Nourishing Joy In Nature

It can be beneficial to spend time in nature on a regular basis. Make being in this spot a regular part of your schedule. Notice how it changes, how it is different each time you are there. Practice being fully present while you are there, opening up each of your senses and receiving wisdom from this place. This guided meditation can be a support in awakening joy and ease in this natural setting. It is from my article on Befriending Eco-Anxiety.

Transcript

You so we'll begin this meditation by going to a place in or near nature it could be a particular tree you visit often a place outdoors where you like to sit or a view you like to take in if going outside isn't possible for you it could also be sitting or lying near a houseplant or a pet or looking out your window at the sky this meditation will support you to awaken joy and ease in this natural setting you begin by tuning into yourself and the natural environment you have chosen if it is appropriate for you start with requesting permission of nature to be in this place or to be with this object or pet or plant a polite respectful request to connect almost like a hello may I come and be with you and then listen for the response if you feel that it's negative there may be something in that place that's harmful to you or that needs protection in this case find another spot and ask permission again you once you feel a positive response find a comfortable position lying sitting or standing begin by feeling your body in this place notice the places of contact allow your body to come to rest and stillness though you can keep your eyes open open yourself to the place you are in or to the element of nature you have chosen to be close to practice to be fully present while you are there while you are here opening up each of your senses notice what you're hearing the landscape of sounds then any smells tastes the sense of touch the quality of the air the temperature around you whether it's moist or dry and notice what you're seeing colors the forms the shapes of the nature around you connect with this aspect of nature in any other ways you know or that feel right to you observe and notice what is happening closely so that you could describe it in detail to someone else invite curiosity and interest feel the quality of the atmosphere in the place or if you're indoors notice the quality of the natural element you are connecting with is there stillness or lots of movement or activity or maybe both stillness and movement are the qualities of the place or the thing shifting sometime one way and then changing to something else if so notice the way things are changing allow yourself to be fully immersed in this place or with this creature as much as possible see if you can melt into it or join with it in some way that feels right open yourself to receive any silent message or natural wisdom from this place you could even ask this place a question or ask a question to the person who is in this place you could even ask this place a question whatever spontaneously bubbles up from your heart and listen for whatever answer may arise from nature you when you're ready thank this place or object for allowing you to spend time with it and spend time with it regularly if you can you

Reviews

Thank you 🙏🏾 7/31/25

I love nature, and this was a sweet guidance to be present there. Your silences feel so full, rich, and timely. Thank you.