Enlightened Stewardship
We applaud those who take seriously caring for their forests and land by practicing not only maintenance but also conservation. Stewardship arises when people look to the future--sometimes 7 generations--when making decisions on behalf of the community of life on their land.
And there is more to it. We humans have done a lot of damage---haven't always been good stewards. But we can awaken to our own selfish natures, catch ourselves in the act of being “human-centric.” Instead, we can learn to come from Nature's point of view first, then collaborate and co-create WITH Nature.
Being Nature-Centric means to think of Nature's needs first and then about one's own needs or preferences. In other words, taking a tree's perspective or taking Nature's perspective is the first enlightened act of stewardship.
For example, if you imagine yourself in a tree's roots, standing in the sunshine or rain for your lifetime, bringing to you what you need but also being at the effect of local weather and human interferences. From the tree’s point of view, you might realize that you -- as the tree -- have specific or surprising needs, have unexpected problems, have relationships with other beings in the ecosystem that you—as a human—never dreamed of.
Enlightened stewardship begins with leaving behind any assumption that we humans know best what Nature needs and moving to the humility of coming from the Green Being’s point of view. Enlightened stewardship is firmly rooted in the four steps of partnership with Nature: connection, communication, collaboration, and co-creation.
Connection: It begins with simple observation. Are you seeing the WHOLE tree? Appreciation arises; possibly also empathy and sympathy. When you become quiet inside, you can begin to imagine or feel what the tree’s life if like. Ask it questions. Then share a mutual dialogue by exchanging messages.
Communication. Certainly many of us are already skilled at the non-linear, intuitive ways of connecting deeply with the intelligence—spirit—of Green Beings. The key is to trust the messages we get. But getting intuitive impressions is not enough for true partnership.
Collaboration. We have the respect for plants that is necessary for this step. But there is more. Collaboration means ASKING question through the intuitive interface and LISTENING for answers.
As if the plant, tree, or forest were another person, use your existing knowledge to ask it “yes” or “no” questions. Be curious. Using muscle-testing to feel the answers in your body works well. Drill down, get really specific. And remember, a “no” doesn’t always mean strictly “no.” It can mean “ask me another kind of question.”
You are building a structure of information but more importantly, you are establishing a profound relationship. And then, do what it says to do. Keep your word to the Green Being.
Co-Creation. The ability to take the plant’s, tree’s, or forest’s perspective then ask it questions all lay the foundation for seeking mutual goals. You have needs, too. When you come from the other’s point of view and find out what they need, your own needs can adjust to dovetail accordingly.
A shared objective that is good for both then arises. Both can take action toward that. Don’t underestimate the Green Being’s ability to take action toward your goal. Wonderfully unexpected and novel things can happen.
Here at PartnerWithNature.org, our eyes are focused firmly on enlightened stewardship and restoring Nature's health.
We are dedicated to helping people bring forth planetary conditions that can sustain both all of Nature’s Beings and humanity into future centuries.
