Commune with Nature

First, let me clear something up. This is not an instruction to leave your desk right this moment and head for the bush, although if this sounds really good, mark a weekend in your calendar and book a well-earned escape.

No, this is more immediate.

During your lunchtime, go to the nearest park or whatever other greenery you can find (go to maps.google.com if you’re not sure where it is) and spend a little time getting back to basics. Find a nice spot, away from others if you can and do one (or all, it depends on how long your lunch break is) of the following:

• Read a book
  Catch up on some of the reading you’ve never got time for. Non-fiction is probably best for this, as novels may capture your imagination a little too much (and you might not get back to work!) Choose a topic you’re interested in, but isn’t directly related to what you do in your job.

• Watch bugs
  Sit on the ground (take a newspaper or blanket for the purpose) and see what creatures you find crawling about. There’s a whole world down there. Try and discover where the ants are going. Find out which flowers or grasses each little bug likes.

• Watch children playing
  Kids are fascinating. We sometimes think they are totally free or inhibited, but in fact, it they’re all different. Some will hold back, some will run around like mad. Some struggle, but persevere, some give up. Even watching them interact with strangers is interesting to watch. Will they become friends straight away, warm up after a bit or remain aloof? Reflect on how the similarities and differences in your workplace, family, friendship groups. A safety tip – don’t sit too close or watch too intensely. It will freak parents out (sad by true).

• Look up at the trees
  Lying down is best but this may depend on what you’re wearing. Look at the way the tree is growing, how the trunk, limbs, branches and twigs depend on each other for support. Pay attention to the shape of the leaves, see their veins and the patterns of light created by their movement. Feel the roughness or smoothness of the bark. See how many creatures you can spot living in it. Watch the clouds pass overhead. Listen to the wind blowing through the canopy.

• Meditate (yes, I’m serious!)
  In a busy life, this might be the only chance you get, so deal with your self-consciousness and get on with it. If you feel a bit freaky, do it with your eyes open. Find a garden seat or sit on the ground (see above) with your back straight and start by focussing on your breath. There are lots of reflections/mantras you can choose – I personally use “I am aware of the air flowing in and out my nose” over and over again – but feel free to check out others in books or on the net. Let your thoughts come and go, refocussing on your breath if you lose concentration. Keep it up for as long as you don’t feel everyone is staring at you – and then a little bit longer (let that thought go…).

After this, you should return to reality feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.