Mindfulness That is Unique to You
Sara Heidbreder LCPC, BC-DMT, GLCMA
In my home country, Japan, Hanami is a widespread event we enjoy around this time of the year. The literal translation of “Hanami” is “flower watching.” Traditionally we have a picnic under cherry blossom trees to enjoy the beautiful flowers with family and friends. In ancient times, people gathered for Hanami to heighten their spiritual sense by witnessing the cherry blossoms falling to the ground.
Cherry blossoms only bloom for few weeks. We love cherry blossoms because their fragile nature symbolizes how beautiful moments can pass quickly. It also reminds us to be mindful to enjoy our life to it’s full potential.
I do not see many cherry blossoms in the U.S., but I still love using nature to help me practice mindfulness every day. It is a relatively easy and excellent mindfulness practice if you are not a big fan of meditation that requires you to sit still.
Here are few things you may want to pay attention to while practicing mindfulness in nature.
- Watching birds coming to the window. Listening to their chirping sound.
- Watching the clouds move through the sky.
- Observe the leaves and blossoms in each tree and flower that you walk by.
- Feel the wind touching your skin, and hear the sound it makes.
I always encourage the use of cultural practices as a way of coping! If you want to explore how you may find your unique ways of coping or practice mindfulness, Click here to schedule an appointment or read more about our Art Therapy.