Today we will be setting aside our thoughts of phone calls,
Emails,
To-do lists,
And difficult conversations.
We will take some time back for ourselves to be present and spend some time in a walking in the woods meditation.
Take a few moments to find a comfortable position.
Take a few deep breaths.
Settle into the present moment,
Letting your thoughts and worries subside.
Take a moment to consider what you will wear on your walk through the woods.
Do you need waterproof boots or will tennis shoes and a short sleeve shirt do the trick?
Wear something you'll be comfortable in.
Tie your shoes and let's get going.
Close your eyes or let your gaze soften.
Now imagine yourself at the entrance to the woods,
The inside of the woods just slightly darker than where you stand,
The air just a little bit cooler.
Watch your step as you put one foot in front of the other.
Watch the leaves swirl at your feet.
Some spots on the forest floor are completely covered in golden,
Red,
And brown leaves.
Listen to the crunching of those leaves underfoot,
A reminder that you are here in the forest with all the living creatures around you.
The trees sway slightly in the breeze,
Their branches becoming more barren by the second,
The animals and insects going through the motions of their day as well.
Feel the breeze as it caresses your face.
Take a few deep breaths while you stand at the center of the woods.
Feel the earthy scent of fall in the air as you inhale deeply.
Exhaling,
Try to focus on the present moment.
What are you doing right now?
Bring your thoughts back if you need to.
Each inhale is another opportunity to focus on the current moment.
Inhale deeply with your mouth open this time.
Smell the sap of the pines.
Hear the pine cones and the acorns drop to the forest floor.
Feel the earthiness of the wet moss on your tongue as the scent reaches you.
Hear the wind blowing through the trees.
Feel the leaves brush your hands and face as they flutter to the ground.
Consider the change of the seasons.
Fall is here and right now the forest is starting to show signs of its creatures getting ready for winter.
Squirrels are hiding their goodies for winter storage.
Continue your walk through the woods,
Focusing on your favorite part of the walk.
What brings you joy?
Perhaps you like the gentle elevation of the hills or the large craggy rocks that poke through the ground.
Maybe you like the spooky and gnarled trees no longer growing but still reaching for the sky.
With each exhale,
Release any lingering worries or tension.
Take a moment to focus on your breath.
Consider how your body feels.
If you feel any tension in an area,
See if you can relax that area slightly.
Nature is all around you.
Feel its gentle embrace as the breeze swirls around you,
Washing away any remaining stress or anxiety.
Hear the birds and sounds of other creatures.
Each step brings you closer to the serenity of this place.
Try to be present in this moment of stillness.
Feel the warmth of the sun,
The gentle touch of the breeze,
All reminding you of the power of nature to soothe and restore.
When you're ready,
Gently open your eyes and return to the room,
But carry the tranquility of the forest within you.
Remember this feeling of peace and allow it to guide you throughout your day,
Like a hidden treasure you can always return to.
Take a few more deep breaths,
Feeling refreshed and grounded.
You've just experienced the rejuvenating power of nature,
Even if it's just in your imagination.
