Meditation in Nature: A Guide to Becoming Your Best Self
There is a good reason why people practice meditation in nature. It helps to connect your senses, which is something that you will never truly understand unless you have experienced meditating outdoors. In that light, you might have also noticed why monasteries are located deep in nature—away from modern civilization and a bit difficult to find.
Apart from being more connected to your inner beings, there are also practical benefits to outdoor meditation. Some of these benefits include a healthy dose of vitamin D, a chance to relieve the monotony of meditating indoors, and fresh air.
Nature meditations, as you would have guessed by now, are meditations done in natural surroundings. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be an outdoorsy type of person, it is something that you should definitely try—for bragging rights but more importantly for its many health benefits.
Meditation in Nature: Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Benefits
If you are a nature lover, then you know the importance of nature in helping you recharge your batteries. Thus, meditation in nature should be an easy practice for you too.
If you are a beginner and need help, then read this step-by-step guide to know how to meditate. As we have mentioned earlier, there are many changes that will happen in your mind, body, and spirit when you meditate in nature.
- You become one with your surroundings.
Nature meditation helps you be more receptive to your surroundings and view nature as a living object rather than one that is inanimate. As a result, you will be more aware of the importance of all life forms.
- You become more connected to the earth.
Moreover, it also allows you to be more grounded. This is the reason why yoga experts prefer thinner yoga mats as it keeps them more grounded and closer to the earth.
If you haven’t gotten to that level of awareness, though, it can be easy to get distracted and have wondering thoughts while you are meditating. Luckily, meditating outdoors will make it easier for you to focus as you can just set your thoughts on the beauty of nature, making nature your anchor.
- You become focused on the present.
If you have an interest in mindful meditation, then practicing meditating outdoors will be the best way for you to start as it will help you to be focused on the present. When you live in the moment, then you will experience true happiness and contentment.
- Your senses are heightened.
When you meditate in nature, your body’s senses are also heightened. This is because your body becomes a bit synchronized with the natural vibrations of the earth. As a result, there won’t be any need for soothing music because nature has its own tune.
- You will find inner peace.
Additionally, you will also benefit from the solitude that it offers. Naturally, the body is more at ease when outdoors, so meditating in such a space can help you have a deeper appreciation and understanding of all life forms.
People who meditate in nature, as a result of all its benefits, have a fulfilling experience and feel rejuvenated after the exercise. So, how is it done? Where should your focus be?
Finding Your Focus
When practicing nature meditation, your focus is usually on your senses—sight, sound, touch, and smell. Focusing on your senses would allow you to experience nature in its raw form.
Additionally, your entire mood should also be a contemplative one to allow you to focus your attention on the present. Somehow, in this kind of meditation, bugs and other insects may not cause too much anxiety as you will realize that they, too, are a part of nature. In that light, you will also develop a deeper and more intimate relationship with nature.
On the other hand, your eyes should focus on the beauty of nature—its shapes, colors, and texture. You may want to reach out and touch the leaves or smell the flowers. As we have said, your senses become heightened, which would also allow you to notice the chirping of birds, the whistling of the wind, and the chirping of crickets.
Other Types of Nature Meditation
There are a number of ways to meditate in and with nature, but some persons prefer to use guided visualizations indoors to stimulate a natural outdoor environment. You can choose to meditate during a sunset, near a tree, or even while walking or standing.
Whatever setting you prefer, you should always find a comfortable position. Afterward, engage all of your senses by closing both your eyes. In this way, you are free to focus on how everything around you feels and sounds. Alternatively, you can also practice meditation with your eyes opened.
Meditating with your eyes opened may seem a bit different to what you know meditation to be. Then again, it becomes meditation by way of you focusing on your surroundings and giving your full attention to the experience.
When your eyes are opened, you can either be walking or standing. Clear your mind and experience nature as if it is something new or foreign. If you are ever feeling tired or stressed out, then consider visiting a nature retreat. A few hours there would allow you to experience different yet positive emotions.
Final Thoughts
If you want to meditate in nature, there is no need for you to spend thousands of dollars to fly to a Buddhist retreat in the mountains, go the wilderness, or seek out a nature retreat. You can simply go on a hiking trip, sit outdoors on your back lawn, or even go to a city garden or park.
However, during harsher temperatures, you can also create a natural environment on the inside of your house. Sure, it may be a bit difficult at first, but you can do so by finding playing nature sounds from your music player and getting the right visuals.
Either way, you know that meditation—whether outdoors or not—is something that your mind, body, and spirit needs in order to function to its fullest. In turn, you will become the best version of yourself. Alternatively, you can also read this guide on how to meditate in bed.
