Many of us spend so much of our time insulated in buildings or cars that nature has become merely a pleasant backdrop or holiday destination. This encourages the perception of the earth as a resource to be exploited rather than as the life-support system which has nurtured our evolution. Ecopsychologist, Theodore Roszak, believes that 'we have detached ourselves so completely from the natural environment that it is wounding our mental health' and that the damage we are inflicting on the earth's environment may play a major role in feelings of depression and alienation. Some psychologists even believe that we have a genetic need to commune with nature, which they term 'biophilia', and when this is satisfied our physical, mental and spiritual health improves.

This section contains some simple practices which can help to connect with nature and become more sensitive to the healing earth energy that surrounds us.

Greeting the Dawn

Set your alarm clock for just before sunrise. Wrap up warmly and find a pleasant spot outdoors, facing east, and make yourself comfortable on a blanket or cushion. Take a few deep breaths and bring your attention to the sounds around you. Turn off your chattering brain and try to be fully present in your body in this moment. Try to 'feel' your own energy and be conscious of any exchange with the earth energy around you. As the sky brightens and darkness gives way to light, let go of all the problems in your past and greet the morning with hope, tenderness, and celebration. Sit in quiet contemplation until you are ready to begin your day.

Seeing for the first time

This practice invites you to become like a Martian and experience a natural object as if you had never seen it before and have no prior knowledge about what it is. This could be a bluebell in Spring, a piece of fruit in Summer, an Autumn leaf, or a snowdrop in Winter, whatever catches your attention. If you find yourself categorising, comparing or judging the object, let these thoughts go. Concentrate on seeing its shape and colour, feeling its texture, inhaling any fragrance, hearing any sounds it makes and, if it's something edible, slowly savouring its taste. Notice whether you feel more relaxed and aware and acknowledge your appreciation for whatever the experience has given you.

Tree Meditation

Visit your favourite wooded area, walk slowly through and wait for one special tree to catch your attention. Sit down with your back to the tree and close your eyes. Relax by breathing deeply and experience the feeling that there is no difference between you and the tree. Imagine that your spine merges with the trunk and that your roots go down into the earth. Breathe down into these roots and let all your tension dissolve into the ground. Draw up the powerful energy of the earth through your feet, feel the energy rising and spreading right through your body as you continue to breathe in and out. Know that the earth has sustained all the generations of living creatures before you and that they have returned back to the earth. Through the branches of the tree, feel the sunshine shining down on you, draw it in and send it down the trunk and down through the roots, until everything is filled with light. As the light reaches the roots, feel them pushing even deeper into the earth. When you are ready, mentally return to your own body and thank the tree for its support.

References

'The Meditation Bible' by Madonna Gauding

'Vital Energy' by William Collinge

'Lord of Creation' by Brendan O'Malley