Connect with nature to create space in your day
Tī Kōuka (Cabbage Tree) stands stable and elegant alone on the coasts of Aotearoa. Her narrow trunk sends fibrous roots deep into the earth to stay strong as the leaves yield and shed in the blustering winds.
When we look to nature for strength and support, her beauty can help us find courage to deal with what is happening in our lives and also create a feeling of space. This simple activity has the potential to help us develop a greater sense of ease.
When did you last spend some time in nature on your own?
Solitude in nature is different from loneliness – which can be felt as separation and distress. Nature has healing and energising properties. When we stop and listen to birdsong, moving water, or the sound of wind in the trees we begin to create a feeling of separation from our mental chatter.
Stopping, pausing and listening to nature is not being lazy. It can actually help us develop our concentration and awareness. Ultimately it creates more time because it helps us reduce rushing. The more often we take micro pauses, the easier it is to live in the now – and the more aware of the present moment we can become.
This is why conscious breathing is so healing. When we consciously bring attention to our breath – we automatically begin to slow down.
April’s Self-Care Project – the Power of a Pause
This month’s Self-Care Project is all about finding some space in your day. Re-learning the act of spending a few moments in silence listening to nature.
The over stimulation in our world today rarely allows moments of quiet. Our homes and workplaces are filled with white noise from appliances and computers. We take pride in our busyness and seem to be constantly rushing from one activity to the next.
This self-care practice is about creating space for you to be with yourself – no devices, music or podcasts.
Learning the power of a pause.
Here’s how:
- Choose a time of day where you can have five minutes uninterrupted (either at the beginning or end of the day can be best – when there is less hustle and bustle)
- Inside or out – it’s up to you. If you choose inside, sit near a window so you can hear the weather and sounds of nature
- Set an alarm (so you don’t have to think about the time)
- Sit comfortably in a chair, close your mouth and breathe naturally through your nose
- There is nothing else that you need to do – other than listen to the sounds outside
- Notice what you notice. What does it feel like to sit still and do nothing apart from listening?
Can you hear sounds around you – or can you only hear the chatter in your head?
You will most likely hear a combination of both – there is no right or wrong
Remember you are giving yourself some space to be quiet and listen to whatever you hear
- Feel yourself breathing
- Drink in the quiet and nature’s sounds around you
When your alarm goes off – take a few conscious breaths before you slowly get up from the chair
Aim to keep doing this exercise as often as you can throughout the month. If you can – try the practice everyday for at least a week.
Observe how doing this practice makes you feel? It may be useful to keep a journal for some reflections.
Additionally…
Any time during your day – whenever you remember – and have an opportunity. Take a moment to stop and pause, noticing what you see and hear around you. You can be anywhere to do this.
- Use your breath to ground you – breathe in and out – feel your feet on the floor and tune your attention to sound. Just for a micro minute. Then breathe out and continue on with your day.
The more we remember to do this – the greater benefits we receive.
Take note of any changes.
