Satya, what a beautiful invitation to nurture our relationship to the natural world more deeply. Similar to you, I fell back in love with the earth when I began a mindful walking practice a few years ago. I am arriving here late, but just in time to celebrate the Summer Solstice with more reverence & gratitude for all the life that sustains our own. Grateful to be on this journey with you!
Ah, welcome Ash. I love mindful walking - we do some as a part of our temple activities every Saturday morning - helps me to slow down and connect... Good to have you along : )
I am so here for this. June is shaping up to be one of the busiest months for me this year, so there's a part of me that balks at adding another thing, but another part of me knows that intentional rhythms of rest and connection with nature make everything easier.
As a sidenote, are there any tips you have for helping those parts talk to each other? (I realize a full answer deserves a paid therapy session, but if I'm not overstepping I'm curious to know the broad outlines of your approach)
The idea with IFS is that we facilitate Self talking to parts, not parts talking to parts (which is what usually happens). Guessing you've seen my intro but sharing it here for anyone who hasn't - https://satyarobyn.substack.com/p/the-magic-of-internal-family-systems. So the question to ask yourself when you're wanting to talk to a part is, do I feel open-minded and curious about it, or compassionate towards it? If not, then there are parts with you and you'll need to ask them to step back (and listen to them if they're not willing so you can reassure them) before you start talking to the part. Does that make sense? If there's more than one part you want to speak to, then just take turns - Self talks to one, then the other, then you can check that they are listening to what each other are saying. If you have any further questions do ask!
In my daily routine, I take two 20-minute walks, one in the early morning and one in the late evening.
My father instilled in me the value of walking for health and well-being.
As a 71-year-old retiree living in a senior citizen apartment complex, my walking options are limited to three laps around the property. There are no other safe options for me to take a walk based on this neighborhood.
I strongly believe in the importance of connecting with Nature, even in urban environments. My primary way of engaging with nature during my walks is through observing the trees and the lawn.
While it may seem like everything is simply green, upon closer examination, I notice subtle variations. Different tree species have slightly different shades of green, and the sun and shade create further variations. Then the shifting colors of the autumn leaves are a delight.
Even the hedges, though the same species, vary in appearance due to the amount of sunlight they receive.
Additionally, patches of clover, dandelions, and weeds grow tall to be mowed down again.
On windy days, I pay attention to the sensation of the wind on my clothes, finding it to be a meditative experience.
I intentionally choose early morning and late evening walks to avoid the intense Texas heat, and while sunrises and sunsets are often mundane, they can occasionally be breathtaking.
During the day I may go to visit a neighbor or check the mail. Then sometimes the cloud formations can be arresting.
This season has brought an abundance of butterflies.
When I turn off my thinking, I can often hear the songs of birds.
While my walking route may be limited, I can find a connection to Nature during my daily strolls.
Wonderful John. You'll find the June challenge a breeze. I think there's a real benefit in visiting the same places over and over - as you so beautifully describe, we see layers and layers, noticing subtle changes, and building up a deeper relationship with what's around us. Thanks for sharing.
Satya, what a beautiful invitation to nurture our relationship to the natural world more deeply. Similar to you, I fell back in love with the earth when I began a mindful walking practice a few years ago. I am arriving here late, but just in time to celebrate the Summer Solstice with more reverence & gratitude for all the life that sustains our own. Grateful to be on this journey with you!
Ah, welcome Ash. I love mindful walking - we do some as a part of our temple activities every Saturday morning - helps me to slow down and connect... Good to have you along : )
So looking forward to this! Thank you for offering it. A brilliant idea!
I'm sure you're already snuggled up nice and close with the Earth - but maybe we can all get a little closer! Sending love x
Beautiful Satya. Thank you. I agree with you that sending all living beings love is important.
Thanks Teyani. Yes, we all need it don't we? And for me, when I send extra, I end up receiving extra back... good to have you along!
I am so here for this. June is shaping up to be one of the busiest months for me this year, so there's a part of me that balks at adding another thing, but another part of me knows that intentional rhythms of rest and connection with nature make everything easier.
Hurray! Do feel free to adapt the suggestions to make them more doable - no point in setting yourself up to fail if things are already very tight.
As a sidenote, are there any tips you have for helping those parts talk to each other? (I realize a full answer deserves a paid therapy session, but if I'm not overstepping I'm curious to know the broad outlines of your approach)
The idea with IFS is that we facilitate Self talking to parts, not parts talking to parts (which is what usually happens). Guessing you've seen my intro but sharing it here for anyone who hasn't - https://satyarobyn.substack.com/p/the-magic-of-internal-family-systems. So the question to ask yourself when you're wanting to talk to a part is, do I feel open-minded and curious about it, or compassionate towards it? If not, then there are parts with you and you'll need to ask them to step back (and listen to them if they're not willing so you can reassure them) before you start talking to the part. Does that make sense? If there's more than one part you want to speak to, then just take turns - Self talks to one, then the other, then you can check that they are listening to what each other are saying. If you have any further questions do ask!
Thanks muchly! This is helpful ☺️
In my daily routine, I take two 20-minute walks, one in the early morning and one in the late evening.
My father instilled in me the value of walking for health and well-being.
As a 71-year-old retiree living in a senior citizen apartment complex, my walking options are limited to three laps around the property. There are no other safe options for me to take a walk based on this neighborhood.
I strongly believe in the importance of connecting with Nature, even in urban environments. My primary way of engaging with nature during my walks is through observing the trees and the lawn.
While it may seem like everything is simply green, upon closer examination, I notice subtle variations. Different tree species have slightly different shades of green, and the sun and shade create further variations. Then the shifting colors of the autumn leaves are a delight.
Even the hedges, though the same species, vary in appearance due to the amount of sunlight they receive.
Additionally, patches of clover, dandelions, and weeds grow tall to be mowed down again.
On windy days, I pay attention to the sensation of the wind on my clothes, finding it to be a meditative experience.
I intentionally choose early morning and late evening walks to avoid the intense Texas heat, and while sunrises and sunsets are often mundane, they can occasionally be breathtaking.
During the day I may go to visit a neighbor or check the mail. Then sometimes the cloud formations can be arresting.
This season has brought an abundance of butterflies.
When I turn off my thinking, I can often hear the songs of birds.
While my walking route may be limited, I can find a connection to Nature during my daily strolls.
Wonderful John. You'll find the June challenge a breeze. I think there's a real benefit in visiting the same places over and over - as you so beautifully describe, we see layers and layers, noticing subtle changes, and building up a deeper relationship with what's around us. Thanks for sharing.
Oh such a beautiful invitation and offering Satya....to snuggle up with my greatest love. Thank you🙏💕
Yay : )