Finding Soul Connections in Nature: Walking the Plant Path

“The next Buddha will be Sangha. The next buddha will not take the form of an individual. The next buddha may take the form of a community, a community practicing understanding and loving-kindness, a community practicing mindful living.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Image by: John Salzarulo

In a world where the pace of life seems to quicken with each passing day, we are being stripped from the very essence of who we really are and why we have been incarnated in this Earthbody of ours. In Sanskrit, this concept is called māyā, a veil that obscures our understanding of the true nature of reality. As we learn to become increasingly attached to false notions of who we are, we drift further and further away from our spiritual essence.

As we find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of modernity, we risk losing touch with the very source of our existence – the land, the water, the sky, and all the living beings that inhabit our planet. It is in this disconnection from the natural world that lead to feelings of isolation and an increase in mental health problems.

Sadly, across nations, the rise of digital technology and social media, while connecting people across distances is causing people to feel increasingly lonely. Spending excessive time on screens leads to reduced face-to-face social interactions, making people feel more isolated. This trend is only set to accelerate with artificial intelligence at the brink of explosion. Money is being poured into virtual spaces, machine intelligence and terraforming of exoplanets.

At the same time, family structures are evolving to people living alone, in single-parent households, nuclear structures and with extended family living far apart. These changes reduce the immediate family support system. In some areas, traditional community structures have eroded, leading to fewer opportunities for casual social interactions and a sense of belonging within a community. The emphasis on individualism in modern societies means that people are encouraged to prioritize personal pursuits and independence over social connections.

Fortunately, there still exist societies in the world that have harnessed the true meaning of communities and are living to a hundred as a proof. Dan Buettner, a well-known author and researcher who has conducted extensive studies on areas with a high concentration of centenarians, individuals who live to be 100 years old or more, was led to the discovery of "Blue Zones," which are regions of the world where people live longer, healthier lives. Buettner's work emphasizes the role of communities and lifestyle factors in achieving exceptional longevity. Turns out being part of the right tribe contributed to health and longevity more than anything observed in modern societies.

We see this same trend repeat across traditional societies and indigenous communities. Through vested interest in Indigenous communities, we are learning about how these groups demonstrate exceptionaly strong bonds, resilience, and a deep connection to the land and each other. How can we also take a leaf of inspiration from these communities and create our own Sangha*?

In some ways, Nature is paving the path for us. The pandemic heightened our awareness about the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. People began to recognize that outdoor activities could reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, which were amplified during the lockdowns. Many individuals rediscovered their natural spaces and explored their local areas more thoroughly due to travel restrictions. This led to a rediscovery of nearby parks, trails, and natural landscapes that might have been previously overlooked.

How can we continue to foster these practices, even as the world hurries up to normalise? How can we slow down and go at the pace of nature and find the connections that our souls desire?

Earth Communities

Image by: Kenny Eliason

Nature-based communities, such as intentional foraging walks, communal farms, or wilderness retreats, offer unique opportunities for individuals to connect with one another in meaningful ways. These communities prioritize a strong connection to nature and often foster a sense of shared purpose and cooperation. These shared values attract like-minded people who share a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to sustainability. This in turn provides a strong foundation for meaningful connections, as members have common goals and priorities.

Fostering Interdependence

Image by: David Clode

Reliance on the land for sustenance and resources can create a sense of interdependence among community members. People may work together to grow food, harvest resources sustainably, and solve challenges related to living in a natural environment. This shared interdependence strengthens connections, increases food sovereignty and promotes a sense of wellbeing.

Community Rituals and Traditions

Image by: Aneet Singh

Naure-based communities often develop their rituals and traditions that celebrate nature, the changing seasons, and shared values. Instead of living in linnear ways, which often comes with the dread as another year passes by, we can experience the joy of cyclical living. Every season then has something we can look forward to, to create seasonal rituals which foster a sense of belonging and shared identity among community members.

Skill Sharing

Image by: Kerensa Pickett

Individuals in nature-based communities often have diverse skills related to sustainable living, permaculture, wilderness survival, herbal medicine, healthy eating and more. Skill sharing and teaching within the community provide opportunities for individuals to learn from one another, strengthen their bonds, increase resilience and empower one another.

Spiritual Growth

Image by: Dane Wetton

The present moment is all we have and yet we seldom live there. Our mind constantly frets over what happened yesterday or is anxious about the challenges of tomorrow. In so doing, we cut ourselves from the joy we can experience in this very moment. Living in nature encourages mindfulness and a sense of presence. People engage in practices like meditation, yoga, or simply spending time outdoors, which can lead to deeper connections with themselves and others.

Herbal Medicine

Image by: Annie Spratt

Around the world, 80% of the population rely on herbal medicine as their primary source of healthcare. In a time when our healthcare systems are overburned and strained, we can learn to equip ourselves with skills in Herbal Medicine that we can call on to treat simple ailments. Community-based herbalism courses and retreats are a beautiful way to connect to your soul tribe. As the world wakes up to the amount of chemicals and synthetics in their systems and how this contributes to the demise of health, we are encouraged to look at traditional and wise woman ways of healing that call on Earth’s remedies. Such remedies work on the hollistic body, taking into consideration, mind, body and soul thereby returning you to a state of balance and wholeness.

In the heart of flourishing a plant-based community, Wild Tantrika, commits to the blossoming of herbal wisdom. Here, we embark on a transformative journey, weaving the threads of nature's healing tapestry. Guided by ancient herbal practices, we learn to craft potent remedies from the gifts of the earth.

But Wild Tantrika is more than just a sanctuary for herbalists. It's a vibrant tribe, a shared heartbeat, where kindred spirits gather to nurture connections, forging bonds as strong as the roots that anchor us. Our community is where seeds of knowledge sprout, and souls find solace in the embrace of the natural world.

We will be uniting online in a Sacred Membership to learn from Plant Teachers directly. Register your interest to join us in this harmonious symphony of life, where we celebrate the healing power of plants and the unity of our tribe.

Sangha* is a Sanskrit word to mean Community, Togetherness.