As a coach, I teach my clients about the importance of mindfulness. It’s used in creating, strategizing, and reaching your goals in life. It’s the perfect tool for bringing to the surface your direction and your true ideals.
Mindfulness can be applied to all things we do: relationships, eating, breathing, awareness, love, understanding. Pretty much anything you may be seeking can be impacted by practicing mindfulness.
Right now, at this moment of my writing, I’m feeling drawn toward focusing on how mindfulness and nature work together beautifully to release stress and find new paths for your life. Because of our worldwide pandemic circumstances, we’ve been outdoors more than ever, which makes the appreciation of nature and the lessons it can teach us if we stop and soak it up, necessary.
So here are some exercises for you that may just may your life richer and your days less stressful. Practice this skill every time you are outside, whether it’s to go for a walk, sit on the deck, or walk to your car. Whenever you are out, practice being in the present moment. Notice your surroundings.
Years ago, I learned about “tree bathing.” It’s simple and beautiful. Simply lay down on your back in the out of doors. Your back yard, maybe. Or a park. Or in the woods. Lay down on your back and simply look up! You’ll be reminded how often you go about your day with your head down, working, driving, worrying, talking, all we do day to day. But how many times do you just stop and look up at the trees? Each time I do this, I am struck with awe at the peacefulness and pleasantness it gives.
Here are some other ways to be mindful of nature:
- Slowly inhale and notice what you smell. Is there a fragrance or odor? Is it pleasant or distasteful? Is it natural or man-made? Does it remind you of something or of another time in your life?
- Can you see the grass? What color is it? Is it lush and green or dried out and brittle? Is it long or nicely groomed? If you can, reach down and touch the grass. What does it feel like?
- Are there any flowers blooming? Notice their colors and shapes. Smell them if you can.
- Are there any rocks in view? Look at their shape and color. Touch them and notice their texture.
- Listen. Nature is full of sounds, but so often it is unnoticed. What do you hear? Are there birds singing? Do you hear civilization’s sounds, such as cars, trucks, planes, motors, horns, sirens? Can you hear the breeze blowing in the trees? Is there a sound from a stream or waterfall or ocean surf?
Being mindful in nature can take a few moments or longer, depending on your desire. And when you’ve spent some time focusing entirely on your natural surroundings, bring your heightened awareness with you as you resume your daily activities.
I’m here to help you, just contact me.