Mindfulness – Grounded gardens

Embracing Nature’s Transitions: A Mindfulness Opportunity

Every fall, I’m deeply moved by the profound transformation that occurs in nature. On one hand, this change sneaks in subtly, while on the other, it can be sudden and dramatic. The color variations in an entire forest may shift slowly, but a single tree can transform virtually overnight after a frost. Autumn often conjures up images of vibrant colors and the transition from warm summers to cooler temperatures. However, there’s more – a shift in the fragrances in the air and the textures of clothes we don as the chill sets in.

Practicing mindfulness involves harnessing our senses to immerse in the present moment and focus. These seasonal transitions offer a beautiful backdrop to pause, relish the moment, and absorb the ongoing metamorphosis. If we don’t, time speeds by, and before we know it, autumn’s splendor has passed unnoticed.

Seeing New Colors

During autumn, nature undergoes a palette swap. While summer is characterized by a lush green canvas dotted with vibrant blooms, autumn doesn’t conform to a monochrome backdrop. Here, especially in southern Sweden, the landscape is painted primarily in hues of gold, brown, and red. These colors merge and mix, creating a harmonious view without any single element standing out. Take a moment to observe your surroundings. Refrain from labeling them as beautiful or not; simply witness them.

The Changing Fragrance

Do you sense the freshness, almost a crispness in the air? To me, the cool air feels like a refreshing dip on a scorching summer day. This invigorating air carries unique aromas, varying based on your location. When I walk through our woods near the house, summer air is perfumed with the scent of pine. Come autumn, the fragrance shifts to moist leaves and mushrooms. Explore and identify the scents around you. Instead of pinpointing the source, immerse yourself in the fragrance without judgment.

Autumn’s Attire

In summer, clothing often feels like a necessary inconvenience. Though they provide protection against the sun, many of us prefer lightweight, breezy attire for comfort during warm days. With the advent of autumn, I revel in outfits that I can truly feel on my skin – clothes that warm, embrace, and protect. While I adore snuggling into cozy turtlenecks and warm socks, I often overlook truly experiencing them. This year, I aim to pause, to truly feel the fabric against my skin, meditating on the contact between cloth and skin. Again, the focus isn’t on judgment, but on being in the present moment, feeling the autumn attire.

Savor the shift, cherish the autumn!

Warmly, //Amanda

Cover image by The Vegan Monster

Reaping the Harvest: A Time for Gratitude

The harvest season is synonymous with bustling activity and is also an opportune moment to embrace gratitude. Amid the busy schedules of reaping, processing, children going back to school, and many resuming work after vacations, taking a moment for thankfulness might seem counterintuitive. But if you’ve been looking to cultivate a sense of gratitude, there couldn’t be a more fitting time than now.

In every garden, certain crops, fruits, or berries might flourish more than others each year. The relative success or failure isn’t the focal point here. When practicing gratitude, comparisons have no place. It’s not about measuring against past yields or other crops. It’s about feeling grateful for exactly what you’ve received. Embracing this mindset anchors us firmly in the present.

The Subtleties of Genuine Gratitude

It’s easy to deceive oneself into believing they’re feeling gratitude in the moment without actually delving into comparative evaluations. Let’s assess a few familiar statements:

“I’m so grateful that this year’s potato yield was better than last year!”
“I’m thankful my blueberry plants flourished when I had doubts!”
“The corn didn’t fare well, but thankfully, we got a lot of pumpkins!”
“I’m grateful for that single chili, though I wish we had more.”

Sound familiar? Many of us are conditioned to evaluate and compare. We label things as good or bad, commend each other, and classify matters as abundant or scarce. This isn’t inherently wrong. It’s a method to simplify the world and interact in universally understood terms. But while fostering gratitude, try sidelining this comparative mindset. Consider:

“I’m grateful for the potatoes.”
“I’m thankful for the blueberries.”
“I’m grateful the pumpkins.”
“I’m thankful the chili.”

It’s as straightforward as that. Yet, isn’t it tempting to add a little “but” after each statement? Resist that urge! Halt that thought before it veers into making excuses, comparisons, or judgments. Simply relish the gratitude, right here and now.

Wishing you bountiful blessings!

Cover image by RDNE Stock project

The Mobile Game Trap: Finding Balance in a Digital World

This summer, as the sun kissed the earth and life seemed a bit more relaxed, I stumbled upon a new game on my phone. The game was one of those colorful, captivating puzzles where the objective was to pour colors between different bottles until each bottle had a single hue. In essence, it was designed for mindless entertainment. A true pastime.

It was refreshing to have it during the summer siestas. But as we transitioned from the leisure of summer to the demands of everyday life, I found the game consuming more of my time than I’d like. Especially time I didn’t intend to spend. That’s the trap with these games. They’re crafted to make you want to keep playing.

If you don’t succeed in a level, the urge to retry is powerful. And when you finally succeed, the joy pushes you to attempt the next. Before you know it, hours have passed. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break.

A few years back, during my early tryst with mindfulness, I cleared my phone of similar time-consuming apps like Candy Crush. I also reduced my notifications, tailoring them to only what I genuinely needed. Personal choices that aimed to reduce digital noise.

However, now that I use the same phone for both personal and work purposes, managing notifications has become a challenge. I wonder if there’s a way to schedule notifications? If anyone has insights, do share!

A week ago, I finally deleted that color-pouring game. Though, in a moment of boredom, I did reinstall it. But starting from scratch made me remember why I removed it in the first place. It didn’t take me long to delete it again. Liberation, at last! I’m hopeful this decision will stick, at least until the next summer.

How about you? Are there apps that you find irresistible? How do you manage the pull? In this digital age, sharing strategies to reduce distractions can help all of us focus on what truly brings joy, energy, and positivity into our lives.

Seeking more tech-life balance tips or want to share your own experiences? Drop a comment below! Let’s journey together towards a mindful digital world.

The Art of Mindful Eating: A Transformative Exercise to Reconnect with Your Food

In today’s hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget the essence of eating – nourishment, pleasure, and gratitude. Mindful eating offers a sanctuary to reconnect with these principles, transforming each meal into a moment of reflection and presence. Join me in this transformative exercise and embark on a journey to rediscover the joy of eating mindfully.

What is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating is a practice that encourages being present during meals. It’s about savoring each bite, acknowledging the flavors, textures, and sensations, and truly appreciating the journey of food from the farm to your fork.

Why Practice Mindful Eating?

Improves Digestion: Paying attention to what you eat can enhance digestion, as the body prepares itself for food when we focus on it.
Promotes Healthy Eating: By listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, you’re less likely to overeat and stop eating when you feel just right or adequately full.
Enhances Enjoyment: Taking the time to savor food increases pleasure and satisfaction from each meal.
Reduces Stress: Being present during meals can act as a form of meditation, reducing anxiety and stress.

Mindful Eating Exercise:

Before beginning, choose a small piece of food – a fruit, a nut, or even a piece of chocolate.

Visual Appreciation: Look at your chosen food item. Notice its shape, color, and texture. Appreciate its beauty and think about its journey to reach you.
Sensory Engagement: Close your eyes and smell the food. What memories or emotions does the scent evoke?
Tactile Exploration: Feel the food with your fingers. Is it smooth, rough, soft, or hard?
Taste: Take a bite but don’t swallow immediately. Let it rest in your mouth. Explore its taste – is it sweet, salty, sour, or bitter? Notice the textures as you chew.
Swallowing: Focus on the act of swallowing. Feel the food traveling down, nourishing your body.
Reflection: Take a moment to express gratitude. For the farmers who grew it, the hands that prepared it, and the earth that produced it.

Mindful Eating Tips:

Start Small: Begin with one meal or snack a day and gradually incorporate it into other meals.
Disconnect to Connect: Keep away from distractions like TV, smartphones, or reading during meals.
Practice Gratitude: Before eating, take a moment to express gratitude for your meal.

Wrapping Up

Mindful eating is a journey, not a destination. It’s about embracing the present moment, reconnecting with your food, and celebrating the simple joys of eating. Ready to embark on this transformative experience? Start today and pave the way for a healthier, more gratifying relationship with your meals.

For more tips and exercises on wellness and mindfulness, explore our blog and subscribe to our newsletter!

Looking for the perfect dish to practice this exercise with? Dive into our curated recipes here!

Cover image by Kamila Bairam

Grounding in Nature: Reap the Benefits of Barefoot Gardening and Earthing Practices

Engaging in gardening while barefooted offers an unparalleled opportunity to bond with Mother Earth and reap the benefits of earthing. In this post, we delve into the practice of earthing, shedding light on how barefoot gardening can enhance your overall wellness.

The advent of summer signals the perfect time to slip off your shoes. As a child, I was an avid barefoot explorer, indifferent to the terrains I trod upon—be it asphalt, gravel, grass, sand, or pine-strewn forest paths. However, as I matured, my perception transformed. The sensation of sand squishing between my toes started to bother me, the harshness of gravel became unbearable, and the touch of damp grass was no longer a favorite.

But, as it’s often said, change is the only constant. My perspective has taken a new turn, and I’ve rekindled my love for strolling barefoot. Despite the occasional discomfort and minor impracticalities, I sense its inherent benefits. I believe that it gifts me an extraordinary connection—a profound bond with the planet we inhabit. When I consciously experience the diverse terrains beneath my feet, it enlightens me in various ways.

I find myself developing heightened awareness of my feet—the toes, heels, and the weight they bear. The way I walk. The manner in which my feet interact with the underlying surface. The tangible contact with the stone, grass, and sand. I learn to appreciate the unique textures of various terrains, establishing an intimate connection.

In conclusion, the simple act of shedding your shoes and grounding yourself through barefoot gardening is more than just a quirky hobby—it’s a holistic approach to embracing nature’s subtle miracles. By indulging in this practice, you’re inviting an awakening of your senses, a renewed mindfulness, and a profound respect for our Earth. As the delicate variations of the world beneath our feet stimulate our awareness, we are reminded of the beautiful interconnectedness of life. So, the next time you venture into your garden, I encourage you to consider doing so barefoot. Embrace the opportunity to ground yourself physically and spiritually, all while nurturing the vibrant life that springs from the soil beneath you. Here’s to healthier, more mindful experiences with our remarkable planet!