Mindfulness Meditation Outdoors

Flowers always seem to just "be".  They don't strive. 

I led a mindfulness meditation class this week outdoors.  We engaged in sitting and walking meditation and a body awareness meditation.  As we sat in a grassy area under the trees on a college campus, everyone was truly engaged in learning the practice and not seeming to care about the background noises of an air conditioner, cars, people talking and passing by. It was wonderful being together as a group, hearing the squirrels run thru the trees, seeing the night fall and feeling the air as it cooled. 

As we sat there on our blankets and mats, I reminded everyone, especially those new to mindfulness and meditation, that this was not a self improvement class and that learning to be mindful is not about improving oneself.  It is just the opposite really.  It is about not striving, not trying to get anywhere or be anything other than who we already are, not about acquiring or accomplishing anything but simply experiencing "being". 

Even after years of meditation, I am aware that patience is always required when learning something new.  Just like learning to ride a bike requires patience, so does learning about mindfulness and learning to meditate.  I advised everyone to exercise patience in learning this new practice.  They did.

In today's busy world,  many are left feeling fragmented and out of touch with their true selves.  There are so many distractions pulling us in every direction.  Practicing mindfulness is an antidote - bringing us into the moment and home to our true selves with gentleness and compassion as guiding principles.