Practicing mindfulness in nature provides a way to cultivate a deep connection with the earth. Indigenous wisdom keepers acknowledge a sense of belonging, humility and deep respect for nature. These traditions recognise ancestral ties and sacred spaces practicing forest bathing, working with medicine wheels and coming into mindfulness. That stillness exists in all of us. Moreover, when we’re mindful in nature we’re less stressed. More connected. Our resilience increases. Our consciousness expands. It boosts our wellbeing. What’s not to like? Here are Mindful Rewilding’s top mindfulness in nature tips.
Feel your feet, connecting to the earth. Tune in to her natural rhythms. See? You’re already being mindful in nature. That connection is innate. It’s inbuilt, in all of us.
Mindfulness in Nature Practice 1: Walking
Being outdoors, in nature is a great way to combine the benefits of mindfulness and ecopsychology. Choose somewhere beautiful, for example, somewhere that takes your breath away. Research has found that awe has health boosting benefits. We think that’s awesome (see what we did there?). We’re based in the stunning UNESCO Lake District & there’s a lot of that awe going on (come & visit us – find out for yourself). Mindfulness in the Lakes is one of our favourite things to do. Lakeside meditation boosts our happiness levels and our wellbeing. You can see why in this photo.
Notice the trees as you walk. How many shades of green do you see? What is the texture of bark like? Bring your attention to the natural world around you. Feel the sun against your skin and the wind blowing through your hair. Come into stillness. What sounds do you hear? The wind rustling through the canopy or birdsong, for instance.
Mindfulness in Nature Practice 2: Use your Senses
Firstly, step out of striving. Secondly, surrender to accepting nature as your guide. Using your senses, tune in to what’s around you. What can you hear? Is it a loud or soft sound and where is it? Near or far away in the distance somewhere? What is the quality of that sound? As a result of listening to that quality, do you detect a hum or a steady beat? On the other hand, you might notice aromas hanging on the air. Can you discern the taste of something? Perhaps pine or freshly cut grass. What’s here? How about your sense of touch? How do the leaves feel? Soft or hard? Furry? (yes, we’ve seen the odd furry leaf on our travels, for instance, Lamb’s ear (or Stachys Byzantina if you ‘d like to be fancy). Above all, open up your sense completely to the natural world around you.
Mindfulness in Nature Practice 3: Journal
With a resident author on board, this is one of our favourite mindfulness in nature practices. We’ve even created a Free Mindfulness in Nature Journal Grab a pen and a journal for this practice. Find somewhere comfortable to sit, allowing nature to be your muse. If inspiration doesn’t appear immediately, in addition you can use these journalling in nature prompts. Above all, don’t self censor, allow your creativity to flow.
- When I’m in nature I feel…..
- My favourite season is….because
- If this lake could talk, this is the story it would tell.
- Record your observations with words, doodles or sketches. This is your nature journal. There are no rules.
You’ve now achieved a solid foundation for mindfulness in nature. You can make these mindfulness in nature practices your own. Use them whenever, you’re outdoors to connect with your environment. Notice the insights that Mother Nature reveals to you. How has your energy shifted as a result of being closer to the earth? It’s all mindfulness in nature. Before you leave, sit in stillness. Offer gratitude to Mother Nature and make a date to return. She’s always there.
Thank you to Mindful Rewilding for these Mindfulness in Nature Tips. Discover more about being mindful in nature with their Free Mindfulness in Nature Tips Toolkit .
