Mindfulness

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Mindfulness is the capacity to bring one's attention to the present moment. This capacity has traditionally been developed through meditation, however, we can practice being mindful in any situation. Eg. standing, walking, lying down, eating, performing chores or other daily tasks, etc.  Mindfulness meditation has its roots in Buddhism-where the word for mindfulness-sati, in Pali-could be more accurately translated as "remembering." By practicing mindfulness, we could say that we are "remembering," the present moment, remembering the breath, remembering the body, or the various sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or bodily sensations that are in the present moment. 

Research has shown that regularly practicing mindfulness can lead to the following benefits:

• Reduced Rumination
• Stress Reduction
• Boosts to Working Memory
• Improved Focus
• Reduced Emotional Reactivity
• Increased Cognitive Flexibility
• Relationship Satisfaction
• Self-insight
• Fear Modulation

Attention Restoration Theory suggests that spending time in natural spaces, like the forest/bosque, a park or local green space, can restore directed attention which is depleted by the demands of daily life. Time in nature has also been associated with stress reduction and improved cognitive functioning. 

The psychological and physiological benefits of nature are believed to be dose-dependent, meaning the more time spent in nature, the greater the benefit. 

Practicing mindfulness in nature compounds the benefits of mindfulness, and can lead to increased feelings of connection and belonging in the natural world. 

Additionally, going to the forest, to the root of a tree, or an empty hut provides seclusion from the disturbances and distractions of modern life, and can deepen our capacity to have collectedness of mind, calm, and focus.