orient yourself to nature

A grounding exercise, adapted from the book Healing with Nature by Rochelle Calvert, PHD

This tool has been an important one for me to practice now that I’m back in LA, when the energy starts to tax my nervous system. You can try this out in nature or simply take a break at your computer and create some space within your home. I recommend doing this by a window and holding onto some ocean stones or crystals, smell from essential oils or light some incense if you’re inside :)

Step 1: Find a posture that feels supportive to you right now, either lying down, sitting, standing or walking. If you’re out in nature it might be nice to sit at the base of a tree, with your back supported. 

Step 2: Turn your attention inward and notice how your heart, body, and mind feel at this very moment. You might notice your heart is feeling stress, anger, anxiety or perhaps there is openness, ease, a sense of lightness? Is your body tense or tight? Do a quick scan from your head down your body. There is no need to judge, bringing awareness and acceptance to whatever is and welcoming them. 

Step 3: Begin to tune into your senses, take a look around at your surroundings. Bring your awareness to your body as it is in relation to nature. Feel the ground beneath your feet, the textures and presence of the plants, rocks, and trees. Take in the shapes and sizes around you and notice the quality of light, the smell of the flowers, soil, leaves, etc. 

Step 4: Orient and focus on one sense that is pulling you in (sight, smell, hearing, touch) to be present with as you take in the sense of groundedness of that exchange, feeling the support of nature and your connection to that sense. 

Step 5: Shift your attention to the movement around you, wind moving the leaves, a bird flying, or the movement of light and shadow on the ground, clouds in the sky. Again, focus on one sense that allows you to stay present with the movements of nature. Sense the ease, fluidity, and constant change in nature. Do noticing these movements and changes help you feel a sense of ease and acceptance of what is changing and unfolding within? 

Step 6: As you close this practice, notice any shifts within your body, heart, or mind. Notice how observing and orienting to expressions of groundedness, movement, and calm in nature can help restore these qualities in your inner being. Offer gratitude to nature and what helped support you in this practice.  You might consider journaling about your experience and what you noticed.