WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
Mindfulness is rooted in ancestral Chinese medicine and its practices are increasingly being integrated into other cultures in order to address physiological and psychological needs
Through practicing mindfulness, we are able to intentionally acknowledge our thoughts and feelings, and the environment we occupy. By doing so, we become aware of our embodied senses and what they present to us with loving acceptance and understanding. This cultivates compassion for ourselves and for other living beings.
Although mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and at any time, whenever possible, the MOE is an opportunity to practice with birds in their natural outdoor environment, such as parks, forests, lots, beaches, and trails.
MINDFULNESS & NATURE
Forest bathing, referred to as shirin-yoku in Japanese where it originates, was popularized in the ‘80s by Dr. Qing Li. The practice invites a natural way to heal by reconnecting with the more-than-human world.
Scientific research endorses the many benefits of spending time in nature including with birds. You can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation and increase your ability to focus, boost your immunity, and elevate your sense of joy.
MINDFULNESS & BIRDS
Your feathered friends can serve as your guide to staying in the present from moment to moment. Allow the natural pace of nature to help guide your time and place. Through watching, listening to, and being with birds, you can deepen your connection with them.
During our Mindful Outdoor Experience, I welcome you to join me and learn how to symbolically soar high above your darkened clouds of burden and worry, and revel in your healing mind’s communion with nature. You will come to know the birds and yourself through a different way of healing right alongside them
BENEFITS OF CONNECTING WITH BIRDS
Listening to birdsong can help to reduce anxiety and paranoia
(Lisa Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development)
Hearing and seeing birds, and having ordinary encounters with them, improved the mood of people with depression - and overall for the population
(King College)
Listening to bird song contributes to feelings of restoration and less stress
(Ratcliffe, Gatersleben, Sowden)
BENEFITS OF NATURE:
REDUCES:
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
ADHD
Isolation
Grief
Chronic conditions:
pain
high blood pressure
obesity
inflammation
IMPROVES:
Cognitive functioning:
attention
short-term memory
Sleep
Energy
Boosts immune system
Mood
Social connection
Mindfulness
Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude
THE MINDFUL OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Tammah Watts is a Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide. Kripalu’s training is “Grounded in the philosophy that meaningful connection with nature is an essential part of a healthy and balanced life, this training is an opportunity to develop and deepen your connection to the natural world.”
Through the guided Mindful Outdoor Experience, we will practice and cultivate connection with self, place and community in a way that is accessible, intuitive and powerful.
We will engage the senses as we practice forest bathing and sit quietly & mindfully in nature, together.
We will cultivate deeper awareness of our surroundings and gather in circle together.
Discover and experience the benefits of nature therapy as you breathe with the land, learn the history of the land and its First People, slowly take in the sights, sounds and smells as we walk, be a witness to nature, to your experiences and to other’s stories, and connect through a fire meditation in community.
“Your feathered friends can serve as your guide to staying in the present from moment to moment.”
-Tammah Watts
LEARN TO:
sit/lie quietly and practice mindfulness in nature (Bird Perch)
use your senses to observe the birds while leaving your equipment behind
connect with birds in a meaningful and personal way to enhance your well-being
Scientific research endorses the many benefits of spending time in nature -including with birds.
These workshops are suitable for all interest levels and capacities and all are welcome to participate in the manner most comfortable for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Initially, we will gather for introductions. I will acquaint you with what to expect during your time on the land mindfully connecting with nature. We will give particular attention to the birds.
We will meet for a brief overview of connecting with birds followed by time to actually practice mindful birding and experience the many benefits for your wellbeing-including having fun!
