The Timeless Wisdom of Nature

When I was a boy growing up in Colorado, my favorite place wasn’t inside a cozy house or even the bustling streets of town — it was outside, beneath the open sky. Whether I was climbing a rugged mountain trail, wandering through a forest of whispering aspens, or lying flat on my back in a field of wildflowers gazing up at the clouds, I felt at home. But beyond that, I felt alive.

Nature, with all its infinite variety and wonder, became my first and greatest teacher. And as I’ve grown older, written stories, and delved into the mysteries of life, I’ve come to understand that the wisdom offered by nature is timeless and universal. It speaks to all of us, no matter who we are or where we come from, if only we take the time to listen.

The Language of the Land

There is a particular kind of quiet you can only find in the wilderness. It isn’t silence exactly — it’s the rustle of leaves in the wind, the call of a bird in the distance, the bubbling of a stream over smooth stones. This “quiet” is filled with life, and it invites us to slow down, to pay attention.

I often think back to a moment I shared with my father when I was very young. We sat by a stream on our ranch, listening to its many voices. At first, I only heard one sound — the rushing of water. But as I focused, I began to notice subtleties: the high, tinkling notes of water splashing over pebbles, the deep gurgles of a submerged current, and even the faint hum of the stream moving through its banks.

That moment taught me that nature speaks in layers, offering us more than we initially perceive. It also taught me that the land has its own language — a language of change and connection, beauty and resilience.

Lessons from the Great Tree

In my MERLIN Saga, the Great Tree of Avalon serves as a powerful symbol of interconnectedness. Its roots anchor the realms, and its branches stretch toward the stars. This isn’t just a fantasy construct; it’s a reflection of the truths I’ve seen in nature.

Every tree, no matter how solitary it may appear, is part of a vast, unseen network. Beneath the soil, roots intertwine and communicate, sharing nutrients and warnings about potential threats. Scientists call this the “wood wide web,” but to me, it feels like an echo of something profound: the idea that we are all connected.

When we look at a towering redwood or a gnarled oak, we’re not just seeing a single organism. We’re witnessing a participant in a much larger story — one that spans time and space, uniting countless lives in a complex and beautiful dance.

Nature’s Timeless Cycles

One of the greatest lessons nature teaches is the importance of cycles. The changing seasons, the phases of the moon, the migrations of animals — all these rhythms remind us that life is not a straight line but a circle.

This cyclical nature of life is something I often explore in my writing. In The Ancient One, a massive redwood tree becomes a portal through time, its rings holding the secrets of countless generations. That story was inspired by my own awe when standing inside a hollowed-out redwood in California. Touching its ancient bark, I felt the weight of centuries and the persistence of life.

Nature shows us that endings are never truly endings. A fallen tree becomes nourishment for the soil. A burned forest eventually gives rise to new growth. Even the stars above us, those symbols of eternity, are part of a cosmic cycle — burning, fading, and being reborn.

The Importance of Wonder

If there’s one thing I hope to pass on to my readers, it’s the importance of wonder. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and schedules, wonder can feel like a rare and fleeting thing. But it’s also one of the most vital forces we have.

Wonder is what drives a scientist to peer through a telescope or a microscope, seeking to understand the mysteries of the universe. It’s what leads an artist to pick up a brush or a writer to put pen to paper, striving to capture the beauty they see. And it’s what brings a child to their knees, marveling at the intricate pattern on a butterfly’s wing or the sparkle of dew on a spider’s web.

Nature is the ultimate source of wonder. It reminds us that we are part of something vast and miraculous. And it challenges us to step outside our routines, to open our eyes and hearts to the extraordinary world around us.

Protecting Our Wild Heritage

With all that nature gives us — wisdom, inspiration, connection — it’s only right that we give something back. Protecting the natural world isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a human one. The health of our planet is directly tied to our own well-being and the future of all life.

Through my work with conservation organizations and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many people, especially young people, who are making a difference. They remind me that each of us has the power to be a steward of this Earth, whether by planting a tree, reducing waste, or simply sharing our love of nature with others.

Finding Your Own Connection

As I write this, I’m looking out at the snow-dusted peaks of the Rocky Mountains, a place that has shaped me in countless ways. But you don’t need a mountain vista or an ancient forest to connect with nature. It can be as simple as sitting beneath a tree in your backyard, watching the clouds drift by, or listening to the chirp of crickets on a summer night.

Wherever you are, I encourage you to take a moment to pause, to notice, and to wonder. Let nature be your teacher, your companion, and your inspiration. And remember, the stories we create — both on the page and in our lives — are richer when they are rooted in the timeless wisdom of the natural world.

What lessons has nature taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, the conversation between humans and the Earth is one that should never end.