It all begins with awareness. Awareness brings coherence to the heart and whole system. The way gardeners look at nature is in micro-moments. The First Snowdrops Emerge, The Branches are Bare. This system is captured by the beauty of Japanese aesthetics and the deep respect for nature's rhythm.
The 72 micro seasons begin with Risshun meaning the beginning of spring in early February and conclude with Daikan meaning Greater Cold the following January. Following life through the 72 seasons can bring you a warming sense of connection and community.

We all build defenses—it’s human nature. Life throws its share of hard knocks, and over time, we learn to protect ourselves. But sometimes, what once kept us safe starts keeping us separate. From others. From joy. From ourselves. Animals can help. Research from the HeartMath Institute has shown that horses and humans can synchronize heart rhythms when in close proximity. It’s called heart rate variability (HRV) coherence, and it’s a measurable shift in our nervous system when we move from a state of stress or disconnection to one of balance and ease.

A report published in Science (April 22, 2016, Vol. 352) made me look at the forests around me in a whole new way. Trees share their wealth through the network of mycorrhizal fungi. They take in an enormous amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which they use to build sugars and other carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis and they share it. If we learn from the stories and lessons that nature teaches us and build faith in nature in our hearts then we can be more comfortable creatures. Just by having faith we are nature activists. If this is you keep up the work!