Signs in nature

I heard someone this morning talking about how we can use the signs in nature to find our direction without needing to use compasses, maps and sat-nav.  Even though I know which way is north and south from where I live, I have spent a little time today practising what he taught: this included observing the clouds to see where the light was brightest to indicate where the sun lay; seeing where branches had fallen,which showed the prevailing wind; and seeing the position of lichen, which likes north facing places to grow.  Sound, senses, awareness and observation all play a part in being guided by nature.

It reminded me of how dependent many of us are on gadgets and devices to assist us with tasks we can do ourselves quite adequately.  Yes, they make life easier and can be useful, but we are getting to the point now when we may find ourselves cocooned in our own bubble of life in such a way that we are divorced from the "real" world.  By using a bread-maker, the baker is not establishing a rhythm and contact with the flour and water, that provides the nourishment, s/he is separated from the ingredients by a machine.  Sat-nav can be great, but use of it can result in the driver focusing so much on the instructions s/he fails to notice anything of what is around en route - and much can be missed.  The same thing can happen for people who talk and text a lot on the move - their focus is on the mobile, and they can be oblivious to what may be beautiful or interesting in their environment.  

Separation, vicarious living or dependency is not helpful, though it can teach us much.  In the end, life is all about balance and simplicity, and the ability to care.