A Guide to Outdoor Meditation
Outdoor meditation can be a powerful way to nourish your soul and improve your overall well-being.
Whether you're sitting quietly in a park, practicing yoga on the beach, or walking through a forest.
In everyday life, I often find myself confined indoors, focused on my screens and daily routines, and that’s where practising outdoor meditation comes into my life.
Outdoor meditation is a practice that anyone can engage in and it requires minimal effort to get started. The fresh air, natural light and ambient sounds of the outdoors can infuse your meditation with a sense of peace, fostering a deeper connection with the world around you.
By expanding my outdoor meditation practice, I can offer different ways to help you engage with nature and deepen your connection to the present moment. If you feel you lack meditation and balance in your life, then join me as I list some practices that can be adapted based on your preferences, the environment, and the amount of time you have available.
Walking meditation: Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground with each step. Synchronise your breathing with the rhythm of your steps. As you walk, bring your attention to the present moment, observing the sights, sounds and smells of nature around you. Notice the colours of the leaves, the rustling of the wind through the trees. My favourite kind of meditation is taking long walks or going on hikes. It makes me feel more grounded and grateful for being surrounded by all the elements nature has to offer.
Nature observation meditation: As you slowly breathe in and out, begin to notice the sensations in your body and begin to expand your awareness to the sights, sounds and smells of nature around you. Notice the patterns of the leaves, the colour of flowers and the shapes of the clouds, and allow yourself to be one with nature. I’ve always observed nature, particularly the patterns and colours of leaves, flowers and sea shells.
Mindful movement meditation: You might start by gently stretching your arms and legs, or by slowly rotating your head and neck. As you move, focus on the feeling of your muscles stretching and contracting, and the movement of your joints. Notice how your body feels as you move, and try to stay present with each movement.
Sun meditation: Close your eyes and turn your face towards the sun; feel the warmth it brings to your skin and focus on the sensations it creates. The sun re-energises me and gives me a little serotonin boost. If you prefer, you can practice this in the morning or afternoon while the sun isn’t as strong.
