Mindfulness: A Lesson Learned in Nature
“Why do you spend so much time outside?” They all ask.
“Because,” I say thoughtfully.
“Nature has a way of making us slow down.”
Have you ever been reading a book, and suddenly realize that you’ve completely forgotten the words that you just read? Your eyes scanned over the dots and lines without any true comprehension. You saw, but you did not feel or understand the words.
Have you ever thought that, maybe, we tend to live our lives in the same way?
Each day feels the same. We simply “go through the motions.” We are automated, in a way. Robotic. Programmed. Repetitive. We follow patterns so often that we become completely unengaged with the world around us.
But what if we took a step back and chose to intentionally break free from the monotonous cycles of everyday life? What if we truly opened our eyes to the beauty that life has to offer?
What if we were… Mindful?
For me, nature is the best place to learn how to practice mindfulness. There are so many intricate pieces of nature that we often pass by without a second thought. The rustling of fallen leaves, the subtle dance of sunlight on the forest floor, the delicate scents of pine and soft dirt – these details invite us to pause and truly experience the present moment.
Much like reading a book with intention, being mindful in nature requires us to engage our senses fully. Instead of merely scanning over the wonders that the outdoors have to offer, what if we took the time to feel the ground beneath our feet and breathe in the cool morning air?
As we learn to break away from our automated routines, we open ourselves up to a world of sensations that we may have never experienced before. Nature becomes our teacher, offering lessons about mindfulness and the importance of being present. It shows us the interconnectedness of all living things, reminding us that life’s beauty is not a mere backdrop, but an active participant in our journeys.
To begin your mindfulness journey, I encourage you to grab a journal and a pen. Write down specific things that you’d like to try to be mindful about, and carry it with you throughout your day. Your lists can be simple and short, but try to focus on the five senses. For example:
Touch: I want to be mindful of the feeling of the ground beneath my feet.
Smell: I want to be mindful of the fragrant pine trees in the forest.
Taste: I want to be mindful of the flavor of my water that sustains me on my hike.
Hearing: I want to be mindful of the birds singing in the morning.
Seeing: I want to be mindful of the colors reflecting on the water.
Once you get into the routine of being mindful, it will become second nature to you. You will truly start to experience life, perhaps for the first time ever.
- Kennedy Pearl
