Spring Reflections: Mindfulness, Nature and Connection

There is life bursting through the ground at my house. New growth is poking through the soil. I am surprised by how much this has affected my mood and outlook. During the first quarter of this year, we experienced a wide range of weather: highs and lows, wet and dry, windy, sunny, cloudy, etc. On a particularly damp, dark day at the beginning of March, I noticed that the external weather systems were mirroring my internal weather systems. I was spending time feeling sorry for myself. I took on a negative perspective that brought low energy and a less hopeful view of what the coming days might hold.

Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness

Maintaining a regular mindfulness and meditation practice does not shield us from experiencing the full range of emotions, thoughts, and physical states. In fact, it helps us become more attuned to the constantly shifting environment within our mind and body. Through my practice, I became very aware of the gloominess I was feeling. One day, I pushed myself to go outside and look at the dirt, reflecting on the upcoming growing season. Despite having tended a garden for over fifteen years, I considered not planting anything this year. Then, two uplifting events occurred: first, I saw daffodils beginning to sprout, promising beautiful yellow blooms regardless of the weather; second, my friend called, and together, we visited the seed store on a cold, wet day. My attitude and energy shifted.

Reflection and Gratitude

I am now taking time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the positive experiences that helped shift my perspective. These moments remind me of the importance of connecting with others and being outside, as well as recognizing the lessons that changing seasons offer. Through mindfulness practice, I was able to show myself compassion, acknowledging that everyone feels blue, gloomy, or down at times. Awareness and practice help us notice naturally occurring events that allow us to change AND to identify intentional actions we can take to create space for transformation. Research supports the benefits of connecting with others and connecting with nature.

Ways to Connect with Others

1. Attend events in your community, especially those centered around an interest or hobby.

2. Give and accept invitations. Be creative—connect with others in person, by phone, or virtually for those who live far away.

3. Volunteer with organizations where people share your interests.

4. Join a faith community or another regular group that fosters a sense of connection.

5. Take up a new interest by joining a gym, enrolling in a class, or similar activities.

Ways to Connect with Nature

1. Create a small garden, indoors or outdoors. Use a tiny patch of earth, a row of flowers, or pots on a countertop or table. Caring for your plants is a daily way to connect with nature without leaving home.

2. Take a walk in a park or other outdoor area.

3. Practice Nature Gazing: Stand outside your home and observe the colors, trees, animals, rocks, flowers, and other features. Pay attention to the sounds of nature.

4. Stream nature sounds at home as a mindfulness or meditation practice or play them quietly in the background while doing everyday tasks.

5. Try a nature visualization—imagine a scene using your five senses and reflect on what it smells like, feels like, sounds like, looks like, or tastes like.

Transition to a Quarterly Blog Format

Starting with this edition, I will be transitioning from a monthly blog to a quarterly format. This change allows me a bit more freedom and expansiveness around how I’m engaging in and experiencing my own work and practices. It will allow for more comprehensive updates about events, programs, and insights into mindfulness in daily life. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with this new schedule.

Upcoming Mindfulness Programs

In the coming months, I will participate in several mindfulness programs and practices. I invite you to join me whenever it fits for you.

• Mindfulness at Emmanuel: April 19^th and May 3^rd.

• Peaceful Pause: Mindfulness for Children (ages 6-10) offered twice. For registration, contact laura@vibebehavioralwellness.com.

  • Daily, June 1-4, 4pm-5pm

  • Daily, July 20-23, 5:30-6:30pm, ET.

• LEADING FROM WITHIN: Sustaining the Leaders Who Sustain Our Community: A 5 Week, Donor Subsidized Leadership Impact Cohort for Nonprofit Leaders in PA, NJ, DE, NY: Registration is open through May 1^st.

May you find moments of awareness and gratitude this spring,

Karen