Awake In Nature: A Meditation For Relaxation & Sleep

There is an elusive concept in Buddhism called Anatta or Non-self. In Hindu philosophy, it is called the Anātman. In African wisdom, it is named Ubuntu. It is closely connected to what Thich Naht Nanh coined Interbeing. In Native American philosophy, "all life being connected" is central to reciprocity between humans, animals, plants, and the natural world.

This 7 1/2-minute meditation practice entitled Awake in Nature welcomes Interbeing. I invite you to sit in a quiet place outdoors or next to a window where you can see nature. A snack is part of this practice. Background sound is a soft mountain stream to help the mind focus on the present moment. This practice is appropriate for individuals of all practice levels and can be used to relax or fall asleep after a day of activity.

Thank you for following my page, leaving a positive review, and commenting which I respond to, and then coming back for more nature-based practices. Here's to your daily meditation practice.

Transcript

Awake in Nature A meditation on non-self and interbeing. Begin by choosing a comfortable place outdoors or next to a window where you have a view of nature. Before settling into the practice, Check your body for any areas of tension or discomfort. Stretch out these areas in any way that feels right for you. Close your eyes if that is comfortable or just gaze on a neutral spot with eyelids relaxed. Allow yourself to become aware of your breathing. Take a couple of deeper than usual breaths, Noticing the breath where it is most apparent to you your chest, Your belly, Or your nose. This relaxes the nervous system and helps to settle the mind. Next, Choose an anchor for the mind. This can be the sound of birds chirping, The swaying motion of tree branches in the breeze, Or the sound of a stream or fountain. Pay close attention to this anchor, Noticing details as they come and go into your awareness. There are often moments of silence between the sounds in which the mind can take extra pleasure. Switch your attention now to the body. Is the sun warming your skin? Can you feel the heaviness of your body held by the earth? Notice how oxygen is coming into your body and with each exhale you share life-giving carbon dioxide with nature. There's a reciprocity in our relationship with nature and that is interbeing, Anatta, Non-self, Manatman, Ubuntu. Many cultures have philosophy of our interconnectedness with the world around us. We breathe the same air, We enjoy the same sunshine, The breeze caresses our bodies and together we inhabit this planet and our lives are intertwined. At this time we will bring our snack into the meditation. Using mindful awareness, Consider what elements are shared between the food and your body. How did the food come into your possession? Who made this possible? What beings or entities are part of this food that you will be ingesting or yet you are ingesting mindfully? This is another aspect of interbeing. We are part of our food. Our food grows with the sunshine and the water that we also need to survive. And there's a reciprocity between the way we care for our food and for our planet and the nourishment that we get and share. Allow yourself to notice sensations all around you. Is there grass under your feet or something tickling your legs? Can you reach out your hands and feel the bark on a tree or gaze at a flower near you? Are there insects or an animal enjoying the space with you? As you gaze at nature, Find your mind that we're not looking to find meaning. We are enjoying a moment in relationship with our surroundings, Our environment. Keep going for as long as you are comfortable. Allowing yourself plenty of time to get absorbed in nature helps us embrace interbeing. Breathing in and out, Sensing our surroundings, Absorbing what's here in the present moment for as long as you can. You may choose to pause this guidance and come back and finish up together. When your practice is complete, It may be inspiring to journal or write a poem or even draw your experience. Thank you for your practice today, For joining me here. And I invite you to come back. Benefits of meditation are reaped with a regular practice. So please come back to this practice or another practice. And I'm grateful for your generous, Positive review and comments, Which I read and respond to.