Meditating With Nature
There is a spot- just steps from my front door- where I go outside and greet the day. I sit on a blanket, or directly on the ground, and immediately feel the earth holding space for me. Supported, I gaze up at the tree canopy and listen to the vireos and chickadees and sparrows engaging in their morning song. I breathe in the morning air and set the tone for how I will step into my day.
Sit Spot Meditation, as this is called, has become an essential part of my life. It is, quite simply, the practice of returning to a favorite spot again and again so that you can tune into the present moment and create deeper connections. If you have been reading my pieces, you will know that I embrace the benefits of spending time outside. Being in nature is healing. For the mind, the body, and the soul.
There is a misconception that to “be in nature” we need to go somewhere- to a park or a forest or beautiful place far away. And to meditate, we need a teacher or music or mantra. But the fact is, Mother Nature is our teacher and if you open your ears, you will easily hear her music through the wind and the sun and the birds. Nature provides it all. We just need to be present to her. Whether you live on a large tract of land or in the city near a tree, you are already in nature. In fact, you ARE nature. It’s not only outside, but inside of you too.
Sit spot is a form of mindfulness meditation- in nature. You just sit on the ground or in a chair or against a tree, take a deep breath… and pay attention. And if you can’t get outside, sit by a window. As simple as it is, I promise you will be surprised at how much you notice.
When I began my sit spot practice, I became aware of so many details- right in my own backyard. How could I not have noticed the fascinating pattern in the bark of the sugar maple, or how the morning dew reflects off the hydrangea leaves or the magnificent blanket of purplish pink draped over the winter sky just before the sun pops up? What I didn’t see initially were very many butterflies and bees. So, I began planting more native flowers to attract them… and they came! This year’s spring and summer sit spots have been gifted with the anticipation of new buds, colorful blossoms, soaring butterflies and joyful bird song. It’s just awesome.
My sit spot meditation has not only helped me to tap into the restorative energy of the earth but also understand that we are all in relationship with each other. Basically, if I care for the land I live on, it will care for me.
I invite you to step outside and connect with the land where you live. I can assure you, there is a spot just waiting for you. Once you find it take a seat. Settle in, and for five or ten minutes, open your curiosity… and allow the magic to happen.