They say nature can heal. Here are 7 ways to be one with nature:
1- Find a plump piece of grass or sand or mud. Plop down until your ass meets something probably wet but you’re not sure. Proceed to be kissed by natures little blood sucking rascals.
2- Listen for a tree that calls to you. Let its whispers linger. Approach slowly. Notice the bark peeling in quiet strips.Let its leaves brush you back. Let its knots follow your movements.
3- Oh look! Purple flowers. Run over and make sure to snuff all the scent out of them while you can. Make sure to let that bee have its pollen cocaine. Observe its red eyes. That means it’s working.
4- Go outside and let our famous fire ball in the sky warm your skin. Feel its light hit you in the face and shoulders. Feel how the sun scorches the exposed parts, releasing the burden of your moisture in exchange for the color red.
5- Alternatively, or also, you may choose its seeming counterpart, water. Study the weather of the out of doors. Find an open spot and let the tears of our clouds rinse your outer shell. Pay no mind to the rancid smell you now give off.
6- Oh deer. How majestic and fine, with its antlers and inquisitive face. Make sure not to startle him. Look at how it tip toes towards you. Four sharp hooves and many lumps. Eyes locking on yours. He knows you.
7- Go outside at night. Notice how the wind stops. How the crickets shush themselves. How the silence floats in. Only the sound of your name whispered from nowhere.
You’re part of the forest now.
© MJ Coppola, July 31, 2025
P.S. This is a poem, not a survival guide. Please do not challenge a deer to a staring contest or sign the forest’s guestbook in blood. Unless you really do want to join the forest. In which case… godspeed.