Getting Creative in Nature - “Paint With All the Colors of the Wind”

There is a place on the Austin Greenbelt's small grotto overlooking a hidden valley spring. I was alone there with the breeze, the sky, the view and the birds singing when I reconnected with my singing voice. I was mid-20's; lost, confused and having no idea what direction my future was headed. Becoming a musician was the furthest thing from my mind. I had been battling a depression for many years, and life held little purpose for me. I was immobile, passive and unable to take action. Can anyone relate?

I lived in a small efficiency that by happenstance was right at the trail's entrance. And I found myself walking to this spot most days after I got off my 9-5 corporate job. I'm so thankful I got off my couch and did that. It was there that I began to feel a little more hopeful, a little more alive each visit. Til one day – I just began to sing.

I don't even remember the song now, but I remember how the moment felt. My voice was strong and clear as if it came straight from my soul. It by-passed all my blocks and fears and criticism that normally shut it down before it began. I felt boldly connected to all the beauty I took in my eyes as I sang from my heart. I no longer felt separated, ashamed, or too lowly to contribute. Singing was the most natural thing I knew to do in response to the love I felt in that space. I was remembering something I had forgotten long ago.

This is the magic of nature. Nature can restore us to our true identity. It can heal our shame, and dissolve the blocks to our creative voice - both metaphorically and physically. We are reminded of our creative nature, which is as natural to us as breathing. But many of us, actually most of us, have been blocked from this ability thru trauma, poor education, and growing up in a world gone mad.

But it's still there. We never loose it, even when it's neglected and forgotten.

I've seen it over and over again since then. I've taken students out to nature for lessons, to experience the joy of singing in harmony with creation. Every time, their voice and confidence in their voice comes online in an effortless way. They are just as surprised as I was that day so long ago.

Why does nature have this effect on us? Why does it feel so good, so right to sing in nature?

I'm open to hear what others think. I have my ideas, but also think it's part of a great mystery that is hard to put into words. What I do know is the effect is very real.

Lately, I've been blocked with music. I have not been practicing as much as I like, and even found that my singing voice felt heavy, like I'm singing through an iron jaw. It’s been draining on me physically, which his the opposite of what I normally feel - uplifted by singing. This is when I took to practicing 3 days straight out in nature. I can always rely on nature to help me face whatever blocks come up.

And they do continue to come up. When you are a musician, you can expect to have ups and downs, plateau's' and breakthrough's. That's why I always refer to it as a journey. But you always have nature in your back pocket as the Ace to help you pull yourself out of ANY rut you might fall in.

The first day of my practice, I mostly chose sad songs that helped me express the darkness, the hopelessness, and the shame. Here I was coming to nature for help when I knew, as a collective, we are assaulting nature in the worst ways.

As I worked thru these tears, I was held in the most gentle embrace by the trees, by the breeze and in particular the animals that came out to listen and join in at times. Pretty soon my wellbeing was restored. The sense of joy returned. I felt my belonging to the earth, to nature, to a oneness that is so full of love and forgiveness. As I sang from this place, I felt strong and ready to face my life again.

So many of us are struggling. The threats we face daily are real and hard to handle. Depression and helplessness sneak in until we no longer can manage. But nature is there for us. Pick yourself up and get out there. Let it all go for a while and just be a child at play.

Whatever is your creative voice; whether singing, an instrument, art, writing, cooking, whatever it is – try to do it out there in nature. Try to offer it as a gift of love to yourself and in appreciation to the grace you'll feel amongst the gentle giants and small creatures. You will be restored, and you'll remember who you are – a unique human being who is part of a family far greater than we can imagine.

Your voice and gifts are needed now more than ever. Let nature be your companion and comforter on your journey. “Sing with the voices of the mountain. Paint with all the Colors of the wind.”