Autumn Leaf Meditation

A Guided Nature Walk to Enjoy Fall and Fight Stress

Sep 22, 2009 Melissa Roberts

Take an autumn walk, pick up a leaf, and relax and reflect with a guided meditation.

Meditating is as simple as taking time to enjoy a beautiful fall day. The following guided meditation includes a nature walk and relaxation exercise to enjoy an autumn leaf and a deeper connection with nature.

Preparing for the Autumn Leaf Meditation

The following fall nature meditation can be done in an evening or weekend as part of a longer walk, or as its own thirty minute activity. Selecting a time of day when the sunlight hits the trees will create more color and light to enjoy.

If new to meditation, be slow and gentle on the self. There is no right or wrong way to meditate. As long as one feels rested afterward, the meditation is a success.

Directions for Autumn Leaf Meditation

Follow these steps for meditating with fall leaves

  1. Take a walk outside around the block, at a local park, or out in the country.
  2. Look around for signs of fall- trees changing color, squirrels gathering nuts, children raking leaves on the ground. Notice all the surrounding details and let the sounds and sights of fall sink in.
  3. Search the ground for leaves. Look for the most striking leaf.
  4. Pick up the chosen leaf and examine it closely. What colors, shapes, or other pleasing characteristics make this leaf irresistible?
  5. While reflecting on these questions, find a place to sit comfortably outside for five to ten minutes uninterrupted.
  6. Sit down and position the self until comfortable. Hold the leaf tightly about six inches away from the face.
  7. Focus on the leaf’s details – its color, shape, veins, texture, the way it curves around the stem.
  8. Close the eyes and stroke the leaf gently with one finger. Notice other sensations of fall – a cool breeze, crispness in the air, laughing from a nearby car, or others. When the mind wanders, stroke the leaf again gently to refocus.
  9. Rest with eyes closed for several minutes, or longer if desired, just enjoying the fall day.
  10. When ready, open the eyes and soak in the sights of fall- the leaves falling, the colorful ground, a chrysanthemum in bloom – like a sponge in water for several more minutes.
  11. When ready, stand up straight and stretch the body until all tension is gone. Return home slowly, taking ample time to enjoy the day. One might choose to take the leaf, too, as a reminder of fall and the relaxation of this particular nature walk.

Practicing the Autumn Leaf Meditation

The autumn leaf meditation may be repeated often, or in other seasons, too, to enjoy a beautiful day and connect with self and nature. One might also share the meditation with a friend or partner as well, as long as he/she is respectful of silence and eager to find a deeper connection with nature.

For other fall activities, one may enjoy Free Fall Activities. To relax more in daily life, the Hot Tea Meditation: Relaxing with a Hot Beverage may also be of interest.

The copyright of the article Autumn Leaf Meditation in Meditation is owned by Melissa Roberts. Permission to republish Autumn Leaf Meditation in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Pick a Leaf and Meditate, .
Pick a Leaf and Meditate
    
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