“Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.”– Eckhart Tolle, Stillness Speaks
1. Flower-Gazing: Admiring flowers is a simple way to connect with nature’s beauty. Flowers are simple, yet complex and diverse. They can be found everywhere from a Christmas cactus blossoming on windowsill in the winter, to mid-summer visit to the local greenhouse. Flowers are the Earth’s eye candy, present for all to enjoy.
2. Dew Walking: Getting on the grass barefoot at any time is desirable, but setting foot on the early morning dew brings a new level of zest to the experience. Dew walking on grass is a great way to ground ourselves and start our day with increased vitality. It impacts our circulation and brings a sense of relaxation.
3. Sun Salutations: The sun is essential to our health and well-being on this planet. What better way than to greet the sun upon rising in the morning. Watch this short how-to video. Several rounds of sun salutations make for a great workout for the whole body, they stretch and tone the muscles and beyond the physical level, they relax the mind.
4. Full Moon Ceremony: A ritual with many variations practiced by my Aboriginal ancestors, a full moon ceremony is practiced by women, either solo or as a group. The moon is seen as a female energy, Grandmother Moon, that assists in providing guidance and healing. Drumming, singing, fire and offerings are common elements used during the ceremony. Water can be used as an offering and drank as a medicine after the ceremony.
5. Walking Meditation: Walking in the peace of nature allows the mind to become quiet and clear. Each step reveals a new discovery. You may encounter little creatures in their natural habitat or see footprints of those who’ve come and gone. The benefits of forest bathing have been shown in studies: lowered blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, increased vigor, reduced anger and reduced depression. So while enjoying your next stroll in the forest, you can bet it’s improving your health.