Nature’s Wisdom: Ancient Practises for Modern Healing

“Nature is the purest portal to inner peace” – Angie Weiland-Crosby

Trāṭaka or Candle Gazing

In the relentless pace of modern life, reconnecting with nature has been my sanctuary—a place of restoration when exhaustion sets in, when stress weighs heavy, and when even my usual practices feel too demanding. In moments like these, nature offers a gentle embrace, reminding us that healing need not always require great effort.

Here are two powerful practices that have brought me solace when I felt drained—simple yet profound ways to return to balance.

Trāṭaka (Candle Gazing)

Trāṭaka is a yogic visual meditation practice that involves fixing the gaze on a single point, cultivating clarity and inner vision while regulating the nervous system. It has long been revered for its ability to enhance concentration and soothe the mind.

Create a sacred space

I prefer using a candle flame—it connects me to something pure and elemental. Fire has been a companion to humanity for thousands of years; it calms us, reduces stress, and offers a primal sense of peace. While sitting around a fire pit may not always be practical, candle gazing is a simple and accessible alternative.

To begin, create a sacred space. Play devotional music or nature soundscapes, light incense as an offering, and find a comfortable seated posture. As you light the candle, allow your gaze to rest steadily on the flame, resisting the urge to blink or shift your focus. Tears may come, and that is part of the process—seen in many traditions as a cleansing, purifying release.

Nature Walk or Sitting

Sometimes, we seek comfort beyond the walls of our home—somewhere open, peaceful, and nurturing. Sometimes there isn’t a loved one to turn to. Sometimes the mind’s turbulence feels inescapable. And yet, nature is always there—you simply need to show up.

When anxiety, stress, or low moods arise, stepping outside—even briefly—can offer profound relief. A long, wandering walk may be just what is needed, but even sitting in stillness—beneath a tree, beside a river, or gazing at an open sky—can bring remarkable calm. Nature reminds us of life’s fullness beyond the constraints of our minds. The earth grounds us, the breeze carries away our worries, the sun envelops us in warmth, and water washes away burdens we no longer need to carry.

You might choose to gather a piece of nature’s beauty to bring home—a small token of connection, like a stone, a pinecone, a feather, or a wildflower bouquet. In slowing down and listening, we rediscover the quiet wisdom that nature continually offers.

Nature hears. Nature heals. And she will always welcome you back.

"How might you invite nature into your life today—whether through stillness, movement, or a simple act of appreciation?"

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