It's a beautiful day to get outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the breeze is immaculate. But we don't want to miss our daily meditation session---so what do we do? Combine them!
Meditation is a powerful, science-backed practice for increasing your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Outdoor meditation offers a stimulating and enjoyable experience that’s remarkably effective at reducing stress levels.
It's a wonderful practice, but it's also tricky if you're unsure where to start. But not to worry—we’re here to help you zen with nature.
In this guide, we'll offer vital tips for meditating outdoors and making the most of our natural surroundings. We'll also tell you how our Ungloo outdoor meditation chair can help make the experience even more satisfying and rewarding.
So let's go outside, take a deep breath of fresh air, and start meditating!
Find a Peaceful Spot
The first step to prosperous outdoor meditation is finding an area that's away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our surroundings are almost always cluttered with noise pollution, harmful electronic devices, and inorganic materials. These things negatively impact our aural field, making it difficult to find peace.
Look for a place in nature that feels calming and serene---somewhere you can sit or recline comfortably without being disturbed for about an hour.
It's important we feel safe and relaxed in our surroundings to fully enjoy the experience. If you find that you're too anxious to sit in one spot, walking meditation works too!
If you live in a busy city, this may mean venturing out to a nearby park or nature reserve. If you're lucky enough to have some green space near your home, take advantage of it! Then, once you've found your spot, it's time to get comfortable.
Plan according to the Weather
When we meditate outdoors, it's important to dress properly for the coming weather. If it's hot outside, you'll want to wear light and airy clothing. Loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics are best as they allow our skin to breathe.
Cold climates also present their challenges. It's important to keep our extremities warm, so we don't get distracted by the cold. Wearing layers is always a good idea to adjust if the temperature changes.
Choose the Right Time
The time of day also plays a role in the efficacy of our outdoor meditation.
Morning meditation is a great way to start the day. It allows us to set our intention for the day ahead and absorb the sun's life-giving energy. The early morning hours are generally more peaceful and quiet than later in the day.
If you can't meditate in the morning, try evening meditation instead. This is a great way to wind down from a busy day and release undesirable, negative energy.
Ultimately, the best time to meditate is whenever you can fit it into your schedule. If you only have a few minutes in the middle of the day, that's perfectly fine. Meditation is a flexible practice, and there's no wrong way to do it.
The Bigger the Tree, the Better
When it comes to outdoor meditation, our surroundings are substantial. Nature gives off energy just like humans, and we can both benefit from each other's presence.
Bigger is definitely better---at least when it comes to trees. Sitting under a large tree offers a number of benefits that can enhance our experience.
The size of the tree provides us with physical and emotional support. The trunk can act as a natural backrest, while the branches offer shade and protection from the elements.
The roots of the tree also play a role in our experience. They help to anchor us to the Earth, which can promote deep feelings of grounding and stability. The bigger the tree, the deeper the roots, which means a greater connection to our Earth.
Make Sure You’re Comfortable
Next up is to get settled in a comfortable position. This step is essential for achieving a productive meditation session---if we aren't comfortable, it will be hard to settle down and get into the proper mindset that's needed for meditation.
If you're sitting, find a spot on the ground where you can cross your legs or sit with them outstretched. You can also use an outdoor meditation chair to make things more comfortable---they allow us to find comfort in any outdoor environment.
If you prefer to recline, lie down on your back with your legs stretched out---or try lying on your side if that's more comfortable. Once you're settled into your chosen position, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to get warmed up.
Focus on Your Breath
Focusing on our breath is an essential element when meditating. Breathing is our anchor between the physical and spiritual realm.
Breathing may seem easy enough, but keeping our senses from wandering elsewhere can be quite challenging. Thoughts can trickle into our subconscious minds in seconds and process in as little as 300 milliseconds.
Start by focusing on your inhales and exhales---notice the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe in and out. Once you've got that down, focus on the sensation of air passing through your nose and mouth.
It's also important to make sure your breath passes through your diaphragm---it's the primary muscle used in respiration.
Choose a Meditation Practice
There are many effective ways to meditate outdoors, each with its own unique benefits. It's always a good idea to plan ahead, so choose a practice that you'd like to try. Be sure you know how to practice the technique—some meditations are more complicated than others.
Guided meditations are great for beginners as they provide us with direction and help to keep our thoughts from wandering. There are many useful apps that provide guided meditations, like Headspace or Calm, to help you learn the ropes.
Body Scans are another popular choice for beginners. This type of meditation involves focusing on each individual part of our body. The goal is to bring awareness to any areas that may hold tension and allow our minds to become more present in our bodies.
Breathing Meditations are perfect for those who want to focus on their breath and learn how to control it. This type of meditation is helpful in managing stress and anxiety levels.
Advanced techniques, like rebirth meditation, can even bring life-changing experiences that help us live our best lives.
Mindfulness Meditations are perfect for those who want to focus on the present moment. This type of meditation can help us to appreciate the little things in life and to be more aware of our thoughts and feelings.
Visualization Meditations are great for creative types or anyone who wants to manifest their dreams into reality. This type of meditation involves picturing oneself in the desired situation or achieving a certain goal. It's a powerful technique that can help us to manifest our deepest desires.
Focus Meditations are perfect for those who want to sharpen their focus and concentration. This type of meditation can help us to be more productive in all areas of our lives. It helps us to sharpen our ability to live in the present moment.
Transcendental Meditations are perfect for those who want to connect with their higher selves. This type of meditation can help us to find inner peace and to experience a deeper sense of connection with our universe.
Use an Outdoor Meditation Chair
If you're planning on meditating outdoors, an outdoor meditation chair, like our Ungloo Box, can make an incredible difference in the quality of your meditations.
Outdoor meditation chairs are comfortable and portable, making them perfect for all outdoor environments. They help us to find comfort wherever we want to venture.
They also offer support for our spine and back, which can help to prevent pain and discomfort during long and intensive meditation sessions.
Create Your Own Daily Routine
Another great way to get the most out of your outdoor meditation practice is to create a daily routine. Dedicate some time each day, preferably in the mornings or evenings, to sit down and create a personalized routine that's easy to follow and flexible.
You can pick out your favorite outdoor areas to meditate in, choose the practices that resonate most with you, and decide how long you want to meditate.
It's important to find what works best for you and to stick with it. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself---the goal is to create a healthy habit that lasts.
Enhance Your Outdoor Meditation Sessions Today
We hope you enjoyed our tips on meditating outdoors. Outdoor meditation is a rewarding experience that can benefit our mind, body, and spirit.
Be sure to shop our outdoor meditation chair, the Ungloo Box, and enhance your next outdoor meditation session. It's the perfect way to bring superior meditation experiences to the outdoors.
It's comfortable, supportive, and easy to transport, making it the perfect choice for all your outdoor meditation needs. Namaste!
