Nature-Based Meditations
This podcast explores the deep connection between the land and Self through nature-based meditations and contemplative experiences that invite us back into belonging - to each other, our ancestors, the earth, and all beings that make up this universe.
Our Mindful Nature is the new name of The Mindful Minute podcast. I {Meryl} have been sharing meditation classes on this podcast for more than 8 years, and as of 2024, I felt it was time to update the name to more accurately reflect the content I share. You can continue to expect inspirational talks, guided meditations and occasional interviews. You can continue to expect classes centered on accessible, equitable, communal well-being primarily through nature-based meditations created through the lens of Tantric meditation and Spiritual Ecology.
Now, let’s grab a cup of tea, a comfy seat and settle in for today’s practice.
Listen
Mini Meditation: Letting Go of Tension
The first level of letting go within a meditation practice is the letting go of tension.
As we experience anything in life, the very first level of response occurs in our bodies. We lean in to what we love. We twist away from what we dislike. We furrow our brows when something perplexes us. We tense our shoulders or our jaws when we try too hard or feel defeated…
Learning to Let Go {part 1 of 3}
Within our mindfulness meditation practice, the piece that always receives primary billing is the PRACTICE itself. The effort of concentration or continually returning our mind to the object of focus - most often our breath.
Mini Meditation: Climb Slowly & Rest Often
If we want days that feel joyful, we must look for and call out joy. If we want days that feel peaceful, we must look for and call out peace.
Climbing the Mountain
The poet dreams of the mountain
Sometimes I grow weary of the days, with all their fits and starts.
I want to climb some old gray mountains, slowly, taking
The rest of my lifetime to do it, resting often, sleeping…
3 Qualities of Consciousness {part 3 of 3}
Joy is intrinsic to each of us. It is our birthright. Across time, culture and lineage, meditation texts tell us that as we settle deeper into ourselves, what we discover is joy.
Mini Meditation: Be the One Who Knows
One of the three qualities of consciousness is a Self that is aware of itself and everything else. What this means in essence is that there is a piece of our consciousness that can see or witness what is happening. This larger awareness knows how we feel about the situation we are in; it knows where we are in space and time; and this knowing is very different from the jumble of thoughts we experience in any given moment.
3 Qualities of Consciousness {part 2 of 3}
What is it that you know, and how does that knowing differ from your thoughts?
What or who gives context to your experiences and your ideas of self?
When you meditate, what else is happening besides that loud tangle of thoughts and distractions that keeps arising?
Support Our Mindful Nature
Since 2016, I have joyfully poured all my creative energy into the creation of this podcast. It has grown from an occasional meditation offering to a weekly show with interviews, book recommendations, guided practices and high-quality nature soundscapes. If these offerings support you and your meditation practice, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support the growth of this labor of love. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this podcast with a friend or leaving a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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“Just wanted to say a huge thanks from Suffolk U.K I started to listen to your podcasts after the return of anxiety and panic attacks and you have made my life so much clearer, and calmer I love listening to your podcasts, you will never know how much your calming words soothe my soul.”
— Our Mindful Nature Podcast listener
