Be Mindful in Nature
Our Presence is Appreciated
Many people in todays day and age are escaping the crowds and the city to find a nice quiet spot in the woods to relax. This may seem like a dream to some, but an absolute nightmare to others. We are trained from an early age to either fear nature, or embrace it.
Many of our pop culture ideas of glamorized monsters or inbred hill-billies are simply put, just not the norm for most woodsy folk. There are however precautions we must take in order to be prepared. The isolation in itself can be difficult to overcome without a little guidance. As we venture out our awareness becomes lost in awe of the magnitude Mother Nature presents. It is our firm belief and our mission to bring light to “Mindfulness in Nature”. Good vibes bring good things.
This idea is basically amplified out in nature, so is our impact on the environment if we are not mindful of what we bring in to our forests. Our fears can be a big contributor to “the vibe” of the overall experience. I can remember many times where it seemed like my attitude was bringing about more frustrations, like that old saying “When it rains, it pours”.
The wise man engrains the love of nature into his children. The selfless act of introducing young people to nature ensures its preservation for future generations. Teachings are best learned through involvement. Get involved in your local community out-reach programs, or volunteer to be a chaperone at your child’s next boy-scout camping trip.
The true art of Mindfulness in Nature starts with embracing our original design. Humans presence on earth is appreciated, when humans start to appreciate their presence on earth. We must be mindful to protect nature for the many different lifeforms it hosts.
It is easy to see our relationship with nature thru our children. Young people have a knack for finding something interesting, or better yet something to get into. They can turn an oak tree into a spaceship, and spend hours traveling the universe with not a toy in sight. They can scream with excitement over the smallest rolley-polley. The same wonder is inside of us all, and if we are mindful we can share the benefits of Mother Nature at any time.
Not to be cliche, but attitude is everything! Our experiences out in nature can be exactly what we make it. Over the years of facing our fears, we have learned a lot about our approach towards different scenarios. Simple things like having a couple extra baggies for your wanderings to keep all the toilet paper instead of leaving it in the woods. Having a positive attitude towards others is a great way to be mindful. It may not be our trash, but it doesn’t hurt to take it out. If its too much, just take some. It could also be beneficial to organize a group to help with such situations. Walking around and picking up trash in the areas we visit, has become somewhat of a passion for us.
Others things we try to be mindful of are what local flora or fauna could be useful or a potential hazard. A camera or smartphone is a great tool to take pictures of the specimens that peak your interests. Use an identification guide or app to identify the specific species, related species and any effects it may have, or suggested precautions.
Different seasons bring changes, and new life. Each year a new batch of flowers and berries grow. Each year a new group of hatchlings will show themselves. Pay close attention to match your presence with the surrounding area. Most living things move or grow slowly in nature. It helps to spot the surprises when we slow our pace and just watch. Look for ways to expand your experience in the woods. Pick up new hobbies like bird-watching, mushroom hunting, fly-fishing and plant identification. Learning skills like these will enrich your awareness through instilling the value of pristine environments.
Take time to be grateful for the fresh air or the peace and quiet. If you seem to gravitate to a specific location, try to be mindful while taking in all the sights and sounds. Find a tranquil zone near the creek, meditate on feeling at ease in nature. The more time we spend practicing Mindfulness in Nature, the more we will notice around us.
