Birdsong

Submitted by Diane on

Meditation does not only have to be sat in a seemingly uncomfortable position inside on the floor.  This is just not so and many people do not meditate like this.  Everyone meditates in different ways and it is for you to decide what works for you.

For me in the mornings I like to meditate whilst walking my dog, this is called a walking meditation.  I love to do this because I get to walk in the most fabulous countryside, though you don't have to limit it to being alone in the country.  Meditation is not just about stopping all thoughts in the mind, but can be about listening to in this instance nature.  When I partake in a walking meditation I am listening to the beautiful birdsong, their amazing calls, for me I enjoy this type of meditation particularly in the morning around sunrise so I hear their waking calls, their joy for the sunrise, their song for the new day.

Sometimes, when I have time I also like to sit on a log and listen.  My dog has become very patient with me when I do this, he has had to learn about meditation as well.  When he was young I used to have to keep half an eye and periodically call him back, but now at 4 years he just hangs around and sniffs close by.

This kind of meditation is not about clearing my mind and being completely silent, but being one with nature, listening to nature allowing her to show me how to feel for the day, what emotions does the bird song bring up in me, how does this set me up for the  day.  How does the sun feel on my face, or the frost in winter, the mist or dew.  By learning to feel nature I become more grounded and ready for my day.

 

Please note not all ways of meditating work for everyone, so do try different ways and see what works for you. I am always here to help assist in this process.