The Japanese word zaborin means ‘a place among the trees to sit and forget’.
This ethereal concept was the simple vision behind Qii house Eco Meditation and Relaxation retreat; the experience and its’ evolution. A whimsical vision that drifts-like- magic high amongst the treetops in marshmallow clouds within the endless natural wilderness of the Otway Parkland.
Why Meditating in Nature is Easier
“Nothing supports the opening of the heart and mind like the beauty, tranquility, and silence of the natural world. For centuries meditators have discovered the human potential to awaken in the temple of nature; that’s why many monasteries and meditation centres are located within the depths of forests and jungles.
When we meditate in nature we bring receptive presence to the natural world. It comes alive-so do we. We no longer look at nature as an inert pretty object, but as a living and breathing world of mystery and sensitivity, a realm of wisdom and learning that is always whispering its teachings to us. By watching the resilience of trees swaying in a storm, the patience of a silkworm as it threads its way slowly skyward to a high branch, or the busy cheer of songbirds living simply in the present, we learn from nature’s innumerable metaphors about how we too can live well.”
Mark Coleman
How to meditate in nature
These meditations are done outside in natural surroundings. They help to enliven the basic intelligence of nature in our awareness and physiology. Our being resonates with the sight of a flower, sound of birds, feeling of a breeze. These experiences wake something up inside of us, and help to set our lives into a more natural rhythm. Nature lovers have discovered this secret without ever studying meditation!
In nature meditations, we focus our awareness on the experience of nature- sight, sound, touch, smell (and perhaps even taste). As with nature meditation, when the mind wanders from the focus of the meditation, bring it gently back.
Mindfulness is the gentle effort to be continuously present with experience. Kabat-Zinn goes a step further and says “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose; in the present moment, and non judgementally.”
There are several different ways that this meditation can be done so experiment and find what works best for you.
Basic Nature Meditation- Eyes Closed
Find a comfortable position sitting or lying down. Begin with a few deep breaths, breathing deep into the belly, to help you relax and to the sensations of the present moment. Now close your eyes and be present to what is being experienced with your eyes closed. Notice how your body feels, as well as the activity of your mind and emotions. Experience whatever is present without resisting anything or trying to change it. Do this for about a minute.
Now bring your awareness to everything that you can experience in your surroundings. Feel the temperature of the air on your skin, the feeling of the breeze and the sun. Notice the sounds around you- birds, bees, crickets, flowing water. Listen to the symphony of nature. For the rest of the meditation, continue to experience these feelings and sounds. Whenever your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the experience of nature.
As you meditate, you can see where your attention is naturally drawn, or purposefully scan for different experiences. You can also focus on one experience and notice the experience in greater detail. If it is a bird’s song- notice the quality of the sound- as if you are going more deeply into the sound. (It may seem to have a shape or texture.) Don’t analyse the sound and label it with your mind- simply notice the quality of it.
Once again, whenever you notice that the mind has become absorbed in thoughts, easily bring it back to the sounds and sensations of being in nature. At times both awareness of the sensations from the environment and thoughts will be present. That’s fine. Just easily favour the experiences of nature.
Meditation Oasis.
Benefits of Meditation
Benefits of regular meditation have been frequently documented as promoting a calm mind, good concentration, better clarity and improved communication. Other benefits include:
- Keeps you stress-free
- Reduces aging
- Adds more hours to your day
- Helps you appreciate life more
- Helps you feel more connected
- Makes you and those around you happier
- Improves functioning of your brain
- Helps you have a good nights sleep
- Improves metabolism and helps you lose weight
- Increases immunity and helps fight diseases
- Increases your attention span