Swaha Devi

The last few weeks have reminded me of the reality of just how little control we have over our lives. That Life, in all of it’s mystery, is gently, and sometimes anything but gently, dancing us towards things unknown, towards more knowing, more truth, more presence, and deep deep surrender. And it is in this surrender, that we REALLY get to meet and know ourselves.

So many wonderful people in my life, myself included are going through all sorts of challenges, facing all sorts of darkness and having to step up to life in ways we never imagined As I have witnessed and walked beside dear friends the last few weeks, the one thing I have noticed, is the exquisite light that has been so alive within the core of these moments of Darkeness. As these dear friends walked into these challenges heart first, and dove into the darkness with courage, the most inspiring light was present within them.

The last few weeks has inspired me of the courage, power and resilience of the human spirit, and that when we come together as community, in support of those we love, something truly magical happens. There is a Grace that dances its ways through the situations and people involved, that links us all together, and creates a web of love and strength that is palpable. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible people in my life. Thankyou for your wisdom, for the way in which you show up, and inspire me every day.

Wishing everyone the Grace to find the Light, Love and Truth that exists even within the darkest moments of our existence. On this Winter Solstice, the day of the year with the least hours of light, I hope we can all look within ourselves, and one another to remember the light that always exists and beams outward. That spark of consciousness and light that is more powerful and everlasting than any of the moments of darkness we each dance with.

With love and Deep respect for each of your journeys

Swaha Devi xx

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In the lead up to the Women's outdoor Breathwork session on Mother's day, I’ve been reflecting on the power of nature as a meditation tool in my life. “Meditating well” doesn’t just have to mean being able to sit in stillness, with a straight spine and an empty mind. There are many styles of meditation that offer a more somatic and body based approach to meditation which can be easier to access for many people.

Somatic (body based) meditations can also offer a more integrative approach, where your mind still reaches stillness, but your body is also on board and honoured through the process to stillness, rather than ignored. And following these approaches doesn’t mean you are “bad a meditation”, it means you are finding as meditation practice that honours and is best adapted to your needs.

In Australia, we are so blessed to be surrounded by pristine and exquisite nature all around us. Spending very intentional time in nature is one form of embodied meditation. Intention, however, is key. If we just go our in nature, walking and talking, or listening to music, or taking photos, it can still be a present practice, however when we bring a different sort of intention, it can have a deeper meditative benefit.

When we enter into natural places with an intention to be very present with ourselves and what is 𝔸𝕃𝕀𝕍𝔼 and so beautiful in the natural world around us, inviting all of our senses on board, it is a powerful portal into deeper stillness and peace, for our mind, body and emotions.

𝔸 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕔𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕠𝕕𝕚𝕖𝕕 𝕞𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕡𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕖:

If you would like to explore a nature meditation practice yourself, here is a practice I use. Somatic based meditation in nature for me is focused on inviting all of my senses on board either while sitting or very slowly walking somewhere nice in nature. Being somewhere away from the hustle and bustle in a nature reserve or such is great if this is possible for you, or it can even be your backyard or balcony if there is nature around. I also really love engaging with this practice while standing or floating in a calm ocean.

Don’t engage all of the senses at once, invite focus to one at a time, which allows more single pointed presence, rather than bombarding the mind with stimulus which can overwhelm and activate the mind.

𝕊𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥
As you walk or sit, take in all of the beauty around you with your eyes. Be careful not to label the things you see (this is the mind coming in), instead, see through things, be aware of the colours, textures, shapes, shadows. Any time the mind trys to label, you cab introduce the thought, “I don’t know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am seeing”.

𝕊𝕞𝕖𝕝𝕝
Slow your breathing right down and really drink in all of the smells of nature through your nose. Long so deep breathes. Agaisn try not to label and associate a smell with a certain thing, instead notice your reaction to smells and how they make you feel. Again if the mind wants to label, instead, think, “I don’t know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am smelling”.

𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙
Engage your hands and skin on other parts of your body (your feet if you want to take your shoes off, your arms, your face). Feel the textures, soft and hard, the temperature. Notice how these different sensations feel on your skin. Feel the wind blowing across your skin, caressing your gently. The warmth of the sun like a gentle embrace. Again if the mind wants to label, instead, think, “I don’t know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am feeling through my skin”.

ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘. Leave your headphones at home and listen to the symphony of nature instead. How does each sound feel as it reaches your ear drum and send ripples of sound into your body and brain. How do you feel inside your body as you hear different sounds, some may feel good, others less so. Again if the mind wants to label, instead, think, “I don’t know what this is. I connect to the Mystery that is alive inside of all I am hearing”.

𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖
As you breathe in through your nose and mouth, you can taste nature through the air. You may want to explore your taste in other ways to, touching your tongue on the cool bark of a tree or leaf. Don’t eat anything though, there are lots of things that are poisonous in nature!

𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝕤𝕪𝕞𝕓𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕪
Nature has so much symbology to connect to, which can inspire us in our own lives and paths. Notice if there is anything you are witnessing in nature that feels like it is offering your guidance or wisdom through what you are seeing, Are there any messages nature has for you if you really listen with your senses and heart?

ℕ𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔼𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘
Take your shoes of and finding a place that feels like a nest or small sanctuary, and spending 5 minutes or more just laying in that space, resting and feeling the support of mother nature. Feeling connected to and safe in nature, which we as humans are a part of, is a rewilding technique that helps to reconnect us to our wild animalistic roots, and thus more confidence in our inner power and ability to survive in relationship with the natural world. The grounding of the earth against your skin and connecting your physical body with the soil and earth’s nature electrical charge also helps to stabilise our physiology including reducing inflammation, pain, and stress, improving blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generating greater well-being.

I would love to hear from your if you try this practice in some form, or if you already practice embodiment meditation in nature. Feel free to share your experiences or own practices that work for you in the comments.

If you would like to join us for the women’s outdoor breathwork and nature immersion on Sunday 12 May, we still have places for this intimate group offering.

With Love Swaha Devi