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What is mindfully rewilding? Maybe you’ve heard that phrase? Or maybe you know about mindfulness but not rewilding? We explore what rewilding is and how to mindfully rewild yourself.

Mindfulness

A buzzword for over a decade now, mindfulness is everywhere. But what is it? Mindfulness means paying attention, in the present moment. Put simply, you’re aware of what you’re doing as you do it. Similarly, you’re aware of your environment. Importantly, when you’re in nature, you know it. Moreover, you use your senses. In addition, you’re fully connected to the environment (not your phone or your to do list).

Rewilding

How connected are you to the natural world? We can probably guess. Most of us are incredibly disconnected from nature. There’s a term for it, nature deficit disorder (NDD). Coined by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the WoodsThe Nature Principle NDD acknowledges that most of us are alienated from the natural world. For example, as homo sapiens we moved away from nomadic living 10,000 years ago. As a result, we became domesticated. Along with domestication came disconnection. From nature. Our disconnection from nature affects our lives in complex and negative ways. We’re connected digitally, more than ever before. We’re less connected to the environment. Louv says we’re missing out on something. It’s enormously important. Vitamin N. Nature! However, mindful rewilding can help us.

What is Mindfully Rewilding ?

Our domestication, disconnection and consumer culture has led to climate change. Wildlife is in decline. We need to take positive action, but how? Put mindfulness and rewilding together and you get mindful rewilding. Reconnection with the natural world. That is to say, studies show our mental and physical health improves. Mindfulness in nature decreases stress and burnout. Importantly, mindful rewilding and nature based activities help us and, subsequently, help the planet.

How to Practice Mindfully Rewilding

When you mindfully rewild you will be more mindful of your relationship with the earth. You’ll be more compassionate. Put simply, you’ll live more sustainably when you connect with the earth. You’ll work with the planet, not against it. Above all you’ll see your own connection with nature. So, how do we mindfully rewild?

  • Firstly, spend time in nature
  • Secondly, connect with all your senses
  • More importantly, mindfully unplug from digital devices
  • Listen to birdsong
  • Walk barefoot
  • Feel the breeze on your skin
  • Get your hands in soil
  • Eat fruit and vegetables
  • Work with the land
  • Support organisations that support the environment

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