3 Ways to Practice Mindfulness in Nature that Your Kids Will Love
By Sandi Schwartz
This time of year can get pretty hectic for the whole family, and we all need time to step away to recharge. One way to do this is by seeking opportunities to be mindful in nature. Mindfulness is the act of being fully present in the moment in a non-judgmental way. It helps us have more peace and balance in our lives as we stay in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Nature is the perfect setting to feel mindful since it is so easy to get lost in the moment when we are witnessing the beauty of the natural world like a colorful rainbow or sunset. Here are three ways to practice mindfulness in nature that your kids will love.
Focus on Color
Color plays a huge role in what attracts us to the beauty of nature. We can tap into the many colors found in nature to practice mindfulness. Here are some simple ways for your family to be more mindful by enjoying nature’s colors:
· Go on a walk or bike ride and take time to look at and discuss the attractive colors you find.
· Visit a garden or flower shop and soak in the beauty of the colorful flowers and plants.
· Observe the many colorful foods in your vegetable garden or at a farmer’s market.
Take a Deep Breath
The breath is central to a mindfulness practice and can instantly help calm us down. Here are some playful breathing exercise with a nature theme:
· Dandelion breath. Hold a dandelion about an arm’s length out in front of you and take in a big inhalation through your nose. Hold for a few seconds, and then slowly blow the dandelion so the seeds disperse through the air.
· Wave breathing. If you have access to a beach nearby, breathe in and out to the rhythm of the waves cresting and crashing. You can also use a video to create the same effect.
· Flower breath. Find a flower, and as you breathe in deeply take in a big whiff of its scent.
Hug a Tree
Having a mindful hugging experience with a loved one, pet, or even a tree can help us feel happier, calmer, and more connected. Grab your kids for some mindful tree hugging:
· Choose a tree in your own backyard or find one at a local park.
· Take turns hugging the same tree or each find your own. You can also hug the tree together as a group and hold hands or embrace each other while simultaneously hugging the tree.
· Wrap your arms around the tree and take a moment to feel it with your hands and arms.
· Take in three or more deep, conscious breaths to get settled and feel present. Breathe in through the nose, hold for about five seconds, then slowly exhale through the mouth.
· Close your eyes to take in the tree using your senses. How does it smell? What do you hear? What do you feel with your hands? Open your mouth and see if you taste anything in the air.
