The way most humans speak of nature gives the mistaken impression that nature is a seperate entity. It's thought of as a place we go to escape our “normal” lives. One problem with that perspective is that our “normal” lives aren't normal or natural for us. But there's much more to it than that.

In fact, there are many “Aha” connections that some of us are not making in respect to the natural world.

-The largest of these is that we are nature. We are not exclusive of nature. We can't visit it, like it's our long lost cousin because we are it.

-Some of you may not like to admit it but we are animals. Humans are natural animals which means we were designed to roam free like all animals. When we crave nature, what we are actually craving is the natural life we were meant to live.

-Our environmental downfall stems from denying that natural life. We are living false lives of our own invention. This creates the disconnect that is killing us all.

-It's no coincidence that natural foods are best for humans. Humans are a part of nature. Therefore, they are best sustained by naturally occurring foods.

-The foods best for humans are also the foods best for the planet. Literally anything, barring poisonous plants, that grows from the earth and is not manipulated or altered is good for humans. No plant food is unsustainable.

-The processes used to manufacture man-made foods destroy the planet. So, whether it's salad in a box or canned anything or even vegan hot dogs, it's bad for the natural environment, which includes you.

-It's not just about food. Everything that sustains humans also sustains the planet and all other living things. So living a sustainable lifestyle keeps you, the planet and everything on it healthy.

-In the same respect, everything that's bad for the planet is also bad for humans and all the other animals living on it.

What does all this mean? Should we go all out cave dweller or sleep in the trees? Of course not. For one thing, it's doubtful there are enough caves or trees for all of us to live in. Also, we have adjusted to this new way of life. Which is just a polite way of saying we're a bunch of wimps and would never survive.

Still, we can learn from our natural connections. If it causes harm to the planet, it will cause harm to us, either now or later. So, as much as possible, we should choose to live a lifestyle that sustains the natural world we are part of.

P.S.- Can we please stop referring to nature and the animal kingdom as if we humans were not a part of either? We are animals. We are nature. And the sooner we admit that and act upon it, the better our chance for survival becomes.

Walking barefoot is only one way to practice grounding. For instance, I practice grounding in the garden without using my feet at all.

You see, some flowers and vegetables have prickly vines. Stepping on them in bare feet would not be pleasant. So the usual barefoot grounding stroll simply doesn't work in the garden. Nor does it work on my weedy, semi-arid lawn.
Those stubborn, invisible goat-head weeds are worse than legos.

I also have 2 foot high raised wooden beds. I'd look pretty silly climbing up there in my bare feet. The neighbors already think I'm a crazy hippie. I guess it would be better than naked gardening. But not by much in their eyes.

Happily, I can spare their eyes on both counts.

I recently realized there's a reason sifting through garden soil with my bare hands feels so good. Feet aren't the only appendages capable of grounding the body. Hands in or on soil will work too.

Fair warning, if you decide to try it, be sure your soil is organic, you know everything that went into it is non-toxic and it's poop free. Mine's absolutely safe because I'm a vegan gardener. So, connecting to the earth through my garden soil is risk free.

Funny thing, so is eating from it. See how that works?

Nature's connections. They're everywhere. Eyes open.

Living in the world today means being exposed to an enormous amount of information. It's vital to be informed. It's not vital or even a good idea to dwell on it. A lot of what we see on the news or social media is one sided, slanted or manipulated to support one agenda or another. So, before you let it get to you, practice due diligence.

When the world seems to have gone mad, retaining your sense of humor and inner happiness can soften the toll on your mental health. Remember, you have a life outside of the evening news. Live it well. Find joy in the small things. These may be  overused phrases but live, laugh, love!

You can drown in the awareness of negative happenings around the world. Or you can focus on solutions in your own world. Be kind to others. Make someone smile. Plant a few seeds of love. Heck, plant a whole darn garden.

Connect with friends and family. Have a good laugh together. Tell silly family stories. Play games. Dance. Sing. If you can't be together in person, pick up the phone. Have a video chat or just a good old fashioned conversation.

Connect with your favorite activities and hobbies. Don't become so obsessed with what's going on in the world that you forget to do the things you love. Garden, paint, take some beautiful pictures, toss a ball around with your kids. Have fun. Life is short. Make it sweet!

Stop watching and judging other people's lives! You'll be better off and so will they. Get off social media and live your own best life. Doing the right thing, being kind and generous and practicing integrity are contagious. Rather than dwelling on bad news, dwell on making positive changes within yourself.

Spread joy, not hate! Instead of sharing bad news and worries, share happy and inspiring stories. Share your silly embarrassing moments. Share your triumphs. Brag about your kids and grandkids. Be so full of happiness that it spills over on everyone around you.

Want to change the world? Need your happy back? Build a life worth living.

Our current society can be stressful. This is especially true when it comes to relationships and conversations. Personally, I have a hard time relating to people who have let themselves fall victim to hate filled agendas. I've found that connecting from a place of peace is a great help.

As a vegan, I get plenty of practice dealing with angry confrontations. Surprisingly, many people object to me living a kind life. I don't taunt people. I live and let live. They just hear the word vegan and go off like firecrackers.

I don't know why me being a peaceful individual with peaceful intentions is so offensive to some but I refuse to feel bad about the fact that I'm a nice person. I also refuse to react to opposition with anger and violence. Because then, I defeat my own purpose.

Admittedly, it took me a while to realize this. Things got ugly sometimes. Live and learn as they say.

However, now when I encounter those who are openly angry, exclusionary, rude or violent toward me, I take a deep breath and react using my inner peace as a catalyst, rather than becoming defensive or vengeful.

Naturally, if my life/well-being or anyone elses is in danger, I will take protective measures.

However, I absolutely refuse to come from a place of hatred. We have enough of that in the world.

So, I summon up that little ball of love, peace and happiness growing inside me and lay it on whoever is projecting their hatred toward me. It is their hatred, after all, not mine. I have no use for it in my life.

Fire breathing dragons are largely ineffective at putting out fires so I choose not to be one.

It's pretty hard for people to be angry with someone who's been nothing but nice to them. Plus, I just plain feel better about myself when I'm kind to others. That's far more important than proving a point or “converting” people to my way of thinking.

Example has always been the best teacher anyway. What kind of example would I be if my actions didn't match my convictions?

Peace, love and happiness is always the best solution everyone. Spread it around.

Personal growth is a beautiful thing. When I first started writing online, the rule was never to use your real name. I accepted that, made up a pen name that suited me and created a writer named Jaipi Sixbear. And just as easily (or not) this week, I killed her off.
Don't worry. She's not entirely dead. I mean, she is fictional.

I just don't feel like being Jaipi Sixbear anymore, you guys. Honestly, I never did fully embrace her. I always knew she was a costume I put on to help me grow into myself. She was a shield.

The shield worked very well.

Jaipi enabled me to say things Jeanne couldn't. She didn't worry about what other people thought of her and gradually, neither did I.

I'm officially out of my shell and then some. I'm now comfortable enough to be myself. So thanks, Jaipi, you served me well. R.I.P. Love you. Kiss, Kiss, Goodbye. LOL

But wait, there's more...

A funny thing happened while I was masquerading as Jaipi. I “found” myself. I found the child inside me, but in a wiser form. I started noticing that all my interests, hobbies, passions, opinions and even my paths were naturally connected. They were all related in some way. They were all leading me on the journey I was destined to take.

All the research, writing and soul searching I did as Jaipi helped me to see that we are all part of a connected and infinite reality. It helped me to see myself and all natural life as vital to the balance of the universe.

My “enlightenment” through Jaipi's research, revealed the beauty and healing power of a connected and energized natural world. When everything is in sync, honest and naturally balanced we are all able to live our best lives.

You guys, I can't live my best life as an imposter. It wouldn't be right or natural to do so.

“I gotta be me.”

(Brownie points if you sung that.)

Anyway... Jeanne Frost is my name. A naturally connected life journey is my goal, my destiny and my purpose.

Welcome to my world!