Mindfulness in Nature

Today’s world is changing more now than it ever has in most of our lives. There is a lot of uncertainty and conflicting messages. Not only that, there is fighting amongst leaders in the best way to handle the pandemic. You may or may not agree with the way our politicians are handling things. Many people are overwhelmed. Just know that you are not alone in your feelings of chaos or uncertainty.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed it may help for you to focus on the things that are constant in your life. What about focusing on mindfulness and nature? The sun will rise and fall no matter what goes on in the world. The flowers are going to bloom, birds will chirp, the wind will blow, etc. More and more people are outdoors as there is not much else to do. That being said, it may be helpful to practice mindfulness in nature. Below are 5 ways to practice this.

Sight for mindfulness in nature

Focus on your surroundings while you are in nature. What do you see? Are there trees, flowers, plants or grass nearby? Maybe you are on the beach or in a forest. If so, is there any water nearby? Do you see ripples or waves in the water? Maybe you can see the bottom, or water rippling over rocks. Perhaps there is no wind and the water it totally calm. Just pay attention and soak in the view. Just stare at it and focus on the beauty around you.

Maybe you are looking at nature in a different way than ever before. Prior to the pandemic many people were so busy they didn’t have time to enjoy the beauty around them or appreciate what was in their own backyard.

Smell for mindfulness in nature

What do you smell? Is there anything you notice? Perhaps you are able to get a whiff of some sort of flower or aromatic bush/tree. If you are by a body of water, perhaps there is the smell of the sea. Maybe someone recently cut the grass and you can small that. Is there construction going on and there is the scent of fresh wood. Perhaps you are cooking out and you can smell food on the grill.

Touch for mindfulness in nature

What are you touching? Are you sitting on a chair, or on a lounger? If so, notice the feeling of plastic, fabric or metal against your skin. Maybe you are on the grass or sand and can feel its texture on your skin. Notice the temperature of whatever you are sitting on. Maybe the air is warm and what you are sitting on is warmer or cooler than the air.

Can you feel a breeze against your skin? It’s amazing what you can be aware of when you pay attention. Most of us are so focused on doing other things that we don’t pay attention to this. If you pay attention you can even feel the texture of your clothing against your skin, the tightness of your shoes on your feet, or the texture of the back of your chair.

Sound for mindfulness in nature

What do you hear? Can you hear the wind blowing? Are there birds around? Pay attention to the different chirps of the birds around you. Perhaps you are near a pool or fountain and you can hear the sound of water, or someone’s swimming pool. Maybe there are kids playing outside that you can hear, or neighbors in their backyard. Is someone mowing his or her lawn? Perhaps there are bees buzzing around you. Maybe you or one of your neighbors is playing some music.

Taste for mindfulness in nature

Is there a taste while you are in nature? Perhaps you can actually taste the salt in the sea air. Maybe you just had something to eat or drink and the taste is lingering. Is there something else in the air that you can taste?

Mindfulness in nature (or any setting) has been shown to be relaxing and ease our anxiety. The physical and mental health benefits of it are numerous. It’s a great way to clear our heads and get rid of all the noise in the world. When you are being mindful and in the moment there is no room for anxiety. You aren’t worrying about what you did in the past, or what might occur in the future. The only thing that matters is what is occurring with your five senses at this point in time.

Next week’s blogs will be on how to go on a mindfulness walk.

I hope all of you are doing as best as can be expected during these uncertain times. If I can help you out in any way, please give me a call at 713-304-6554.

Take care,

Debbie