Nurturing Mindfulness in Nature
Tips for achieving Inner Peace and deeper connections with Nature
June is a wonderful month to bring all of your Mindfulness activities into our natural world. Nature has a special way of grounding you in the present moment.
Anytime I feel stress or anxiety, I step outside to feel nature’s sense of peace. Our natural world to brings me back to the present moment. I take a deep cleansing breath as I open my eyes to appreciate the beauty in nature. I listen to nature as it sends beautiful messages of peace and love.
Anytime the weather permits, bring yourself and your entire family outside to achieve a greater sense of peace through being “Mindful in Nature.”
Here are a few tips that the entire family will enjoy:
Deep Breathing
Of course, in Mindfulness deep breathing is essential. Take slow deep breaths in through the nose (lifting the rib cage) then slowly release through the mouth.
Silent Observation
As you and your family silently observe our natural world, tell your family, “In a moment I am going to ask you how we can use all 5 of our senses outdoors? Right now, silently observe what you see, feel, touch, smell or taste. If you need to write it in your journal that is fine.
Mindful Walking
As you walk through nature see who can name certain plants or animals. Once again, they may want to write them in their journal. You can also combine this with activity #2 above.
Meditation
A meditation can be done in any spot where you feel comfortable. You may want to have a large blanket with you.
Mindful Photography
Have everyone take out their cell phones to photograph all the wonders around them. Take a photo of what you see, hear, feel or etc… In the end have everyone share their photos with the entire family. This can be done now or later and it is importantto praise everyone’s enthusiasm for their photographs.
(This activity is good for all of your family members who are stuck on their phone.)
Grounding Exercise
Find a comfortable spot with no plants (this is to avoid poisonous ones). I would suggest grassy areas. Have everyone take off their shoes and socks. Now barefoot have all members stand as tall as they can as they push their feet down connecting with the earth. What is the feeling? As they ground down connecting with the Earth, send any negative sensations down and out of the body. Visualize the positive earth energy coming into your body through your feet. (This is a good activity to combine 3 or more deep cleansing breaths)
Mindful Eating
As your family finishes out the day, enjoy a picnic. Mindfully eat by being aware of how the food looks, smells, feels, tastes and what sounds are made while eating. If you are grilling outside what sounds and smells are you adding to our natural world. Being mindful while eating also means being aware of any animals who might want to join your picnic!
By embracing the beauty and tranquility of our natural world, especially with your family, you cultivate a sense of peace within all family members. This sense of peace is brought into your home as everyone takes time to slow down, breathe and enjoy every moment.
Sincerely with love,
Ask Mary Ellen – 423-653-6446
R.E.A.L Health Mindfulness Center