Humans can learn a lot from nature if we allow ourselves to absorb its teachings. In nature, there isn’t the concept of control. A tree doesn’t hold onto its leaves when autumn approaches. The moon doesn’t remain full for a few extra days each month. And the ocean doesn’t make bigger waves when its inhabitants aren’t conforming to its will. Nature just is. Nature just does.

Free Will

Humans have created an ecosystem unlike any other in our known history. We’ve created currency. We’ve created neighborhoods. We’ve created rules and laws. We’ve created consequences. But despite all our creating and our urges to control the world around us, we still feel the most fulfilled when we let go. In the words of the poet yung pueblo,

when she started letting to, her vision

became clearer, the present felt more

manageable and the future began to

look open and full of bright possibilities.

as she shed the tense energy of the

past, her power and creativity returned.

with a revitalized excitement, she

focused on building a new life in which

joy and freedom were abundant.

If we can learn to let go and live the life meant for us, we wouldn’t necessarily lose the need for money, neighbors, rules, and laws. But we will attract the means to survive, find the neighbors that fulfill us, and act in a way that doesn’t harm others. Like the tree, we wouldn’t have the need to hold on longer than we should. Like the moon, we’d be full for a short while but know our fullness will return. And like the ocean, we’d continue freely flowing despite what’s going on inside.

Nothing Lasts Forever

Remember this: There will be losses. But there will also be large gains. There will be sadness. But there will also be great joy. There will always be an ebb and flow in life. And it’s not our job to control it. It’s only our job to hold on tight and wait for the next wave to hit. 

As the wise Thich Nhat Hanh is known to say, “See that everything is impermanent and without eternal identity. See that although things are impermanent and without lasting identity, they are nonetheless wondrous.”

And this is a wonderful life.