Nature of Heart

This world that we seek to control so carefully is a world we have created. We created it by what we chose to notice, by the images we used to describe what we were seeing.

—Margaret Wheatley and Myron Kellnor-Rogers

Obserflection and More

You can mine the gold of your life experiences by using these tools: obserflection (a combination of observation and reflection), interpretation, and decision-making. Because these tools follow a natural thought process, we use them every day without even thinking about it. The secret here is to use the process consciously.

To begin the mining operation, go for a walk in nature with a clear intention of noticing something interesting that reminds you of life. It's helpful to concentrate on a particular life issue.

Obserflection

Obserflection can be the foundation for developing meaningful life metaphors. In using obserflection we gather facts and relate these to emotions, feelings and associations. It’s a fairly simple process. The first part of obserflection is observation.

Observation: First, walk at any speed, staying open to what may come. Empty the mind. Watch the clouds, the water, the trees, the birds. Listen to the wind in the leaves, the hoot of an owl. Smell the fresh green of a spring morning, the perfume of summer flowers or the dank odor of deep autumn. Relax into being an observer.

When you notice something interesting, record it in your memory or a notebook. Capture the essence of what you have observed in as few sentences and as objectively as possible.

Observation relies on objective sensory data. It means putting your spotlight of attention on something specific. To organize your thinking about what you have observed, consider these questions:

• What am I seeing, hearing, smelling, touching or sensing?
• How would I describe the facts of what happened here?

Reflection: This is the “heart part” of obserflection. Reflection provides a time to explore your own relationship to what you observed and how it impacts you. Keep probing for how your experience in nature relates to your issue. Consider these questions:

• What memories, emotions, or feelings were triggered?
• What is my gut-level reaction to what I observed?
• What do my observations remind me of?

Be aware of your reactions and note any words or images that pop into your mind. These reactions may be something you’ll want to share with others later. At this point, depending on your own personal style, you might choose to either continue to process the experience by yourself, or to talk to someone else about it.

And More—the Gold Mine

For real gold, interpret your obserflections by relating them to what you already know or have learned. Then decide on new directions or implications for your life.

Interpretation. Here you have a chance to make sense of your obserflection. You can deepen your level of understanding and consider the rich vein of meaning underlying your nature experience. Consider these questions:

• How does what I observed in nature remind me of what’s going on in my life?
• What did I learn from this?
• What is the insight?

Decisional. This last part of the process provides an opportunity to decide what to do with all the above information. Before considering the following questions, it may be helpful to organize your thoughts from obserflection and interpretation. Mind mapping can be useful here. One format for mind mapping is found in the Invisible Currents Workbook. Consider these questions:

• What can I do about this issue?
• What action do I want to take?

The process ends with an opportunity to commit to a change in your life. If the change is something you truly want but you feel stuck in place, information at the Mind-Body Connection may be helpful.

The above method is adapted from the Institute of Cultural Affairs’ (ICA’s) Focused Conversation Method. (ICA is a world-wide private, non-profit organization with 35 years experience in developing and implementing highly participatory methods of individual, community, and organizational development.)

From Nature Experience to Meaningful Metaphor

By the time you complete the above process, it's likely that your emotional bond with the planet has strengthened and you have moved forward in your life. Perhaps the connection between your experience and the natural world even yields a metaphor for life. Examples of this connection are found in Invisible Currents: Nature’s Lessons for the Mind and Heart by Wanda McGee.

Invitation:  If you'd like to share what you've learned from your nature experiences, we'd like to hear from you. Feel free to offer your comments. Also, check our the Nature of Heart blog. 

 

  Completing the Cycle
  Cindy Mueller