05/05/2024
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In the lead up to the Women's outdoor Breathwork session on Mother's day, Iβve been reflecting on the power of nature as a meditation tool in my life. βMeditating wellβ doesnβt just have to mean being able to sit in stillness, with a straight spine and an empty mind. There are many styles of meditation that offer a more somatic and body based approach to meditation which can be easier to access for many people.
Somatic (body based) meditations can also offer a more integrative approach, where your mind still reaches stillness, but your body is also on board and honoured through the process to stillness, rather than ignored. And following these approaches doesnβt mean you are βbad a meditationβ, it means you are finding as meditation practice that honours and is best adapted to your needs.
In Australia, we are so blessed to be surrounded by pristine and exquisite nature all around us. Spending very intentional time in nature is one form of embodied meditation. Intention, however, is key. If we just go our in nature, walking and talking, or listening to music, or taking photos, it can still be a present practice, however when we bring a different sort of intention, it can have a deeper meditative benefit.
When we enter into natural places with an intention to be very present with ourselves and what is πΈππππΌ and so beautiful in the natural world around us, inviting all of our senses on board, it is a powerful portal into deeper stillness and peace, for our mind, body and emotions.
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If you would like to explore a nature meditation practice yourself, here is a practice I use. Somatic based meditation in nature for me is focused on inviting all of my senses on board either while sitting or very slowly walking somewhere nice in nature. Being somewhere away from the hustle and bustle in a nature reserve or such is great if this is possible for you, or it can even be your backyard or balcony if there is nature around. I also really love engaging with this practice while standing or floating in a calm ocean.
Donβt engage all of the senses at once, invite focus to one at a time, which allows more single pointed presence, rather than bombarding the mind with stimulus which can overwhelm and activate the mind.
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As you walk or sit, take in all of the beauty around you with your eyes. Be careful not to label the things you see (this is the mind coming in), instead, see through things, be aware of the colours, textures, shapes, shadows. Any time the mind trys to label, you cab introduce the thought, βI donβt know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am seeingβ.
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Slow your breathing right down and really drink in all of the smells of nature through your nose. Long so deep breathes. Agaisn try not to label and associate a smell with a certain thing, instead notice your reaction to smells and how they make you feel. Again if the mind wants to label, instead, think, βI donβt know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am smellingβ.
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Engage your hands and skin on other parts of your body (your feet if you want to take your shoes off, your arms, your face). Feel the textures, soft and hard, the temperature. Notice how these different sensations feel on your skin. Feel the wind blowing across your skin, caressing your gently. The warmth of the sun like a gentle embrace. Again if the mind wants to label, instead, think, βI donβt know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am feeling through my skinβ.
βπππ£πππ. Leave your headphones at home and listen to the symphony of nature instead. How does each sound feel as it reaches your ear drum and send ripples of sound into your body and brain. How do you feel inside your body as you hear different sounds, some may feel good, others less so. Again if the mind wants to label, instead, think, βI donβt know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am hearingβ.
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As you breathe in through your nose and mouth, you can taste nature through the air. You may want to explore your taste in other ways to, touching your tongue on the cool bark of a tree or leaf. Donβt eat anything though, there are lots of things that are poisonous in nature!
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Nature has so much symbology to connect to, which can inspire us in our own lives and paths. Notice if there is anything you are witnessing in nature that feels like it is offering your guidance or wisdom through what you are seeing, Are there any messages nature has for you if you really listen with your senses and heart?
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Take your shoes of and finding a place that feels like a nest or small sanctuary, and spending 5 minutes or more just laying in that space, resting and feeling the support of mother nature. Feeling connected to and safe in nature, which we as humans are a part of, is a rewilding technique that helps to reconnect us to our wild animalistic roots, and thus more confidence in our inner power and ability to survive in relationship with the natural world. The grounding of the earth against your skin and connecting your physical body with the soil and earthβs nature electrical charge also helps to stabilise our physiology including reducing inflammation, pain, and stress, improving blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generating greater well-being.
I would love to hear from your if you try this practice in some form, or if you already practice embodiment meditation in nature. Feel free to share your experiences or own practices that work for you in the comments.
If you would like to join us for the womenβs outdoor breathwork and nature immersion on Sunday 12 May, we still have places for this intimate group offering.
With Love Swaha Devi
