Spending time in nature soothes the body, mind and spirit. In our fast-paced world, we know it’s essential to unplug and receive the healing presence of the natural world. So, my husband and I headed to the California redwoods to receive the healing elixir offered within these centuries-old majestic groves. I looked forward to some beautiful conversations with these wise elders and the insights that would arise in their presence.

With great anticipation, I stepped upon the path in Arcata Community Forest. Communicating silently with the trees, I didn’t get very far into our little chat before I heard “Sssshhhh.” That was unexpected and it shut me right up. Listening intently, I heard the trees tell me that my mind was busy and my body tense. That was true, so I zipped my mental lips. “How about you just hike. Let go and just be.” My breath deepened in agreement and I felt the shedding of stress with every step.

Entering Arcata Redwood Forest on day two, the trees whispered “Patience.” Each time my mind veered into my to-do list, I whispered “patience” and settled back within the present moment, restoring calm to my body and mind. Hiking through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park on day three, I witnessed beauty in every face looking up in wonder—within the streams, the sky and those trees. It touched me deeply, this beauty. Even the gravel dust covering the ferns felt like decoration. The day’s lesson whispered in the breeze, “Nature adorns itself with beauty.”

My heart soared on day four as I walked my favorite trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Taking a wrong turn added extra miles to our hike. My legs began to feel the strain until I heard the trees whisper, “Tenacity.” The fullness of that lesson unfolded in an instant—reminding me to tap into the energy of the Earth as I finished that hike happy and ready for lunch.

Day five brought a more challenging path and the absence of trail signs. High on the mountain, the silence was so intense that it seemed to have taken on material form. “Silence and Trust”—two lessons that day. Many hours later, walking with confidence, we arrived at the ranger station, ready for that nap.

Many teachings about the importance of “Wonder” arrived on day six. A reminder of “Strength” on that difficult trail revealed my perception of my body’s ability was too limited. By Day seven, the lesson was “Ease” sprinkled with the constant reminder that “Life reveals Beauty”.

Driving south through the Avenue of the Giants, we stopped for a final visit. Strolling through this grove, I shared my gratitude to these elders for their teachings. They whispered one more message to me—one that broke open my heart. I realized in that moment that nature knows who we are and sees us clearly; and not just we as a human race, but me as a little personality. The wise ones had seen into my heart and reflected this back to me.

Being seen like that inspired me to live as one who loves purely, seeds beauty, gives generously and honors all forms of life. I’ll need many more hikes to truly live that aspiration. But, I know my teachers are waiting for my arrival, eager to whisper what I most need to learn.

Kathy Milano, founder of Soul Sanctuary, specializes in Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine, Angelic Connections, Peruvian Shamanic Healing and immersive classes and retreats. For more information and stories, visit www.KathyMilano.com.