The Nature of Mindfulness

/ Metta Mind + Life/

Nature is as important to emotional and mental health as mindfulness in my book.

My primarily focus is teaching mindfulness because it seems to be the umbrella over how we experience our time spent in nature and whether we take the time to go outside.

(The same thing goes for my approach to wellness & life coaching by the way. Principles of mindfulness and the techniques are the code to finally getting out of a rut and creating lasting change - that doesn't feel like it's killing us in the process.)

But, back to nature:

A few days ago I dared to hike off the beaten path through the Everglades on a guided swamp walk with my son. Hiking THROUGH A SWAMP. Breathe. I have never experienced anything like it. It definitively crushed all my negative or fearful assumptions. It was gorgeous, peaceful and exhilarating; my heart bursting with gratitude for the experience. Grateful for the beauty all around. For the connection and shared joy with my son and our friends on the hike with us.

Which leads me to wonder and awe...

Try this moment of mindfulness-based ecotherapy with me. (Read through the steps then set your timer for a few minutes.)

  • Bring to mind the feelings and emotions that arise when you are immersed in nature. When you stand before or dive into a vast ocean. Walking through a forest of trees. Trekking a mountain trail or silently watching the sun as it sets…

  • You might find it’s easy to put yourself there. If so, stay here for a moment. Breathe it in and notice what you feel in your body. In your heart…

  • Imagine the colors, the animals, plants and natural objects.

  • Sink a little bit deeper and trust what arises before coming back to your space.

When we experience this type of wonder and awe, the engulfing present moment awareness, and we feel our connection to the natural world bringing us back to ourselves - I believe, we are experiencing the best of what mindfulness has to offer us.

If you enjoy nature and feel me on how mindfulness and nature are interwoven, you might love the work of The Ecopyschology Initiative (EPI). I am honored to be a part this organization professionally and I deeply believe in our mission. Email me to let me know if you are curious about the option of incorporating Nature Therapy (aka ecotherapy) and Ecopsychology into our work together.

And here is a trusted resource on why it works.

Also, who has a million questions about what in the world we saw during our swamp walk!? ;)