Finding Nature’s Pace: Nature Mindfulness for Spiritual Rewilding
While the world around us consumes us with constant noise and artificial distractions, a yearning arises within us to reconnect with the untamed essence of our natural surroundings. Nature mindfulness, an invitation to rediscover our intrinsic bond with the earth, is a practice we explore within the Spiritual Rewilding course.
Unlike conventional mindfulness practices that often confine us to the realm of the self, nature mindfulness beckons us to venture beyond the boundaries of our human existence and immerse ourselves in the raw vitality of the natural world. In this article, we will explore the essence of nature mindfulness, its alignment with the Wild Being module, and suggest three invigorating practices to awaken our senses and foster a profound reunion with nature.
Embracing Oneness with Nature
Nature mindfulness invites us to recognise and experience the profound interconnectedness between ourselves and the natural world. Traditional mindfulness practices often emphasise turning inward, focusing on the thoughts and sensations within our own minds and bodies. While this can be beneficial for self-awareness and stress reduction, it can inadvertently reinforce the perception of separation from the environment around us.
Nature mindfulness breaks through this perceived divide by encouraging us to shift our awareness outward, actively engaging with the living, breathing ecosystem that sustains us. By embracing nature as our partner in mindfulness, we awaken to the realisation that we are an integral part of the intricate web of life.
Wild Being
The Wild Being module within the Spiritual Rewilding course aligns beautifully with the principles of nature mindfulness. It recognises the inherent wisdom and transformative power of immersing ourselves in nature, and the need to slow down our state of being to attune ourselves to the rhythm of the natural world.
Wild Being invites us to create a space for deep listening, reflection, and reconnection with the natural world and our own primal nature. It encourages us to remember that we are not separate observers of the natural world but active participants in its harmonious dance. By integrating nature mindfulness practices into the Wild Being module, participants can cultivate a profound sense of unity, find solace in the wilderness, and learn to deeply connect with the land around them through being on the same wavelength.
Nature Mindfulness Practices to Try Outdoors
To begin your own journey of nature mindfulness, here are three practices to engage in while immersed in the great outdoors:
Mindful Walking: Take slow, deliberate steps in nature, focusing on the sensations of each footfall and the natural environment around you. Observe the sights, sounds, and scents that unfold as you walk, allowing yourself to be fully present in the experience.
Sensory Immersion: Find a tranquil spot in nature and engage your senses fully. Close your eyes and listen to the symphony of sounds, feel the textures of leaves or rocks, smell the fragrances carried by the breeze, and absorb the visual beauty of your surroundings. Let your senses guide you into a deeper connection with the natural world.
Nature Gazing: Find a comfortable spot in nature where you can recline and gaze at the sky, a serene lake, or the swaying branches of trees. Allow your eyes to soften as you take in the vastness and beauty of the natural panorama. Notice the colors, patterns, and movements, allowing your gaze to become an appreciative embrace of the world around you. As you immerse yourself in this practice, feel a sense of expansiveness and deep connection with the wild essence of the natural world.
Nature mindfulness beckons us to awaken our senses, reconnect with our primal roots, and honor the interdependent relationship we share with the natural world. It encourages us to step beyond the boundaries of conventional mindfulness, embracing the idea that we are not separate from nature but deeply intertwined with it. Through practices such as mindful walking, sensory immersion, and mindful sitting, we can foster a profound sense of unity, find solace in nature's embrace, and unlock the transformative power