Guided Work with Senses Outdoors

The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
​In our busy lives, it's easy to forget the importance of connecting with nature. We spend most of our time indoors, staring at screens, and we often neglect the natural world around us. However, many reresearches have shown that spending time in nature can have significant benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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Benefits of Connecting with Nature​

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, helping us to feel more relaxed and at ease.
• Improves Mood: Exposure to nature has been linked to improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression.
• Boosts Immune Function: Spending time in nature has been shown to boost immune function, helping to fight off illness and disease.
• Increases Physical Activity: Spending time outdoors encourages physical activity, which can lead to improved physical health and a stronger immune system.
• Promotes Mindfulness: Connecting with nature allows us to be present in the moment and more mindful, helping us to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace.

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Guided Work with Senses Outdoors

One way to connect with nature is to engage all of our senses while spending time outdoors. This practice can help us to be more present in the moment and to appreciate the natural world around us. Here's a guided exercise to try:

• Find a quiet place outside, such as a park or a natural area. Sit or stand comfortably and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

• Begin by focusing on your sense of sight. Look around you and take in your surroundings. Notice the colors, shapes, and textures of the objects around you. Take your time and let your gaze wander.

• Next, shift your attention to your sense of hearing. Listen to the sounds around you. What do you hear? Birds singing? Leaves rustling in the breeze? Traffic in the distance? Simply notice the sounds without judging them.

• Now, focus on your sense of touch. What does the ground feel like beneath your feet? Can you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin? Are there any textures you can touch, such as the rough bark of a tree or the soft petals of a flower?

• Move on to your sense of smell. Take a deep breath in and notice any scents in the air.

• Feel the taste in your mouth. Notice if there's any taste lingering in your mouth from food you may have eaten earlier or from the air you're breathing.

• Take a few more deep breaths and appreciate the full sensory experience of being outdoors. When you're ready, slowly come back to your awareness of your surroundings and your body.

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​Awareness

Notice how you feel after taking the time to engage all of your senses. Do you feel more relaxed, more present, or more connected to nature? Remember that you can always return to this practice whenever you need to ground yourself and appreciate the beauty around you.

The mindfulness practice above is part of my free Spring Yoga workbook. Are you ready for the Summer Yoga Workbook? 
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