Spending in time in nature is proven to support wellbeing and can help alleviate common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and depression. Connecting with nature doesn't have to be complicated or take a lot of time - setting aside even a few minutes a day to connect with the natural world can make a noticeable difference.
Below is an easy nature meditation you can use whenever you're short on time but need a few moments of calm, peace and balance. It's perfect for this time of year as its theme is 'Re-Awakening' and it focuses on the world emerging from a long, winter sleep.
February re-awakening meditation.
Find a comfortable position outside, either sitting or lying down. Start by taking a few deep breaths to help you relax and focus your attention on your environment.
Now, close your eyes and bring your awareness to everything that surrounds you. Notice how the temperature feels against your skin, the sounds you can hear and what you can smell. Be aware of the feeling of the sun and the breeze, the sound of the birds and how they interlace with other, more manmade noises. Do you hear layers of sound?
What kind of energy do you feel around you? Is it calm and peaceful or is there a feeling of activity? Do you sense that nature is waking up again after a long winter sleep?
If your mind wanders, bring it back to the experience of the nature around you. It may help to focus on one aspect, for example the sound of the wind in the trees or one particular birdsong. Experience the quality of your surroundings and try to focus on simply being in the present time. Whenever your thoughts drift away, bring them back to the moment of being in nature.
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