area where there is warmth all year round, you might notice the particular changes – subtle though they may be – that let you know it’s winter. If you’re in a part of the world that’s having summer instead of winter, notice the special aspects Nature reveals during that season. There’s no limit to the surprises you can find in Nature’s display when you take the time to pay attention.

The underlying theme of this experiment is to notice what happens to the quality and tone of your internal experience when you allow Nature’s creativity to nourish you by its constant presence. Notice, in particular, those things that give you a sense of pleasure, optimism, awe, delight – those expressions of Nature that move you in some positive, nourishing way. As always, allow room for mixed feelings – for being moved in any direction in the midst of your experience. Remember that awareness is the gift of all these experiments, and there is never a “right” or “wrong” awareness. There is, instead, the opportunity to be present to your experience right here, right now.

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