I enjoy taking time out of my day to go exploring in the woods. How about you?
It is a nice getaway from the hustle-and-bustle of the day. Whether I head out for a brisk walk, a run, or a slow meander, my goal is always the same; to enjoy a mindful, meditative experience in the great outdoors.
My usual visit is to a park near home that has many trails in a forest that connect with each other. So I can make the adventure as short or long as desired. I have a favorite spot that I’ll stop at for a sitting meditation, using a fallen tree as my chair, overlooking a small brook that converges into a gentle river.
Depending on the time of day, I may find deer wandering, woodpeckers rattling their favorite trees, squirrels rustling, and birds chirping. No bears… yet, lol.
At the beginning of my journey into nature, my mind may be in a state of chatter, pondering items on my to do list, or working through the challenge of the day. Yet, when my feet begin taking steps, I purposely implement a process of steps that ultimately calm my chatter down. Well, not for the entire trip. The chatter is a natural state that the mind enjoys, and it comes and goes throughout.
First, I will place my attention on my nostrils to feel my breathe go in, and out. In, and out. Then, I begin to count my steps to myself as I take them, counting either 1-2-3-4 or just 1-2, 1-2. Sometimes doing these two steps together is enough to lessen the chatter. But other times, the chatter gets louder.
Then, while still focused on my breathing and counting, I will open my ears to the sounds, and my eyes to the sights, of the forest. I may also add another step of visualizing my breathe flow in and out of my heart space. And finally, I may switch from counting my steps to reciting a mantra.
I’ll do this multiple step process for a certain duration, and then stop on purpose, going back to just focusing on my breathe. And at that point, I find, many times, that the chatter does remain at bay, allowing me to truly enjoy the peace and serenity of my natural surroundings.
If you are unable to get to a forest right now, the 7 minute video below will take you there, if you like. Yes, nature is calling!
What is one small step you can do to add mindfulness and meditation to your day?
What a beautiful video~ like you, I value meditative practices which I primarily access while using creative practices and processes.
I start my day with meditation and writing practice. It changes everything! Good luck!
Julie, thanks for your reply. What a great way to start your days. Best wishes.
I love going for a hike. I will generally wait until the weekend, and now I am thinking, “Why not go in the middle of the week? I think I will break up my day tomorrow, and go for a hike!
Thanks for the idea!
Excellent idea, Paul. Nothing like a weekday hike, as there may be less people on the trails. Happy trails!
Oh my, watching your video was so relaxing and it made me feel like I was strolling along with you! I love taking Lia in hikes, it’s so relaxing and we learn so much from nature.
Hi Martha! Glad you liked my video selection. I chose it for the reason you stated. Be well.
Thanks for the link to the 4K Relaxation Channel.
When I take my camera for a walk with me, I am focused on what will make a good picture.
Even when I only have my cell phone I will take a picture of something special or make a plan to come back with a camera more suited to capture the scene.
You must have some amazing pictures from your past walks. Thanks for sharing!
I watched your forest video, and focused on breathing deeply and slowly while I watched. That led me to do a sort of body scan and then, some relaxation where there was tension. But surprisingly, there was so much, I ended up massaging my neck as the video ended. And I wouldn’t even have noticed it were it not for your question and your video! So glad I read your post today!!
That’s awesome! The body scan was a great idea. Be well.
The virtual walk is so beautiful. I live nature walks and only plan holidays to places with that option.
It’s wonderful that you make time for nature walks, especially on holidays. Excellent!
Thank you for sharing about your nature walks and including your relaxing video. I love the PNW and share your sentiments of getting out into a forest and practicing breathing.
Deep breathing and forests… perfect together. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.