Discover the Power of Mindfulness

... In Nature-centric Spiritual Practices

Plus so often people who are drawn to us are looking for the big razzamatazz, they’re looking for the big rituals, the complicated rituals, the complicated spell work, or Harvard University level learning experiences.

In the face of today’s busy and unfocused society, these are all obstacles and unrealistic. Not to mention unproductive and keep us in an infinity loop of frustration.

What we have found - over many years of teaching and offering spiritual experiences – we’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years now - is that success as a nature mage or witch or nature mystic boils down to e two core essential skills ….  

The first one is learning to use your senses and the second one is mindfulness - being completely and totally present.

Now here’s the thing – there is this misguided notion that mindfulness and using the senses are just not important to nature centric spiritual practices - especially with those who follow a more ceremonial style of Wicca or witchcraft.

Why? Probably several reasons - such as:

• Lack of understanding: Many don’t fully understand what mindfulness is and how it can enhance their spiritual practice. They may view mindfulness as just another trendy buzzword, rather than a powerful tool for cultivating presence and awareness.
• Complexity of already-existing spiritual practices: Maybe you’re under the impression that a spiritual practice has to be this Very Big Deal with a complicated ritual. This can make it challenging for you, especially if you are already feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the practice.
• Misconceptions about nature-centric spirituality: Some may view spirituality as being separate from the physical world or nature. I cannot even tell you how many people join the Temple and barely go outside. This can make it challenging for you to see how mindfulness and nature-centric practices can be integrated.

Now, how do I know this?

We have a downloadable meditation on our website - it is completely for free - it is an 8-minute guided meditation that teaches basically these two core points.

When new people join as a member, the first assignment is to download this meditation and use it every single day for at least a week and 21 days if possible. Do people do it? No they don’t … and then they struggle with what we’re teaching - they struggle with what they experience through our full moon rituals, and our solar celebrations, they struggle with shamanic journeying …

And they still feel like they’re not connected, that they’re not living in balance, still not feeling a sense of wholeness, that they’re not growing spiritually, they’re not progressing and they’re not making a difference.

So today we're just gonna focus on really exploring what mindfulness is how, how important it is to nature centric spiritual practices - particularly the way we teach and the way we hold our own experiences.

We will cover using our senses in a separate video.

Impact of "Busy-ness"

First, let’s address the Elephant in the Room – which is how busy we all are.

Because we are so busy, many find it hard to incorporate spiritual practices in their lives – it’s is a common challenge in our modern society.

Many have demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments that make it difficult to find the time and energy to engage in spiritual practices on a regular basis.

In addition to time constraints, many also feel overwhelmed by the complexity of spiritual practices. They may feel intimidated by the rituals, terminology, or expectations that come with certain traditions, or they may simply not know where to start.

The result is that many busy people feel disconnected from their spiritual selves, and may struggle with feelings of stress, anxiety, or existential uncertainty. Without a regular practice to ground them and provide a sense of purpose, they may feel adrift and disconnected from their true selves.

Fortunately, mindfulness is a simple and accessible spiritual practice that can be incorporated into even the busiest of lifestyles. It can be practiced in just a few minutes a day and has been shown to reduce stress and increase well-being.

Popularity of Nature-centric Spiritual Practices

Now I want to highlight how popular Nature-centric spiritual practices are becoming – and there are several reasons why.

First and foremost, nature provides us with a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find in our busy, modern lives. Being surrounded by nature helps us to disconnect from the noise and stress of daily life and to connect with something larger than ourselves.

In addition to providing a peaceful environment, nature also offers a sense of wonder and awe. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and our place within it. This sense of awe can be a powerful spiritual experience, helping us to feel more connected to the world around us.

Nature-centric spiritual practices also offer a sense of connection to our ancestors and to ancient traditions. Many of these practices have been passed down through generations and have roots in indigenous cultures around the world. As people seek to reconnect with their heritage and to learn from the wisdom of the past, these practices are becoming increasingly popular.

Finally, nature-centric spiritual practices offer a way to connect with the earth and to promote environmental sustainability. As people become more aware of the impact of human activities on the planet, they are seeking ways to live in harmony with nature and to reduce their ecological footprint. By practicing nature-centric spirituality, people can deepen their connection to the earth and become more mindful of their impact on the environment.

As people seek to find meaning and purpose in their lives, they are turning to nature as a source of spiritual inspiration and guidance.

What is Mindfulness?

Now let’s dive into what mindfulness is and how it can be applied to our practices.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in a non-judgmental way, and accepting them as they are, without trying to change them.

In daily life, mindfulness can be applied in a variety of ways. For example:

• Mindful breathing: By focusing on our breath and being present in the moment, we can cultivate a sense of calm and clarity that can help us deal with stress and anxiety.
• Mindful eating: By paying attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of our food, we can enjoy it more fully and develop a healthier relationship with food.
• Mindful listening: By truly listening to others without distraction or judgment, we can improve our communication skills and deepen our relationships with others.
• Mindful walking: By being present and aware of our surroundings as we walk, we can reduce stress and increase our appreciation for the natural world.
• Mindful working: By being fully engaged in our work and giving it our full attention, we can increase our productivity and satisfaction with our work.

Overall, mindfulness is a powerful tool for increasing our awareness, reducing stress, and finding greater meaning and purpose in our lives. By incorporating mindfulness into our daily routines, we can cultivate a greater sense of peace and well-being, even in the midst of the busiest of schedules.

Combining Mindfulness with Nature

Mindfulness can enhance nature-centric spiritual practices in several ways:

Deepening connection with nature: Mindfulness practice can help us become more present and aware of our surroundings, allowing us to more fully appreciate the beauty and richness of the natural world. By cultivating a deeper sense of connection with nature, we can enhance our nature-centric spiritual practices, and develop a greater appreciation for the wisdom and interconnectedness of the natural world.

Developing a sense of gratitude: Mindfulness can also help us cultivate a greater sense of gratitude for the gifts of nature, including fresh air, clean water, and the diversity of plant and animal life. By learning to appreciate the simple pleasures of nature, we can develop a greater sense of awe and wonder, and deepen our spiritual connection with the natural world.

Enhancing sensory awareness: Mindfulness allows us to fully engage with our senses and experience the world more fully. By developing greater sensory awareness, we can more fully appreciate the textures, smells, and sounds of the natural world, and deepen our connection with the rhythms and cycles of nature.

Developing compassion: Mindfulness practice can help us cultivate greater empathy and compassion for all living beings, including rocks, rivers, animals, plants, and ecosystems that make up the natural world. By developing greater compassion, we can deepen our sense of connection with the natural world, and become more motivated to protect and preserve it.

Here are some simple and easy-to-follow tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into nature-centric spiritual practices:

• Take a mindful walk: The next time you go for a walk in nature, try to focus your attention on the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Take deep breaths, and try to stay present in the moment, rather than getting lost in thoughts or distractions. By focusing on the present moment and engaging your senses, you can deepen your connection with nature and cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness.
• Practice gratitude: Take a few moments each day to reflect on the gifts of nature and cultivate a sense of gratitude. You might focus on the beauty of a flower, the majesty of a tree, or the peacefulness of a natural landscape. By developing a sense of gratitude for the natural world, you can deepen your connection with nature and enhance your spiritual practice.
• Meditate in nature: Find a quiet spot in nature where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes, and focus your attention on your breath. As you breathe in and out, try to stay present in the moment and allow your thoughts and emotions to pass by without getting caught up in them. By meditating in nature, you can deepen your connection with the natural world and cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness.
• Connect with an element: Choose an element of nature that resonates with you, such as water, fire, earth, or air. Spend some time each day connecting with that element, either by sitting by a stream, lighting a candle, walking barefoot on the ground, or feeling the breeze on your face. By connecting with an element of nature, you can deepen your sense of mindfulness and enhance your spiritual practice.
• Mindful observation: Find a natural object that catches your eye, such as a flower, rock, or tree. Spend a few minutes observing it closely, taking note of its colors, textures, and patterns. Try to stay present in the moment, and allow your thoughts and emotions to pass by without getting caught up in them. By practicing mindful observation, you can deepen your connection with nature and cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness.

By incorporating these simple tips into your nature-centric spiritual practices, you can deepen your connection with nature and cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness, helping you to feel more at peace and at ease in your daily life.