Nature’s Wisdom: Why Waiting for the Right Time Matters

Nature has a fascinating way of ensuring that everything happens at the right time. It provides us with what is beneficial and keeps away what might be harmful. In fact, nature goes to great lengths to prevent us from consuming things that are not meant for us. But humans, in their impatience and greed, often disrupt this natural order—sometimes at the cost of their own well-being.

Lessons from a Father Figure: Deepak Baba’s Wisdom

I was fortunate to have Deepak Suchde Baba in my life—a father-like figure who guided me with his deep understanding of nature. He was the visionary behind Natueco Farming (Natural + Eco-friendly farming), but more than that, he was a man who lived in harmony with nature, listening to its whispers and understanding its silent teachings.

Baba often spoke about how nature protects us, even when we don’t realize it. He explained that when a fruit becomes unfit for consumption—due to disease, overripeness, or contamination—nature invites insects and microorganisms to consume it first. It’s almost as if the fruit is calling out to the insects, saying, “Come, eat me before humans do.” This is nature’s way of ensuring we don’t consume something that could harm us.

But humans, driven by greed and ignorance, disrupt this cycle. Instead of recognizing nature’s warning, we spray harmful chemicals to kill the insects and then consume the very fruit nature was trying to keep away from us. In doing so, we expose ourselves to more harm than nature ever intended.

Baba used to shake his head in disappointment and say:

"इंसान खुद के पैरों पर कुल्हाड़ी मारता है।"

The Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita

Baba’s teachings about respecting nature’s timing remind me of a verse from the Bhagavad Gita (3.16):

एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः।

अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति॥

Translation:

"He who does not follow the cycle of nature set in motion, who indulges only in sense pleasures, lives in vain, O Partha (Arjuna)."

This verse teaches that disrupting the natural cycle leads to harm and emptiness. Those who ignore nature’s rhythm in pursuit of immediate gratification suffer in the long run. Isn’t this exactly what happens when we interfere with the way nature intends food to be consumed?

The Coconut’s Hidden Message

One of the best examples of nature’s timing is the coconut tree. Have you ever noticed how coconuts grow so high up, making them difficult to reach? This isn’t a coincidence—it’s nature’s way of ensuring that we consume them only when they are ready.

Baba used to tell me, "The tree gives you its fruit when it’s prepared for you, not when you demand it."

When coconuts are still green, they contain water that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. While this water is refreshing and rich in electrolytes, it is not as alkaline as people often assume. However, as the coconut matures and its outer shell turns brown, the water inside becomes more alkaline (closer to pH 7 or above) and far more beneficial for human health.

At this stage, nature itself ensures that the coconut falls to the ground, signaling that it is now ready to be consumed. But instead of waiting, humans often climb up, pluck green coconuts, and drink their slightly acidic water, ignoring the wisdom that nature has built into its design.

The Lesson: Trust Nature’s Timing

Baba’s teachings and the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita remind us that nature is not just a provider; it is a guide. It offers everything in its own perfect time—when it is at its peak nutritional value and safest for consumption. But in today’s fast-paced world, we have lost patience. We want everything immediately, even if it means disrupting the natural process.

By learning to trust nature and its timing, we can live healthier and more harmoniously. Whether it’s waiting for a fruit to ripen, a coconut to fall, or a season to change, patience aligns us with nature’s wisdom—allowing us to experience life the way it was truly meant to be.

So, next time you reach for something before its time, pause and ask yourself—Am I following nature’s rhythm, or am I forcing what is not yet ready?

Baba’s words still echo in my heart, reminding me that nature’s wisdom is far greater than ours. If only we choose to listen.

• Manjushree Rathi

  Director, ME Holistic Centre