Finding Stillness in Nature: Discovering the Magic of the Sit Spot
In the midst of our bustling lives, filled with constant stimuli and noise, there exists a simple yet profound practice that invites us to pause, listen, and reconnect with the natural world. It’s called "Sit Spot.” This practice, rooted in ancient wisdom and embraced by modern nature enthusiasts, offers a sanctuary of stillness amidst the chaos, allowing us to deepen our connection to the earth and to ourselves.
What is a Sit Spot?
A Sit Spot is exactly what it sounds like – a designated spot in nature where one can sit quietly and observe the surroundings. Don’t you just love self explanatory, uncomplicated names? It’s a place to be still, to listen, to observe, and to simply be present. Whether it's a secluded corner of a garden, a peaceful meadow, or a quiet patch of forest, the Sit Spot offers a refuge from the busyness of daily life. It’s a little different than meditating in the sense that most western adapted styles of meditation talk about “clearing your mind” or “having no thoughts” and may be the perfect anti-meditation practice for anyone that has a monkey mind that loves jumping from one thought to another.
The Art of Sit Spotting
At its essence, the practice of Sit Spotting is about cultivating awareness and attunement to the natural world. It's about slowing down, opening our senses, and immersing ourselves in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Here's how to create your own Sit Spot practice:
1. Choose Your Spot
Find a place in nature that calls to you – a spot that feels inviting and peaceful. It could be a favorite tree, a quiet stream, or a sunny patch of grass. If you live in an urban area and it’s hard to access a little patch of nature, see if you can find window with natural light and some house plants will do in a pinch. Trust your intuition and let your heart guide you.
2. Settle in
Once you've found your spot, take a seat and make yourself comfortable. Sit quietly and allow yourself to relax into the surroundings. Close your eyes if you like, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Engage Your Senses
Open your eyes and engage your senses. Notice the colours, shapes, and textures around you. Listen to the sounds of birds singing, leaves rustling, and water flowing. Feel the earth beneath your feet and the sun on your skin. Take it all in, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment.
4. Be Still
Embrace the art of stillness. Allow yourself to simply sit and observe without the need to do or achieve anything. Let go of distractions and allow your mind to quieten. Be patient and allow the magic of the Sit Spot to unfold in its own time.
5. Deepen Your Connection
As you spend time in your Sit Spot, you may begin to notice subtle shifts in your awareness and perception. You may feel more grounded, more centered, and more connected to the natural world around you. Allow yourself to savour these moments of connection and to deepen your relationship with nature.
6. Express Gratitude
Before you leave your Sit Spot, take a moment to express gratitude for the gift of stillness and presence. Thank the earth, the plants, the animals, and the elements for their wisdom and beauty. Carry this sense of gratitude with you as you return to your daily life.
The Benefits of Sit Spotting
The practice of Sit Spotting offers a multitude of benefits for body, mind, and soul. It provides an opportunity to reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve overall well-being. By immersing ourselves in the tranquility of nature, we can find solace, inspiration, and a profound sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.
How often should I sit spot?
Have you heard the old Zen quote “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.” - essentially the quote is talking about making time and discipline. If you’re a person that likes clear instructions likes to “do it right” - mindfulness experts might recommend a 30 minute sit spot for 5 days of the week.
If you’re someone that needs a little more flexibility, 20 minutes a day is great too, it needs to feel like you can actually make space for it in your life. Another aspect to consider is location - if you live in the city and have a favourite spot in your favourite park that’s a 20 minute drive down the road, it may be challenging to squeeze in a 20-30 minute sit spot in more frequently. Picking a spot that is convenient to get to (your back porch, the park 3 minutes away, your bay window and favourite potted plant…) that you enjoy may yield better results due to consistency. Do your best to strike a balance of both quality and frequency.
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the Sit Spot offers a sanctuary of stillness and serenity. By carving out time to connect with nature in this simple yet profound way, we can cultivate a deeper sense of presence, awareness, and gratitude in our lives. So the next time you feel the need to pause and recharge, why not find a quiet spot in nature and experience the magic of the Sit Spot for yourself?
