FOCUS
Fresh State of Mind Practicing mindfulness outside brings multiple rewards By Pam George A version of this story first appeared in our March 2020 issue. The subject matter seemed especially appropriate now.
Studies have shown that mindfulness can help relieve stress, improve sleep quality and even build immunity.
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hen Melissa Layfield is feeling overwhelmed, she takes a timeout. But not in the traditional face-thecorner meaning of that term. Instead, the busy mom of three ditches her shoes and socks and steps outside—no matter the weather. “I stand in the dirt, grass or snow,” she says. “For a minute, I just look, listen, see and feel. I call it my ‘mindful minute.’ It’s a quick centering practice.” When she has more time, she and her children go on a hike in White Clay Creek Park, which adjoins her backyard. Layfield and her kids aren’t the only ones marrying meditation and nature. More people are finding solace by taking a mindful stroll in a park, on their street or even in their driveway.
Look, Listen, Savor
Unless you’ve been living without TV, Internet or magazines, you’ve probably heard about mindfulness, which is a part of the self-care or wellness movement. Layfield certainly knows a thing or two about it. She runs the Walnut Grove Coop, a nonprofit educational organization whose mindfulness programs include a nature camp, STEM camps and healing forest practices (for adults).
Mindfulness is a type of meditation. Traditional meditation, however, focuses on spiritual growth and transcending emotion. If you practice mindfulness, you acknowledge whatever emotion or thought you are having. You don’t judge it. Essentially, mindfulness is being in the moment. “It’s a state of being fully present—whatever you’re doing,” says Sara Teixido, a locally-based professional healer. “Rather than cooking dinner in a distracted way, I’m present to the color of the vegetables, the aromas and the feeling of the vegetable under my knife. In our fast and confusing world, it’s nice to be able to just be present.” Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can help people manage stress, improve the quality of their sleep and even build immunity, which is why so many conventional healthcare providers recommend it. “I’m always mindful that I need to be more mindful,” says Derrick Kelley, a wine representative who spends most of his day driving to see clients. He also wants to spend more time outside, particularly with his Lab, Delta. “I spend most of my day alone wishing I was on the other side of the windshield.” Walking meditation or mindfulness can help busy people like Kelley practice mindfulness and get exercise at the same time. ► SEPTEMBER 2020
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