Meditation in Nature

Nature provides us with the opportunity to realign our self with some of the deepest roots of being. During the warmer months of the year I enjoy my mediation in various parts of our countryside property. I hope these photos will inspire you to find a quiet, calming place outside to practice your daily meditation.

Early morning meditation in the middle of the gardens. The rose garden as my focal point with the butterfly garden at my back.

If I get outside early enough meditating by the bird feeder I am often joined by the early morning feeding feathery friends. And the view of the butterfly garden is my focal point.

My favourite area to meditate outdoors is on the bridge. The flow of the water trickling by mixed in with the singing of the birds is beyond peaceful and soothing. My focal point is the array of wild flowers that grow along the banks of the stream.

On days when the weather is too cool or too humid/hot to be outdoors, I am fortunate to still be able to enjoy a bit of nature. In my writing studio I meditate looking out to the courtyard between the house and studio.

Mediation is a wonderful way to start and or complete your day. I find that meditating in the morning gets my day off in a most productive way. Whether you mediate in the morning, evening or both (some people even add a mid day meditation to their day) does not matter - what matters is that you take 10-15 minutes each day to relax and clear your mind.

Some tips for meditating:

~ Choose an area outside or in your home where you will not be disturbed.

~ If you are starting out in the practice of adding mediation to your day start with 5 minutes and work your way to 10, then 15 and if you wish to 30 minutes or longer.

~ Sometimes when starting out it's beneficial to use a guided meditation (the internet is a great resource for locating some brilliant ones - and they are offered in various time lengths).

~ If meditating with just some soft background music; in nature or in complete silence - use a timer set on vibration mode to alert you when your chosen length of time is up. I usually set my Smart phone to 5 minutes before the end of my mediation and then a final vibration alert at 15 or 20 minutes (depending what meditation I'm doing)

~ You can sit on a blanket, pillow or chair. What's important is that you keep your spine in an up right position. If sitting try to keep your feet on the ground.

~ Eyes may be open or closed. If you choose to keep them open, lower them and focus on a spot (or object) in front of you.

~ Your mind will wander ... don't worry this happens. Thoughts will come into your mind, again that is ok - it happens. Don't try to stop them or get frustrate. Simply acknowledge them and then return your awareness to your breathing.

~ Do not try to control your breathing. Relax your belly and let the breathe flow in and out through your nose. 

~ Have a cup of tea or water near by to sip after you finish your meditation

 Is Meditation part of your daily routine?

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