The temperature today is expected to his 78 degrees so I decided to take a few moments and just be outside this morning. As I stepped onto the porch the first thing I noticed was the smell. It was fresh and wet, if that makes sense. It had rained a lot and was still quite foggy while I was out there. There was a woodpecker in a nearby tree knocking around for his breakfast and a crow flew overhead. I took off my sandals, stepped into the grass and stood there just breathing. Taking in all of the smells, the sounds, the sensations. Feeling immense gratitude for the environment in which I live, the ability to take these few moments and just be.
Today, I invite you to do the same. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be a beautiful, warm morning to do this. Whatever the weather, dress appropriately and get outside for a few minutes. If possible, get your bare feet into some grass or soil. Depending on the conditions, it may not always be possible, but when it is, I think you'll be amazed by just how well (and easily) you can do the 3 suggestions that follow.
Listen to the sounds around you - I do this even when there is snow on the ground, there is a peace in that silence that is not to be missed. Listen for the rustle of an animal through the grass, bushes, or leaves. The wings of an insect as they fly by. The way the rain sounds different when hitting grass versus the sidewalk.
Look around you - Observe the way a branch gives slightly under the weight of a bird or the way the trees sway in the breeze. The way the leaves dance when hit with rain.
Smell everything! Take in long, deep breaths and try to identify what you're smelling. Is it cut grass? The damp soil? Flowers? Make it a game to see how many smells you can parse out.
Before you head back inside, spend a moment in gratitude. Gratitude for this beautiful planet we get to call home.
I would be remiss if I didn't always invite you to think deeply about your impact on this beautiful planet, could you tread more lightly? I think we all have ways to grow in this space, how will you honor Mother Gaia and make a change to help her heal? April is Earth Month, what better time than right now to start to do things differently?
Did you give this meditation a try? Let me know how it went in the comments below!
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There is nothing better than the smell of spring rain! That’s what we are experiencing right now in central Texas. Love rainy days!
I love the smell of rain! I didn't actually get outside today, but I did yesterday and took a walk beneath the trees with my son. It was a lovely walk.
The smell was fresh and wet - makes perfect sense, and it's a good smell. You did a nice job describing your surroundings to us. I feel like I'm right there with you. Tock-tock-tock the woodpecker goes ;-)
Outdoor meditation is great for the soul and body. I really should do this more often. However, I do not appreciate the cold and wet about 70% of the year where I live. Perhaps moving to a drier climate would encourage me to do so. Thank you for sharing morning meditation, you have inspired me to try this at least once a day, maybe not mornings, but when it is warmer and maybe not raining. Sending love.
I really enjoy all of the above plus because I have a small heart challenge sometimes it becomes hard for me to breath in the middle of the night so I go outside on the porch, usually about 2 a.m. and while doing some breathing exercises I listen to nature. There are many sounds of interest. Where we live here in Mexico there are birds that move about at night and talk to each other, there are Coyotes that talk to the dogs during the night. I have found out from the older people that the coyote asks permission to cross over a dogs territory before venturing there, to avoid conflict. I am very grateful to be able to enjoy…