What did I learn from a whole day meditation in the forest?

Last Friday, I spent a full day meditating in the forest.

The host developed a few physical activities to help us be more present. For example, one activity in the morning involved walking barefoot in the forest and collecting pinecones from the ground while meditating.

I picked up a pinecone, observed it carefully, and sometimes smelled it. I paid attention to its color and shape. By noon, I had collected a whole basket of pinecones and noticed that each one was different.

Nature was reminding me of something.

If every pinecone in nature is different and unique, and we, as human beings, are part of nature, then, of course, we are all different and unique.

That is my biggest realization. I knew this already, but sometimes I forget it, especially when I compare myself to others.

I write and share this post because I want myself to remember this more often, and I also want to share it with all of you in case it is helpful:

We are all different, so it makes no sense to compare ourselves to others or measure ourselves by externally defined KPIs.

Our biggest mission on this planet is to get to know ourselves in depth and proudly own who we truly are. Period.

Love, Ye