Mindfulness is mentioned quite often these days. On any given zoom webinar or in conversation, one might hear someone say “Be mindful”. Mindfulness is paying attention on purpose (intention) to what is happening in the present moment (awareness) without judgement and with kindness towards ourselves (attitude).
A practice of mindfulness is tuning into our senses. The five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing – we can tap into these in any situation or activity in our day. The practicing of tuning into our senses can serve as a vehicle for connecting us to the present moment, and help ground us in a situation.
Take for instance arriving at a park with hundreds of people enjoying it. If you have been inside these winter months or due to covid restrictions haven’t been around hundreds of people in a while it could be a bit surprising. It can be helpful to pause upon arriving at the park, and tap into our senses one at a time.
Some have referred to shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”) as a mindfulness practice. Forest bathing is more than simply walking into a forest and hanging out. Shinrin-yoku is walking into nature and utilizing your five senses to connect to the surroundings. It is taking time to present with each of the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing. You do not need a forest to practice “forest bathing”. Find any natural environment to practice.
It is through this practice of utilizing our senses that can help us connect to the present moment, and help to ground ourselves in any situation. Coming back to the park with hundreds of people. Taking a moment to pause and observe without judgement.
- Touch: What does the ground feel like beneath my feet?
- Taste: What do I taste in the air? If by the sea this could be the salt from the water.
- Smell: What aromas are there? Are there more than one?
- Hearing: What sounds are there? People, animals, bikes?
- Sight: what colors do I see? Is there new growth since my last visit?
Throughout our day, thousands of thoughts pass through our minds. Using our senses can aid in getting out of the thoughts, thought patterns or worry in our minds. Whether you are anticipating your first trip on an airplane or to a busy park near your home, mindfulness practice through our senses is an excellent tool and you begin practicing at home today in the smallest of tasks like washing your hands.
To learn more about grounding practices and re-entering the next phase of the pandemic mindfully, join me for a free workshop on Mindful Re-entry on Sunday, April 18th at 1pm EDT/10am PDT. Learn more and register here.