What Weather Can Teach You About Inner Peace?

Justin was introduced to me as herbalist during my time in Pisac, Peru – but after a few exchanges over voice notes, another topic emerged that he holds much fascination for – and what piqued even greater curiosity to have him on the podcast… The weather.

Side note, I dislike “bad weather”. When it rains, or windy – happens a lot if you’re like me, living in the Northwestern Europe – when it’s too cold or otherwise weather-inconvenient. But with time and observance of nature I came to appreciate the “witchy weather” of late November and celebrate the bitter winter cold for what it is. Another cycle of nature. Without winter, there would be no rejoice at summer, no celebration of the sunny days if there were no gloomy ones. It is only through cycles and contrasts I’ve come to appreciate the weather I experience – which could always be worse… if you live in the Netherlands!

But I’m digressing.

I was editing this episode while back in rainy Europe and it took me back to Justin’s appreciation and depth of learnings he derives from observing the weather and specifically weather patterns. It’s hard not to come along with his enthusiasm. He continuously studies from the local Indigenous tribes in Peru where he lives, as well as taking inspiration from various Indigenous traditions around the world.

Herbal walks, birdsong and looking to the skies with the elders can teach you humility and feel inherent belonging to something greater and beyond. Justin takes the weather as a simple invitation to listen. To observe. To feel connection. To feel your note in the harmony of our existence.

Observing the weather isn’t another practice you should adopt to feel good. But cultivating curiosity around all living beings: animals, plants, insects around us can translate what the planet is communicating to you at any given moment of time.

It takes time – to hear the Earth speak, and presence – to feel its rotation and movement through the Universe. Harmony is a way of being, not just another thing to tick off our “to-do” lists…