Lessons from Japan: Number One. How would you rate your relationship with Mother Nature?

Just one week before the devastating earthquake hit Japan, I was having lunch with some friends and we were discussing just how vulnerable we human beings are.  I don’t mean in the sense that we can get our feelings hurt or hearts broken.  It wasn’t that kind of conversation.  We were discussing our role and place in our eco-system.  After discussing the merits of human intelligence and our position at the top of the food chain, in the end, we all agreed that human beings were no more and no less powerful, and dare I say, important, than any other part of our eco-system.

As much as we try to armor ourselves with technology and know-how, when it comes to Mother Nature, we will get our “butts” kicked every time.  We simply are not that powerful.  Even with our intelligence and ability to create technology designed to control our world and protect ourselves from the very eco-system in which we reside, in the end, we will never win.  We can only respect and honor Mother Nature by being the best partner we can and responding with integrity and grace when we feel the impact of her evolving presence.

I guess what I’m suggesting is our relationship with Mother Nature reflects our relationship with each other.  Do we try to understand and accept her--or control her and try to make her what we want her to be?  Do we treat her with kindness and compassion?  Do we embrace and accept each other as we both grow and evolve over the years?  Do we make decisions and act in accordance with what meets the needs of our relationship first--or solely to meet our immediate individual needs?

So what’s the bottom line?  The four phases of the developing relationship extend far beyond one individual to another.  The four phases can be applied to all relationships: individuals, groups, countries, species, eco-systems, and yes, even solar systems and beyond.

Take the time to review the four phases on the developing relationship.  It is important to understand how you affect your relationships and how your relationships affect you.  Need help?  The Pathway to Love Workbook and Guide is designed to do just that.  You can order the workbook and guide now at www.julieorlov.com/products.

Be well,

Julie

Julie Orlov, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Pathway to Love: Create Intimacy and Transform Your Relationships through Self-Discovery

Create Relationships in Your Life That Work — learn more at www.julieorlov.com