Summer’s warmth invites us outdoors - and for many of us, nature already feels like a silent sanctuary.  Rather than keeping our practice inside, this week let’s wander outside with gentle devotion in our hearts. Through simple outdoor meditations, we can notice how every breeze and birdcall becomes an invitation to remember the Source of our peace. Why Practice OutsideWhen we open ourselves to the elements - sunlight, fresh air, the scent of flowers - we’re reminded that something vast supports us at every moment. For someone seeking to tune into themself, it’s less about technique and more about softening the heart: seeing the divine presence in a flower petal, feeling gratitude for a breeze that cools us, or simply recognizing how the earth holds us up.

Nature Practice 1:

Gentle Tree-Gaze

Find a comfortable spot near a tree. Allow yourself to settle - perhaps leaning your back against its trunk or sitting at a short distance. Let your gaze soften toward a single branch or leaf cluster. As you notice shapes, textures, and movements, let it awaken a quiet wonder. If thoughts drift, simply return to observing without judgment. After a few minutes, close your eyes and feel the tree’s rooted calm settle into your own spine, as though you’re sharing its steady strength. 

Nature Practice 2:

Devotional Walking

Walk slowly on a quiet path, whether in a park or your backyard. With each step, feel your feet connecting to the earth, as though each footstep is a humble “thank you.” Notice how the ground supports you, how the air passes through your lungs, and let a simple phrase - like “I walk in gratitude” - move in rhythm with your breath. After a few minutes, pause and stand still, noticing how your body feels. Then resume, carrying that same feeling in each step. At your next break, step outside for one minute. Close your eyes, take a breath, and feel the earth beneath your feet - let it remind you that every moment can be an act of gratitude.