Mindfulness - Taking inspiration from Nature

Many of us know that being in the natural world provides a sense of calm. The space around us as we stroll through the countryside or meander along a beach can infiltrate our very being - lifting our spirits and quietening our minds.

Mindfulness (and meditation) teaches us to be present in the moment. The practice encourages us to turn our attention towards what is ‘here right now‘ rather than ruminating on things that have happened or worrying about things to come. This is not an easy principle to master but being with nature can help us to focus our attention.

Next time you find yourself in the natural world, try to explore being fully present. Use your different senses to aid your attention.

• Notice what the weather has to offer your senses. How does the air feel on your skin? - a warm gentle breeze, droplets of rain or a cool & icy wind.

• What can you smell? - the ocean, a river, the scent of blossom or flowers, the dry grasses of summer or the rotting leaves of autumn/winter.

• Smell is closely linked with taste. Is it possible to get a sense of the taste of sea air or of a grassy meadow?

• Pause for a moment & close your eyes. Notice the sounds that come to your ears. As you stand there, allow the different pitches, textures and volumes of sound to reach you. See if you can hear the furthest distant noises as well as those which are nearby. Try to be aware of those sounds which are in front of you as well as to the sides and behind you. Take some slow breaths so that your breathing also becomes part of the presence of sound.

• Having closed your eyes, allow them to open & be completely saturated by the many different colours, shapes and forms that you see. If surrounded by grass & trees, notice the myriad tones of green; if on a beach, tune in to the colours in the sand, pebbles and the sea. Notice any movement and what is causing it.

• Look around you and allow your focus to settle on an object which you can touch - a pebble, a blade of grass, a flower or a leaf. Pick it up & hold it in your hand. Feel the weight of the object, allow your fingers to explore any patterns, shape & texture.

Take another moment to pause and to breathe. Allow the weight of your body to feel stable, grounded and safe. On an inhalation, feel the space around you, on a slow exhalation, let your attention return to your feet and their contact with the earth beneath you. Repeat and notice how you feel.