Happinez 2-2023

If you're at a loss, look at nature. In Western society we often see nature as something that happens outside our busy lives. A shame, because nature is a great teacher. Once we experience her as something we are part of, we can open ourselves to her life lessons.

This requires us to shift our perspective. “Try to look at nature as if you were learning a new language,” author Karen Armstrong urges us in an interview. In her book 'The Sacred Nature' she advocates restoring our bond with nature. If we develop empathy for its smells, colors and sounds, we would take better care of it.

Or be inspired by shamanism, the spiritual summary of thousands of ancient nature religions. It is the job of a shaman to safeguard the harmony between man and nature. He or she knows that nature speaks to us in wisdom, life lessons and insights, and it is up to people to listen to this with attention.

Also in this issue:

• Which power animal suits you?
• 9 ways to celebrate the beginning of spring
• The dreamy art of Lieke Romeijn
• The art of sacrifice
• Herbs as medicine: home-grown healing herbs