One of my favorite ways to deepen our connection to nature and animals is through a ‘sit spot’ practice. I first learned about this method from author Jon Young, and it has truly changed my life.

He uses the exercise to focus on bird language. But I’ve tweaked his method to give it a broader focus. My sit spot practice focuses on our connection to all of the natural world.

I’ve been doing this simple but profoundly rewarding activity for the past few years and I think you will love it as much as I do.

How To Do Your Own Sit Spot Practice

1) Find a place where you can sit close to Nature – to trees, shrubs, and/or smaller plants. Your chosen place can be in your garden, a park, the woods, or on a balcony – anywhere that you can get to easily and quickly on a daily basis. The only criterion is that you have a view of the Natural world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Once you find your spot in Nature, the idea is to visit that place alone as often as possible. Daily is ideal. I can be found every morning with a cup of tea in my sit spot. Since perfecting my practice and moving homes a couple of times, my sit spot areas have changed. But in general, you want to pick one area for at least a year.

To see what my current sit spot looks like, check out this one-minute video on my lorisavingwild YouTube channel.

 

3) Sit still and quiet for at least 15 minutes (the longer the better). Turn off your cell phone, and adopt an open, mindful, present attitude. It is similar to mediation except your eyes are open and you are fully engaged. Paying attention to all of your senses notice what is happening in the Natural world around you. What do you hear, what do you smell, what do you feel, what do you see, and even what do you taste? Just notice and pay attention. For instance, you may feel the wind, hear a bird, see a chipmunk, smell a fragrant flower, and notice a taste in your mouth. Just take notice. There is no need to define, label, figure out, or do anything except be fully present to all your senses and what they are picking up from the Natural world around you.

 

At first, you may simply notice things that stand out more than others – loud sounds, movements, large plants, or trees.  But with time and consistency, your awareness will deepen. You will get to know the resident animals from the ones passing through, you will see how different plants respond to weather and seasonal changes, and you will learn the language of the birds and other wildlife. Over time your awareness will transition from a wide general view to a more intimate micro worldview. And you will become a part of the environment. The birds will no longer flee, the wildlife will accept you as part of the landscape and you will feel a sense of belonging and being in partnership with all life around you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I said earlier that this practice has changed my life. I feel less alone knowing I’m connected to the natural world and am a part of it.  I am more grateful and in awe of the beauty in the world, and more in tune with my senses even when I’m not in my ‘sit spot’.

Because I use my sit spot practice in the mornings it gives me a wonderful start to my days. Although I still have a meditation practice as well, I’ve noticed that on some days my sit spot practice feels like an extension of, or additional time spent, meditating.

Being fully present on a consistent basis is how we best build and deepen our connection to all the wonders of Nature and the ‘sit spot’ practice is one of the simplest and best ways to do this.