Introduction to Meditating in Nature
Kincentric meditation aims to break the barriers we create in our minds that cause us to feel separated from nature. The term "kincentric meditation" is my own creation. Despite "kincentricity" only being understood by a small group of people at present, its popularity is growing. I am confident that this is the right time for the emergence of a Kincentric worldview.
Understanding Kincentricity
Kincentricity is the belief that all living beings are interconnected and related. As humans, we share a common ancestry with other living beings, such as grass, trees, and even bananas with whom we share 60% of our DNA. DNA is, indeed, a shared building block of life among all living beings.
Understanding Nature Meditation As A Part of Kincentric Meditation
The earliest meditations recorded in the Bhagavad Gita and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are nature meditations. In both instances, the meditator is instructed to sit beneath a tree.
Different Types of Nature Meditations
1. Solo Nature Meditation
In this method, you meditate alone in nature, preferably finding a peaceful spot beneath a tree.
2. Group Nature Meditation
In group nature meditation, participants gather together in a natural setting, like a forest. The goal is to foster a sense of connection with nature and with the other participants.
3. Forest Bathing
Forest bathing involves immersing oneself in a forest environment. I teach it in a way that is more like meditation, where participants sit beneath separate trees. This enhances the feeling of solitude and connection with nature, without the feeling of being alone in the woods.
4. Walking Meditation and Mindful Walking
Consider trying out my Walking Meditation and Mindful Walking podcast episodes. Links are provided at the bottom of the article.
The Importance of Nature Meditation
From my experience, meditating alone in nature brings tranquillity and great insights.
Try Out Nature Meditation
My goal is to encourage more people to engage in meditation in nature. Mindful walking, walking meditation, and forest bathing are practices that I teach during retreats and forest bathing excursions. I have a particular way of enabling mindful walking and walking meditation, which I teach on retreats. However, you can also try out these practices alone through my podcast episodes, particularly the walking meditation ones, which are quite popular.
Podcast Episodes
*Note - you you get this as an email and you can't access the podcasts below then click the 'View in browser' link at the top of the email.
A Walking Meditation - Walk and Listen
Walking Meditation - Guided Mindful Walk
A Walking Meditation - Noting or Labelling - Walk & Listen
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