I am still buzzing with gratitude and the heightened sense of connection and aliveness that follows our mindfulness in nature retreat experiences at the National Botanic Garden in Chantilly, Virginia.
Whether it’s a lasting impact of the pandemic or perhaps comes with the territory for those of us who have launched their children into the world, are in other life chapter transitions, or are navigating eldercare or partner care demands, we are thirsty for deep connection with like-minded humans.
Time and again I heard, “This is just what I needed right now.”
The simple act of slowing down to the rhythms of nature, tuning in to the sensory experience of bird song or the gurgle of a stream or the taste of a freshly plucked mulberry (a first for many of us), dissolves our inner chatter and grounds the body in awakened presence.
Giving ourselves time to be still, time to reflect individually and in community while held in the gentle, welcoming, non-judgmental embrace of nature allows us to intentionally “take in the good,” breaking the cycle of our evolutionary wiring for negativity bias.
What we practice grows stronger in the brain. After a full day of intentional awareness and sensory attention exercises, we finished the day with stronger “joy wiring” in our neural circuity.
A broad range of takeaways were shared in the closing circle, among them:
- The power of moving slowly and intentionally.
- The power of listening mindfully.
- The power of inclining the mind towards joy, wonder, and gratitude.
- The power of play.
Another “ah ha” moment that one of our friends shared was that every part of nature, down to the tiniest twig and fallen leaf on the forest floor, has its purpose. As part of nature ourselves, each of us also has a unique purpose in the tapestry of our connected world.
Staying awake to life at every juncture is an ongoing practice. Connection with fellow journeyers illuminates and enriches the path.
I am deeply grateful to our participants for co-creating such a magical experience and to the stewards of the National Botanic Garden for opening your private space to us.
Special thanks to my husband Mark for his behind the scenes support during the retreat and to Melissa Maillett for capturing the atmosphere so beautifully with her images…
Flowers from my garden for the lunch tables, a fun mingling of energies!
And one shot of the woman behind the camera for the rest of the beautiful images above.
