I guide and coach people of all professions to work with nature as a way of discovering and remembering their best selves while empowering themselves to live the life they truly want.
Slowing down brings greater clarity and focus to what you are actually doing, feeling and thinking in your day to day life. Having greater clarity and focus on who you are actually being in your life is the first step in moving closer to who you really are, your true nature.
Here is a simple practice in slowing down, that I call “A Taste of Nature”.
To get started, all you need is a window that has a view of the sky. Perhaps you can see some trees, flowers or grasses or maybe you have a potted plant nearby. If you can get out to your local park or trails that’s even better!
Next, get yourself a warm drink, preferably an herbal tea with a bit of honey or maple syrup. Coffee or warm water is ok too, but if you can, incorporate herbs that you might be able to grow yourself in your garden, or in a pot in your kitchen. The idea is to feel like you are getting a taste of nature, so whatever works for you in that regard, will work.
Now, give yourself a minimum of 10 minutes. Longer is better, 20 minutes if you can. Set a timer, or look at the clock or your watch. Let everyone know that this is your time. Take your time.
For the next 5 minutes or so, look out your window and just notice what is moving. Notice the clouds chasing each other, birds swooping, trees swaying, flowers bending, grasses waving, people walking, cars rolling, planes flying…whatever is moving, just watch what is moving. Once in a while, notice yourself breathing and how your own body moves with your own breath. If you’re out walking in the woods, notice the feeling of your feet on the ground.
Now, while still noticing nature, sip your warm drink and notice its temperature in your mouth, throat and then as it trickles into your belly. Spend a few moments or minutes looking outside and noticing the temperature of your drink. Notice when it is hot, then warms and then cools. Now bring your attention to what you taste – sweet, tart, nutty…? Where do those flavours linger in your mouth? Savour your warm drink. Notice the feeling of the warm drink in your mouth, the texture – smooth, creamy, light…?
When you feel complete or have finished your warm drink, keep looking outside and up at the great expanse of the sky and notice yourself breathing. When you are ready to end this practice, close it with just 3 breaths , in and out, noticing your chest rising and falling.
Aaaaaahhhhhhh!
As you begin to return to your normal routine, like a curious scientist or detective, just notice, without judging yourself, what makes you speed up.
That’s all there is to this practice. See if you can do this a minimum of 3 times per week. If you feel so inclined, perhaps write a few notes to yourself about your experience or any changes you notice in your daily life after doing this practice a few times.
I hope you enjoy this practice and adapt as you see necessary. I would love to hear how this goes for you!
Practice Question: What did you notice after intentionally slowing down?