Session 5: Engaging with the senses: exploring an object from nature and a ‘sit spot’
There are two parts to this session - mindfully exploring an object in nature using all the senses. And a classic practice from the Japanese art of Forest Bathing, which is finding a ‘sit spot’ in nature.
You can follow the podcasts or use the potted guidance in the invitations below. Both practices can be done inside or outside. You might like to try inside with the recording first and then have ago outside...
The nature sounds at the beginning and end of this recording are from the Ffos Rhufeiniaid leat running along the side of Moel Faban.
Invitation 5.i
- Choosing an object from nature, whether out on a walk or from around your home (maybe a leaf or a piece of slate)...
- Settling the body into a comfortable place and taking a quiet moment to explore the object with mindful awareness...
- Firstly...placing the object in the palm of your hand - what does it feel like?
- Next...exploring it with the sense of sight, as if seeing such a thing for the first time - what colours are here? Where does light and shade fall...?
- Taking this curious approach with the other senses...what does it sound or smell like?
- Letting go of knowing, and investigating playfully with an open mind
- What's it like...?
- Placing the object down and perhaps taking this curiosity out into the wider world
Invitation 5 (ii)
Having a ‘sit spot’ in nature (or looking out at nature or a plant) can be a lovely thing.
- Find a comfortable spot, settling the body and mind as best you can...
- Noticing....sensations in the feet or the rhythm of the breath...
- Then simply opening to the world around you, including you...noticing whatever happens from moment to moment...sounds...smells...colours and textures....
- It might be nice to find a favourite spot to sit regularly with an open awareness, just sitting...
- If it’s in your garden, are ‘things to do’ thoughts pulling your attention? This can be a great opportunity to practice ‘urge surfing, noticing the tug of these type of thoughts and gently guiding your attention back - what are you sensing now...?
Mindfulness myth buster: Mindfulness is relaxing
This might be a happy by-product. However, mindfulness gives us an opportunity to practice getting curious with whatever we encounter in our day to day lives (like our thoughts and feelings, the world around us), pleasant, unpleasant or somewhere in the middle.
The next and last session is sounds from a different part of the Carneddau and a ‘mountain’ practice.