What Are You Noticing?
In this world today, our attention is pulled in a thousand different directions, from the alerts on our phones to the whole FOMO phenomenon or Fear of Missing Out. Current culture screams for our time, our money, even our values. We spin plates, get in ruts, and wonder how we got here. Now, how do we get outta here?
1 out of 3 Americans now report having an anxiety disorder. About 5 years or so ago, I started noticing that anxiety was being presented in my office at a significant increase, seemingly over depression or other issues. There has been much research and literature galore that speak to various theories on this matter, from assigning blame on technology to the increase in social isolation.
Think about it. We live in boxes. We start out in a box (our home), we leave our box to enter another smaller box (our vehicle), we then drive to a larger sized box (our workplace), then get back in our smaller box to return to our home box. Kudos to those who are mindful of the need to take breaks throughout the day, stick to a body movement regimen of some sort, and make time for themselves. It’s easy to get lost in the monotony and rat race. I certainly did.
Several years ago, I led a very boxed life that lasted for far too long. I had a 90 minute commute, 45 minutes each way, saw up to 9 clients some days, and didn’t arrive back home until 9pm most evenings. And I worked most Saturdays for 5 hours. External and internal forces were at play, having me believe that this was my life, my mind full of illusions based on fears of scarcity. The rock band, Green Day, sums it up well in their latest-”The American Dream is Killing Me.”
The Saturdays stopped after my small box was hit in a major car accident one morning on my way to work, and I was unable to drive for almost a year during my recovery. Much gratitude to my parents for being my Uber drivers, taking me to work each day, as well as to all of my many doctor appointments, including physical therapy to regain the use of my arm and hand. I really don’t know what I would have done without them.
You’d think I’d have made the changes then, but no…after a hospitalization for meningitis (my 3rd one by the way, I mean seriously, who gets meningitis 3 times?!) and one to treat a double kidney infection that became septic, then it finally got my attention, and I started noticing.
Fast forward. I left that job after 8 years and landed in the best position I’ve ever been in. I hardly recognize my old life now and will forever be grateful for seeing thru the fears of change and letting go to find my way out.
A core element in my forest therapy practice and in many other nature practices, is Sit Spot. Sit Spot is a very powerful and simple practice that acts as a portal into deepening relationships with the natural world and supports recovery and healing. It can also be felt as a spiritual experience or reprieve from the anxieties of modern living. 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes or more is best, but any time you have will offer benefits. Any nature spot that is close by, on your property or in a park, will do. What makes for a good Sit Spot? One that you’ll actually go to! If you’re unable to be outdoors, create a natural space near a window, perhaps with houseplants or a water feature.
Once you arrive at your Sit Spot, settle in, maybe have a journal, art supplies, binoculars, and just sit. Just sitting is enough. An interesting thing happens after about 20 minutes or so-wildlife movement returns as the forest returns to its natural rhythms-the animals come back or get closer, as they’ve deemed you safe and are accepting of you.
As you sit, notice everything around you. Look up, down, all around, using all of your senses-smell, touch, sound, sight, taste. Some extra things you might notice:
*internal musings-the emotions and thoughts running thru your mind
*physical observations-the sensations inside your body
*nature observations-the temperature, sounds, animal and plant movements, where is the wind blowing or the direction of the sun
*imagination coming alive-any stories that may be unfolding as you watch the landscape, maybe nature will show you a movie or share a message with you
I have a special name for my Sit Spot, a beech tree behind my house, and I’ve developed a special relationship with “Sam” getting to know her moods through the seasons and listening with my heart as I sit with my back cradled against her smooth bark.
A day spent with Sam
This month and beyond, I encourage you to spend more time outside your boxes, introduce yourself to your Sit Spot, sit and notice, and allow yourself to be surrounded by nature’s arms. If you need a little therapy to help with your “boxes,” and for extra inspiration, be sure to check out the video below!
Til next we meet in the forest…
Love,
Amanda ❤️
