ReflectionsFor most of us living in the modern world, we become easily caught up in daily living – consumed with our many responsibilites to our families, friends and just life in general. We very seldom give time to ourselves for a time of reflection.Though for me, I find reflection a very important part of my life, but recently I have been consumed with other less important things. Today while walking my dog, Shiloh and for that matter thinking about things this week regarding our environment, I would like to share some thoughts.Some years ago, I read a book by Steven Covey, and in this book he talked about how people tend to react to things based on how they see things or interpret things in their lives whether it is based on any reality or not. His example was, some people will feel down when the weather is gloomy or rainy and feel excited to be alive when the sun is shining. These people are allowing nature to dictate how they feel. I find this ridiculous, but while I was reading this book, a roommate of mine reacted in such a way pertaining to the weather. She was down when it was even a bit cloudy, but ready to play when the sun was out.Most of us allow the weather (nature) to dictate how we feel. It is evident in weather reports on TV with negitive connotations about weather. Nature has many moods, and these moods can be enjoyed by us just by seeing things a little differently and by allowing nature to come back into our lives. Living in the modern world has pulled us away from truly enjoying all the magic, beauty and magnificents nature brings into our lives if we only look and see.Back in 2009, I went camping for a month at a local camping area. Campers and motorhomes were allowed. I was in a tent. I was outside most of the time experiencing the many different changes in the weather. The people in the campers and motor homes were inside their little man-made cacoons missing all that nature was providing. Even people who camp in tents miss most of what nature offers because their attention is not to experience nature, but to do things to keep the minds occupied.Another time a friend and I went into the high country for two weeks in June. It was 2010 and we had experience a late winter. I knew the weather could be unpredictable where we were going. For much of the two weeks we experience winter conditions. Very light snow, just a little rain, but very windy and cold. Instead of complaining about the weather, I wanted to experience the weather and observe how the animals experienced the weather. It was like watching a movie, I was able to see in June the transition from winter to spring. I got to watch the beginning of certain wildflowers beginning to bloom, the young coming out of their underground borrows to experience the world for the first time. For me, this time was magical. I had spent three weeks in this area a year before in September and had the opportunity to see the many changes in different seasons.    Once I began to reconnect with nature and to respect nature, she has offered me a new life and a new way of seeing life. She provides for us everything we need to survive as a species and she offers us incredible beauty in all life forms we share this planet with. The next time you are in nature, just sit quietly for a time and nature will begin talking with you.Rick Theile