Mindfulness in Nature

Celebrating the earth is a very sacred and loving task, and mindfulness is the ability to be present and engaged on the task at hand without the distraction of thought. With a mindful approach, gardening can be very beneficial to the gardener and the land. It removes the distraction of devices and screens, reduces stress, and reconnects us with the earth by invoking presence. Gardening encourages the art of noticing, especially through a literal grounding into the environment. Many lessons can be learned by gardening or simply being outdoors and in touch with nature.

When stepping into nature, our perspective on life can begin to shift. Our senses are immediately engaged, and we see, feel, hear, taste, and smell things in different ways: the feel of the texture of the grass against the skin, the vision of brightness and color of new blossoms, the sound of the snap of a crisp branch, the scent of fresh flowers, and even the flavor of fresh air in the lungs. Most of these are ordinary experiences, but with a meditative lens, they can all feel brand new, and inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and life. The simple act of noticing offers a layer of inner and outer awareness that enhances a personal connection with the earth. These moments of connection can then facilitate a better understanding of our own needs and of those of the environment.

There are many benefits to gardening, especially with a meditative approach. Gardening can be as simple as caring for potted plants, or as elaborate as creating specific pollinator, butterfly, or native gardens - any intention or effort that elicits feelings of being both engaged and rewarded, which directly strengthens well-being. Whether it’s stress reducing or joy boosting, being able to contribute to the growth of living things is empowering, and very connected to our own care for ourselves. Examining nature creates a pathway for inquiry, which then leads to an inner curiosity and a better understanding of ourselves. Noticing the amazing intelligence and ordinary miracles of nature provides sacred space to appreciate the quality of uniqueness within ourselves, and see it mirrored in the external world.

Whether your preferred mindfulness practice is gardening or nature walks or chopping wood, taking this pause from the demands of life literally nourishes the mind, body, and spirit, and encourages a keen awareness and appreciation for nature’s beauty and intelligence. Buckets and hearts become filled with gratitude through actively contributing to nature; patience expands with the planting of seeds while we wait for sprouts to bloom.

As we nurture and grow our plants, we nurture and grow ourselves, making direct contact with the cycle of life and death, new beginnings and innate endings. Witnessing a plant move through its life cycle enhances the beauty of its effort to grow from seed to a plant that bears fruit and then naturally dies as the season ends. This knowledge that the plant’s essential purpose is to grow and produce fruit allows for awareness that more life can be produced from its gift to the earth.

This spring, as you engage in the sacred practice of meditative gardening, consider this: what gifts do you want to leave for the earth?

Kenzie Krieger completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Jane’s House in May 2022. She offers a variety of classes including Yin Yoga, Pelvic Floor Yoga, Chair Yoga, advanced and intermediate. Kenzie is an avid gardener, growing anything from native pollinator flowers to fig trees to zucchini. Being with nature as a meditative tool has been extremely healing for Kenzie, helping her find joy in simple tasks as she nourishes the earth with new growth. Kenzie hopes this passage inspires you to develop a mindful approach to gardening.