Enjoy this mindfulness practice for Autumn and find peace of mind immersed in nature.
This past week I spent a few days in Kanazawa, Japan. The weather was perfect for a stroll around the city and I enjoyed many of the unique experiences Kanazawa has to offer.
Kanazawa is a historical place, known for well preserved Edo-era districts, museums, parks and local cuisine. I visited Omichi Market, Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, and Nagamachi District (an incredibly well preserved samurai district). You can learn all about the city here.
The highlight for me was Kenrokuen Garden and of course, I had to try a gold leaf ice cream, on the walk back down to the bus stop. Autumn is delightful here and if you pause for a few moments you can take it all in.
Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and at any time, but the senses are fully primed when we practice outdoors in nature. Natural beings thrive in natural surroundings and I find outdoor practice to be more enjoyable and enlivening – especially in places like this where nature is protected and held in such high regard.
Here’s a short mindfulness practice that I did in Kenrokuen Garden for you to try. It will help you to focus, find calm and enjoy the spirit of autumn.
Mindfulness Practice for Autumn
This mindfulness practice can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. Bring your full self to the experience and observe the sensations of Autumn.
1. Find a comfortable sitting position outdoors, in a park, by a river, or surrounded by trees.
2. Close your eyes and notice any sensations of sitting here. The slight pressure of the seat on your buttocks and the backs of your legs. The firm nature of the ground below your feet.
3. Take a deep breath in through the nose. Feel your abdomen expand and then your chest.
4. Exhale slowly through the mouth.
5. Continue to breath, in through the nose and out through the mouth, for a few moments. Slowly. Deeply.
6. Now, you may choose to open your eyes and contemplate the wonders of nature. The rich colours of the leaves. The squirrel leaping through the grass. The cries of geese taking flight. Notice how you feel in this moment, guided by nature.
7. Realise, I am calm, relaxed and fully present in this moment.
8. Sit here for as long as you like, and when you feel ready, you can slowly go on your way with a renewed sense of self.
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Featured Image: @gaspanick
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