By Beth Norcross, Executive Director of The Center for Spirituality in Nature
Many of us are heading out to beautiful natural places this summer. But sometimes our vacations become so frenetic, we forget that they offer an opportunity to slow down, breathe and be present to the sacred.
As you’re packing for your next adventure, put a little thought into how you can bring your spiritual practice along with you. It’s light, doesn’t take any room in your suitcase and will add an important and rich dimension to your time away. Here are some tips that might help.
Set Your Intention
Take a few minutes to set an intention for each day, such as: “Today, I will be awake.” Repeat it to yourself throughout the day to bring your attention back and keep your mind calm and centered.
Be Attentive
Plan an early morning walk in your new surroundings, taking care to use each of your senses to take in the smells, sounds, sights, feelings and tastes.
Be Curious
Use nature guides to learn about the local ecology. Ask yourself: What is this? How did it get here? Is it connected to something else? How does it eat? Where does it live?
Watch the Stars
Summer skies are a wonder, alight with visible planets, meteors and, of course, stars. Find a dark spot to relax and ponder our place in this expansive universe. Bring an app to identify constellations, or just feel the vastness and reflect upon what spiritual insights the night sky can provide.
These tips can work just as well in your own backyard if you’re staying closer to home. The important thing is to take time to notice and connect to the wild world around you. You never know what delights and insights are right there waiting for you.
Happy Summer!
From The Center for Spirituality in Nature
Visit our website for helpful hints on developing a spiritual practice in nature, more resources and other inspiration. For more nature-based spiritual practices see our book, Inside Out: Practices for Going Deeper in Nature.
