Thursday, November 21, 2013

Nurtured by the Nature All Around Us





Here is an invitation for you to take a moment to just be. Right now. Ever so briefly. A moment to commune with nature. Even if you're in an office, twenty floors up, with no window, the nurturing touch of the natural world is there for you.


Close your eyes and feel the air on your skin. Feel your aliveness just for this moment. Notice the sensations your skin takes in all around you. 


Now bring your awareness to the rise and fall of your chest. Feel your breath fill lungs and belly like a wave. When you're ready, let your breath out fully, engaging the belly a little allow yourself to be completely empty just for a moment. When it feels right, take in the new breath, and continue breathing, fully, in....   then out...  in a way that feels good to you.  


As you sit, let your face feel relaxed and open. Let your checks soften, your jaw be loose, your forehead be smooth, your scalp let go, your ears, eyes, neck... and continue to let your breaths come and go with fullness and ease.   


Ahhh...


So often when we think of retreating to a healing spot in nature, idyllic images of waterfalls or beaches come to mind. Perhaps we play recordings of nature sounds like crashing waves or exotic birds tweeting. Or imagine ourselves in a far away Eden as a means to unwind. These can all be restorative for sure. But when we also remember to connect with the nature that is around us everyday, something wonderful happens. It allows the world we spend the most time in to become something that can offer soothing and reassurance, calm and restoration everyday.





During a healing arts treatment, imagining a peaceful natural place can be an empowering tool for unwinding and promoting wellness. 


Our breath and sense of touch are perhaps the most basic elements of nature we always have wherever we go. Like a forest of sensation and potential, our ability to feel can be an affirming reminder of the nature that is always right there for us, with the ability to empower healing. 


In addition to through body and breath, you may find connection with the natural world by thinking of what the sky looks like where you live; an inspiring sunset, a vast blue canvas. Beneath your feet recall the feel and sound of the stones you regularly enjoy. The cool curl of a breeze that greets an opening door may invite serenity. Here in the Sonoran Desert, even in the heart of the city, one can often smell the pungent freshness of the Creosote Bush when it rains. 


Bringing to mind the the sights, sensations, and fragrances of local nature can be profoundly effective when we are visualizing a peaceful place during a massage, meditation, or simply when we are taking a moment for ourselves.


Why? Because if what surrounds us is part of what we imagine when we are relaxing and restoring ourselves, our day to day environments can become a  healing force in our lives. Instead of only some far off paradise coming to mind when we think of letting go of stress, the sky that we walk under everyday, the sun that shines down, the trees that we pass on the way to the mail can become tangible reminders each day to relax, be present, and feel cared for. Reminders of the nature and healing all around. Reminders of abundance that is available to us all.



Thrive Wellness, LLC
Carrie Smith-Hardee, LMT, RM
Available By Appointment
480-452-3086