Being amongst the trees is one of the most effortless ways to connect with nature.  We are literally surrounded by the magic of the forest, held in its gentle embrace.  There is the perfect balance of comfort and wildness, the canopy providing protection and shelter, and supporting a myriad of life forms.

The light is softened as it filters through the branches, and the sounds of birds, insects and rustling leaves form a gentle background murmur.  The trees connect the earth and the sky, creating a safe haven where life can thrive.  It is the perfect place to slow down, and take in the precious gifts of our surroundings.

Forest Meditation

Find some woodland to explore.  The intention with this meditation is to relax into this supportive environment.  Even if there are only a few trees nearby, this is enough to benefit from immensely if you take your time and allow the magic in.  Feel how the forest softens our thoughts and allows us to feel a little more comfort in our bodies.  Breathe in the fresh air, and soak up all of the enchanting beauty that surrounds you.

Appreciate the variety of shapes, textures and patterns in this hidden world.  Notice how your inner landscape is just as varied.  If we can observe our thoughts and emotions in the same non judgemental way, we can see their beauty, even when they are ‘negative’.  Allow the forest to be a sanctuary where it is easy to be peaceful no matter what your mental, physical and emotional state.

Know that the feeling of being held and protected is available to us wherever we are.  When you leave the forest, you can still return to this sanctuary within your own mind whenever you choose to.

Take a photo, or bring a leaf, twig or some reminder of the woods with you.  When you get home spend 5 minutes meditating with this reminder, recalling the sense of peace and relaxation you felt.  It may be easier to feel at peace when immersed in a beautiful natural environment, but with practice we can access this state wherever we are.

Do you find it easy to recall the peace of the forest?  Next time you are amongst the trees, what can you do to make the most of it and relax more fully, so that you can bring more of the benefits back with you?  Leave a comment below and share your experiences and inspiration with me.

There is something so comforting about darkness.

The parts of ourselves that like to stay hidden from the world can relax into the shadows and feel safe once again.  The night contains all of these secrets effortlessly.  Everything is accepted and absorbed, never judged, leaving us with a sense of freedom rarely felt in the day time.

This ability of darkness to contain absolutely anything can also bring fear.  Our imaginations run wild.  This could be a good thing and bring much inspiration, but often we imagine the worst.  We start to believe that maybe something out there wants to harm us.  We don’t know what is hiding under the blanket of darkness.

The point though, is that we don’t know.  This unknown is an infinite space in which anything is possible.  It is a MYSTERY.

Darkness Meditation

Your task is to find the sweet spot between fear and comfort as you become encased by darkness.  Choose a place where you know you will be safe, but allow yourself to feel the mystery of the unknown.  Taking a walk in semi darkness can be good because your surroundings change, but the darkness remains a constant that is with you the whole time.  You can also keep it really simple and sit in a darkened room, as most of this experience will be with your imagination.

As you feel the darkness envelope you, notice any changes in your body.  Do you feel calmer or more on edge?  Fear is our ally in this case, because if you can feel the fear you are closer to experiencing the mystery of the night.  Know that your fear is because of the infinite possibilities that lurk in the shadows.  Allow yourself to melt into these possibilities, knowing that there are more than you could ever imagine.  As well as the infinite number of terrifying scenarios, there are an infinite number of wonderful things that could happen.

Glastonbury Tor at night

If you naturally feel comfortable in the dark, enjoy the freedom this brings you.  Move around and explore, without self consciousness.  As you slowly explore your mysterious surroundings, notice how this brings you closer to the sweet spot we are seeking.  You start to feel a tiny spark inside you.  You are no longer in your comfortable bubble, but are beginning to reach out to the mystery beyond.

Once you have experimented with finding the balance between comfort and fear, allow yourself to dissolve into the night.  Feel the liberation of being temporarily free from the penetrating light which exposes us.  There is no need to be any particular way, you can just let go.

Enjoy this feeling for as long as you wish.  When you have finished the meditation, write down a couple of sentences or words which will help you to keep a little of this mystery and freedom with you.

The more we practise connecting with the magical aspects of ourselves, the easier it becomes.  Feeling abstract things such as mystery and freedom can be difficult if our minds are busy.  With all of these meditations, the main priority should be to relax.  In time, and with regular practise, I have become more able to tap into these feelings through visualisation.  I hope that my suggestions can help you to do this too.  Don’t be too rigid with yourself, and have fun with it.  Please feel free to share anything you find inspiring or helpful in the comments below.  Thank you 🙂

The sky is putting on a show for me as I write this post.  Glowing light reflects on a slowly changing infinite variety of soft shapes floating through the sky in front of me.  I feel myself becoming lighter with an inner glow emerging as I gaze through the window.

I wonder if the sky is getting more beautiful every day?  The more I look the more I see, in a never ending exploration of an ever changing dreamscape.

Cloud Meditation

Choose a time and a place where you can observe clouds.  It doesn’t matter if you’re lying on the ground, walking, or looking out of a window, as long as you are comfortable.  Focus on an aspect or aspects of the clouds that you find most appealing.  Is it the slow drifting movement that reminds you to slow down?  Is it the way they are suspended in the air that reminds you to feel lighter in your mind and body?  Do you find comfort in the soft shapes, or is it the vast open space of the sky holding the clouds that speaks to your heart?

Whether it is one or some of the above aspects you choose to focus on, or something different entirely, let it be something that inspires you.  Take a few minutes to focus on this magic, and feel it resonate within you.

Know that by taking this time to focus on the clouds, you are strengthening your own cloud like qualities.  You will feel more softness, lightness, spaciousness, peace, or whatever it is that you desire, whenever you choose to remember this experience.  All you need to do is look up at the sky, and this will remind you of your inner cloud magic!

Share your cloud gazing experiences in the comments below 🙂