holiday mindfulness & a free eco gift guide
'tis the season to celebrate nature & each other
‘Tis the season to practice a bit more mindfulness in lieu of being physically, mentally, or emotionally consumed during a time of general over-consumption.
And yet, as we transition into a period of more cozy moments indoors, it’s worth remembering the physiological healing, calming, and grounding qualities of nature.
As fall moseys along and winter approaches, I am also reminded of how resilient Nature is - transforming through each season from moderate to extreme weather conditions, always persevering.
Of course, Nature’s resilience depends on how well we care for Her - the same is true for our bodies and minds.
You’ve probably already read or heard about the benefits of sunlight, cold water exposure, fresh air, “earthing,” nature’s positive effect on the immune system...
Knowing all of this, it’s still somewhat natural to stay inside and veg out a bit more during the colder months - especially if it involves cooking or baking.
And in this conveniently cozy state, it’s easy to lean on holiday convenience purchases that might not necessarily value the health of the consumer or the planet.
Neither of these scenarios are inherently “wrong,” but when a sedentary, convenience-driven lifestyle becomes the norm, then the mind, body, and planet all suffer.
That doesn’t mean that holiday cheer has to suffer, though, because there are thankfully a wide variety of more ecologically-forward companies using more earth-friendly materials and ingredients.
By doing our best to support these types of businesses, we can celebrate the season while also being kind to Nature, ourselves, and each other.
On that note - please enjoy my updated free Ecological Gift Guide: products and brands that prioritize the health of people and planet.
You’ll find a few affiliate discounts in there, plus a new section on non-toxic home goods - perfect for the biohacker-curious people in your life.
*I’ve also curated an assortment of ecologically-conscious gift ideas on my Amazon storefront (I receive a small commission), because if we’re going to shop on this monstrous corporate webstore, why not put our dollars towards the companies and products that are making a positive impact?
On the topic of using nature as a self-care tool during the holiday hustle, Dan Harris recently shared a simple yet helpful daily “gratitude inventory” from writer and botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer:
“Step outside at some point during the day. (If you can’t get outside, look out the window.)
Take in a couple aspects of your natural surroundings. Sun, sky, trees, birds, etc. (Even in urban environments, there are aspects of nature.)
Send gratitude to each. Don’t worry if it feels forced at first.
Recall that without this abundance, you would not exist. That every part of you—from your pancreas to your most embarrassing thoughts—is a part of nature. Let that sink in.”
Read Dan’s full post for more insight on this grounding practice - his book is also a fun, meaningful read about his journey from news anchor to mindfulness enthusiast.
Try my free Lake Meditation if you’re staying inside on a frigid day to connect to the healing qualities of nature via visualization.
Finally, for deeper reflection, here’s a beautiful and timely quote from Sacred Nature by Karen Armstrong:
“We cannot save our planet unless we undergo a radical change of mind and heart, which will inevitably be demanding. This transformation cannot take place overnight. We too have to learn to see the things of nature with reverence, and this will require sustained effort, an authentic change of heart, discipline and commitment…
…Every day we should try to honour in our minds the holiness of every single natural object and person that we encounter. Every day, we will probably fail; but each time we should try and start again, knowing that each person we come across is a holy mystery and that each animal or plant has its own unique dignity and beauty. All must be treated with kindness and reverence.”
How might you practice physical, mental, and ecological care this season?
Schedule a free call if you feel you might benefit from personalized support.
Take good care of yourselves and our Mother Earth,
S
You had me at “magical fairy stream bath…”