By Ann Brand
The last weekend of June, I spent three days at the Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, WI. The weekend was filled with wonderful music, connecting with old and new friends, little time on my phone, and summer Wisconsin weather. My intention was to be outside for three days, rain or shine. We had both, and by the end of the weekend I realized I spent more consecutive hours outside than I have in a long time. Sun, rain, wind, birds, bugs, flowers, mud, grass–all were fully experienced. The natural world plus music truly helps us connect to the moment just as it is. I can’t wait to do it again next June!
Summertime offers us the opportunity to spend a lot of time outdoors. It is easy to be outside with more unstructured time, sunny warm days, seasonably cool nights, and many outdoor events and activities. As fall and a new school year approaches, our schedule tightens up again and the weather becomes cooler and more unpredictable. We quickly lose the ease of being outside and fall automatically back into our indoor routines. Being indoors is not necessarily a problem, but we can lose the nourishment we get from being outside. We tend to forget as we return to the busy routine of the school year. With intention and practice, we can find nourishment from the natural world in all seasons, even our busy seasons.
Mindfulness practice can support us in sustaining our connections to the natural world as we move into the routine of fall, whether we are indoors or outdoors.
1. Connecting with the five senses: Being outdoors enlivens our senses without us even trying. Connecting with our senses brings us into our present-moment experience. We can bring this practice indoors through momentary pauses in our day to connect to our senses through regular activities such as sipping coffee and daily chores, like folding laundry or checking email.
2. Checking in with our intentions: In the summer, we set an intention to enjoy all the season offers, which usually pulls us outside without much effort. Holding this intention in all seasons helps us remember what matters so we can find ways to connect with the natural world no matter where we are. It could be setting our phone down in the carpool line to gaze at the clouds floating by, or savoring the first sip of apple cider at the orchard. This intention works like a GPS system, helping us reroute when we get off track and lost in our busy schedule.
3. Practicing mindfulness daily: Returning to a regular mindfulness practice as we settle into our fall routine can help us remember to connect to the natural world. As you move from an unstructured summer to a scheduled fall, add a brief mindfulness practice to your routine. Consistent practice is where we build the skill to remember and come back to what matters. It is like a daily workout to build our capacity for focus, clarity, calm, and connection to ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
Consider bringing the practice of mindfulness with you indoors as you move into your fall routine. Looking for support? Check out my course offerings for Fall 2024 on my website www.annbrandmindfulness.com May the intention to stay connected to your experience support you in being present this fall, indoors and outdoors.
コメント