The beauty of nature can be truly relaxing. Too often, however, one is stuck at work or at home during the winter, separate from nature's beauty. With a nature picture and some spare time, the following guided meditation makes nature easily accessible to anyone.
Preparing for the Nature Scene Meditation
One can try the nature scene meditation anywhere – at work to fight eye fatigue, waiting in the doctor's office, or at home on a cold winter's day.
Select an image of a mountain, trail, beach, or other desirable outdoor scene where one would love to be and relax. Print or digital images will work for this exercise, though one may find it less stressful to avoid a computer screen. A picture from a family vacation or weekend hiking trip will work well. Scenes of exotic places found online can also be used.
Nature lovers must be open to using imagination, and adjust the body to a comfortable position with the back straight, feet flat on the floor.
Directions for Nature Scene Meditation
Take as long as desired for the meditation. Even just a few minutes break can make a difference to fight stress.
- Hold the nature scene in front of the face or adjust the body to be straight in front of the screen if using an image on the computer.
- Breathe deeply three times, then take in the details of the scene. What colors, people, plants, or features stand out?
- Now imagine the self somewhere in the scene. What is happening? What is in sight? What does the air feel like? What people or animals are around?
- Spend as much time as desired in the scene. When ready, slowly soak in the details of the scene again. What brings happiness and relaxation from this scene in particular? Why?
- Take three deep breaths, and return to regular life.
Reflection on Nature Scene Meditation
A family picture, holiday picture, or other image with warm memories can also be used for this meditation to promote relaxation and as an escape from stress.
Trying different scenes offers variety and new opportunities for the imagination to thrive during the meditation. Meditation enthusiasts may also keep a journal or pen and paper handy to record any insights gained during the exercise or to brainstorm new ways to relax in nature.
A weekend walk in a park, trip to the ocean, or cup of coffee in the back yard are other ways to relax in nature now, rather than imagining the self in nature with a picture.
To enjoy nature more, one might find How to Walk More Daily to be beneficial.
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