Being mindful in nature appears deceptively simple, yet establishing a consistent connection with the environment can be quite challenging, especially for city dwellers. Urban settings pose obstacles for nature enthusiasts, but the good news is that one doesn't necessarily need to venture into the wilderness to truly appreciate nature and feel integrated into the ubiquitous ecosystem.
So, what precisely is nature-based mindfulness? It entails opening our sensory system and being conscious of our relationship with the natural world, embracing all the experiences that nature offers. Engaging in mindfulness amidst nature involves noticing the breeze, the sunshine, the insects residing on nearby plants, and the birds gracefully traversing the area. Each mindfulness session brings forth a unique observation.
While practicing nature-based mindfulness, we can liberate ourselves from habitual thought patterns, consistently returning to our breath and senses. This allows us to cultivate a gentle and uncomplicated way of attending to our experiences. Through this practice, we may witness our nervous system slowing down, our heart rate decreasing, and our muscles relaxing. Emotions may surface, insights may emerge, and our awareness might expand to perceive nuances in nature that went unnoticed before.
To partake in nature-based mindfulness, consider joining our regular online Nature-Based Mindfulness Class guided by Ecotherapist and mindfulness teacher Marion Miller every Monday at 10 am AEST. You can create your own nature practice with a few helpful steps before tuning into our weekly session to deepen your practice.
Select a natural sit spot that resonates with you.The choice is crucial, as each place in nature possesses its own unique characteristics. Whether it's a sheltered spot under a forest tree, an open area of soft grass in your backyard, or a perch on a log or park bench, the decision is yours.
Weather permitting, take the time to linger in your sit spot without rushing the experience. Let go of expectations about reaching a specific outcome and simply be present.
Engage all your senses, fostering curiosity about what you observe and what else is transpiring. Rotate between looking, smelling, touching, and even tasting (if safe) various elements in your environment, noting the associated feelings.
Cultivate curiosity about your relationship with nature. Are you engaged in dialogue? What emotions arise when interacting with nature? Do you perceive nature as a living organism? Observe your energy around nature without judgment, maintaining an open mind.
Consider journaling reflective words or images after your practice, or share your thoughts with others.
Contribute to your nature-based mindfulness practice by making an offering to the environment, engaging in reciprocity. This could involve planting a new sapling, watering existing plants, placing something valuable in the space, or simply removing any litter or non-organic items from the environment.
In the realm of scientific exploration, the evidence supporting the profound interconnection among nature, mental health, and community wellbeing is only beginning to emerge—a wisdom long understood by ancient and indigenous cultures worldwide. The inherent beauty of the nature-based mindfulness approach to human wellbeing lies in its capacity to awaken our sense of belonging in nature. It unveils a kinship that we can nurture and safeguard, ultimately guiding us towards a more enriching and purposeful existence—one less fixated on 'ourselves' and more attuned to the richness of our connections.
Watch my latest YouTube video below explaining my latest offering and take advantage of a FREE intro nature-based mindfulness class using the code MINDFUL INTRO in the checkout. https://www.marionmiller.com.au/mindfulnessclass