Just being outside and in nature is often a joyful experience in itself. It can help take us out of our individual world, that's very often in our heads, and allow us to experience the glory and wonder around; something larger, maybe more timeless, and yet constantly evolving. At this time of the year when the trees are beautiful shades of gold, red and brown and the leaves are rustling beneath foot it can be almost magical.
For me, in Suffolk, my daily dips in the sea have been put on hold for a while as I'm not quite yet acclimatised to the freezing cold North Sea but instead, I’ve really delighted in walking in the local woods. This has been made even more miraculous as I have recently undergone cataract surgery. And although I’m still waiting for my second operation, this morning I walked to my local supermarket and was transfixed at the corner of my road by the most magnificent chestnut tree; the colours were so vivid! And I took a moment to pause, drink it in and offer up thanks for the miracle.
But what about actually meditating in nature? Being outside very often reminds us to slow down, be grateful and to be mindful, apart from the other health benefits of daily exercise. And on many occasions, this can be the perfect antidote to our busy lives and be a meditative experience in itself.
Then there is also the practice of ‘walking meditation’. Walking meditation is a way of walking mindfully by focusing on each step as you walk slowly. It is most common in the Buddhist tradition. In this form of meditation we are reminded that the mind and body are closely linked and that we can harness the breath and our bodies and use them more mindfully. Walking meditation helps us slow down and reminds us to ‘just be’.
Perhaps next time I go for a woodland walk, I will remember to take a few moments to actively practise a walking meditation - really connecting with my feet on the ground and then continuing my walk opening up to a mindful experience, marvelling in the colours and the nature around me?
And if you have the chance to practise a walking meditation in a labyrinth, I’d encourage you to give it a go…I found a labyrinth nearby that was mown into the grass in a church yard. Perfect!
I have also on occasion practised Qigong outside. This is an absolutely wonderful experience. I've been learning and practising qigong for over a year now and some of my most powerful experiences have been practising while on the beach and also standing in front of a tree in the woods. It somehow connects me more easily to the energies running in my body and mind and facilitates being in flux like the ocean or absolutely grounded just like the tree.
Meditation doesn't have to be practised sitting cross legged on a cushion inside, although this can bring about very enlightening experiences. So why not give it a try being outside in nature? Whether walking, being mindful, practising a discipline like yoga or qigong or simply just being.
Catherine Thomlinson
Nov 24