Communication with nature is not only possible, it is essential for building relationship. However, how can you be in a conversation when you're not sure anyone else is listening? Difficult, very difficult. We need to get some response, some message from our "partner" to know that we have been heard. How does nature speak back to us?

And, are words necessary? Think of how many other ways we speak to each other, through a touch on the shoulder, with a smile or a frown, through music, through pictures. Be aware of all the ways you can speak and listen for all the ways you might be spoken to.

Let's begin with ourselves and how we address a piece of land, or a tree, or a bird. We have to get their attention, to speak in ways that they can hear. That's our responsibility. Though it may seems strange at first, try using bits of tobacco as presents to the tree or the garden. It has the quality of enhancing communication, of bringing honesty into the relationship.

You might think of this gift-giving as a "tap on the shoulder" of someone who's busy with their own life or of giving something in return for all the beauty you've received. Or, if you prefer, some kind of alcohol, wine or whiskey, may be substituted.

Generosity is always helpful. Think of the ways in which plants are generous, with seeds, fruit, with progeny. Nature expects us to treat others in the same spirit, and will respect to those who do so.

Then, use whatever mode of communication is most natural to you. Words are just fine, but music works to, if you play an instrument. Dance, touch, love in all its forms will work.

You could start at home, with something you love, by telling it how much you appreciate it. You can touch with love, or sing something with love. Do it several times, many times. Pay attention to how you're feeling, to whether or not there's more peace in your moments together.

However, just as a Japanese landscape designer's training traditionally started with spending as many as three years wandering the countryside, examining and learning from nature, it might be well to start your conversation with a visit to a wild place, even a city park would do, though a wilderness is best.

What would you say? Whatever is most deeply honest, whatever is the speech of your heart. You might share your hopes for your garden, your apologies for what you've done in the past, your desire to be partners in the future. Don't hurry. Spend as much time as you can.

Then, both immediately and for days, listen for what will be spoken back to you. There might be "words" an internal knowing of something, a new idea, a realization, or there might be coincidences, a visit from an unusual bird, a wild animal coming closer than usual. More unusually, you might feel a bit disoriented, as if you'd just wakened from a nap, and find that you know something new, not just with your head, but with your whole body.