Lessons of Wisdom
by Weldon Lee (text and photo)

            Nature has many valuable lessons to teach all who will listen.
            Created by the same force that created nature, we can learn many truths about ourselves, the world in which we live, and the force that created us.
            All of my life, I have been close to nature. A simple walk in the woods would bring me face to face with its regenerating power. I’ve know its joys and happiness through the songs of our winged brothers and sisters. However, it was not until I heard the story of the wise old sage that I began to realize nature had many things to teach us.
            I’d like to share that story with you . . .

            Long, long ago in a land far away, there lived a wise old sage. People would come from near and far, seeking the source of his wisdom. “Nature is my teacher,” he would reply. “I have learned many lessons from nature. Yea, I continue to learn.”
            Looking toward the snow-capped mountains, he continued thoughtfully, “Up there, the rocks ¾ they were the first to teach me. From them I learned to be still, and to listen. Once I had learned these lessons, I was able to listen to the trees. They taught me the difference one life can make. In the summer, I found comfort in the shade of their branches; and in winter, they provided heat for my humble cabin. I observed how a single tree provided food and shelter for many creatures of the forest. Since then, I’ve tried to live my life for others.”

            This tale opened my eyes to Nature, the teacher.
            I began listening.
            At first, it was the trees that spoke. They shared that whatever hardships may bring, we must always strive to do our best; that it’s the hardships that mold us and give us character. While some trees are planted in lush valleys on fertile ground, others grow in crevices among the boulders high above treeline where temperatures are severe and gale force winds unrelenting. Yet, it is those growing in the harshest of conditions that are among the most attractive - those with character.
            The majority of Native American tribal groups consider the owl a bad sign, or Bad Medicine . . . a harbinger of bad things to come. However, viewing this portrayal from another viewpoint, one might consider them sentinels - warning of impending misfortune in time for the potential victim to take a different pathway,  and thus avert danger.
            One thing is certain, the owl will share his wisdom with any who will listen.
            Bears are always good medicine representing wisdom, healing, and protection; and, they have a special power.
            Beaver teaches us the benefits of hard work, while Bison is a special messenger of strength and survival.
            Deer, among other things, can teach us what lies ahead.
            Although considered a bad sign, Fox teaches us about intelligence and how to be clever.
            Otter, through his playfulness, teaches us how to enjoy life.
            Raccoon brings lessons concerning cleanliness.
            Many have heard the question, “How do porcupines make love?” And I’m sure you know the answer, “Veerry carefully.” Could there be a message here for us too?
            For a number of years, I’ve been aware of a force flowing throughout creation and emanating from many, if not all, life forms. I’ve personally witnessed its power and effect on the human body. At other times, I’ve been the recipient of its “gifts.” Deep inside, I feel I’ve only experienced the tip of this iceberg of power. I want to know more.
            A few years ago, I observed coyotes whereever I would travel. I was awakened in the middle of the night on several occasions to the yipping and barking of these wild spirit dogs. Twice, I saw them during the middle of the day just outside my door. One week, I found the remains - head and partial ribcage - of a coyote no more than a hundred feet from my cabin. What message do they bring?
            To many, coyote is know as Trickster. However, he is also a teacher - teaching us, among other things, about the powers of nature. That was his reason for appearing, time and again. He had come to teach me of these powers.
            One of the most important lessons to be learned from our wild brothers and sisters is that in spite of their differences, they are able to get along with each other. I have yet to hear a rabbit say to a squirrel, “You eat bird eggs. I’m not going to have anything to do with you.”