6 Mindfulness-Based Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
The hustle and bustle of our daily lives often acts to separate us from our surroundings and our attunement to ourselves. Serving multiple purposes on this year’s Earth Day, we put together some ideas for how to center yourself with Earth and your own body and mind.
1. Go for a Nature Walk
When was the last time you moved your body in an intentional and refilling way? Spending time surrounded by nature while moving both sides of our bodies can do wonders for our nervous systems and help us feel more connected with the world around us. If this type of movement is not accessible to you, moving *through* natural spaces or even opening up some windows also nourishes the soul.
2. Make Time to “Go Off the Grid”
Sometimes easier said than done, it goes without saying that taking a vacation from technology (however long or short) restores the connection we have with our surroundings, our feelings, our Earth, our community, and so much more. Going off the grid means much more than limiting doom scrolling - one of the biggest components is signaling to our brains that the urgency to be constantly available can take a pause. Need helping going on a “Tech Holiday”? Read more.
3. Literally “Touch Grass”
Ever heard of “Earthing”? This practice encourages us to make direct physical connections with the ground - no socks, no shoes, just us and the Earth. While it may sound a little silly to some, there’s nothing quite like spreading your toes in the grass on a beautiful Spring day! Read more about studies on Earthing.
4. Create Stories in the Clouds
Lay back and watch the clouds roll by. What do the clouds look like to you? Tap into your creative brain for a second and reflect on a short story that depicts what you see in the clouds OR imagine pieces of stress floating by on the clouds as they drift through the sky.
5. Listen to Earth’s Sounds
If accessible to you, spend some time simply listening and observing all of the subtle noises that surround us in nature. Notice the sounds of the leaves in the breeze, little creatures flitting about, or any moving water nearby. Nature sounds can help us slow down and feel more at ease.
6. Sensory Immersions
To take nature sounds even further, tap into your 5 senses and reflect on what you feel, see, hear, smell, and taste when spending unfiltered time outdoors. You might be surprised what you notice when you really focus in!
Earth Day is not only about how we receive from the Earth, but also what we give. The relationship we have with our home is one that is symbiotic and sacred! While you're out there enjoying the Earth, brainstorm some ways you can care for nature while caring for yourself. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this post or are interested in scheduling a therapy session. You can reach out to us via email, our online form or at 804-372-3975.