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“There’s so much beauty around us for just two eyes to see, and everywhere I go I’m looking…” ~Rich Mullins

Welcome to the is special edition of Mountain Zen Den - The 21-Day Nature Challenge Day 1! - Beginner's Eyes - Learning to see as if for the first time...

Welcome to Day 1!

We’ll begin with this thoughtful and active meditation for the day.

Today you begin your journey to a new life in a new world as you start to see everything through fresh eyes with a mindful heart.

Now there are two things you need to commit to as you begin:

1. Set an “Intention”.

Take a few thoughtful moments to write in your Nature Journal exactly what you hope to get out of this 21-Day adventure.

It could be something as simple as – “I want to be more mindful”, or “I want to develop the habit of practicing meditation, so that I can be a calmer, more focused human being.”

It may be that you want to learn how to manage the stress in your life, or you may simply just want to learn how to slow down and live in the present moment.

2. Learn to develop “Beginner’s Mind” ~ Decide to adopt a fresh, childlike attitude with openness and wonder, as if seeing the world for the first time. This will make your journey so much more rewarding, exciting and enjoyable.

So here goes!

Imagine that like Edmond Dantes in the Count of Monte Cristo, you have just emerged from a dark and dreary dungeon cell to which you have been confined for the past ten years.

The sun and sky never looked so beautiful! Everything is fascinating and full of wonder and possibility.

Now take a deep breath, step outside you door, and enjoy a 20 minute walk in your neighborhood, or other favorite outdoor location, soaking up all there is to see. Commit to using your eyes in the present moment. Notice the amazing variety of shapes and forms and colors in the world all around you.

As you spend more time in nature with intentional awareness you will begin to notice a whole new world of patterns, colors, shades, and light. Plein air artists, (outdoor painters), say that the more time they spend outdoors observing and painting, the more sensitive they become to all the variations of colors, light and patterns. And you will too! Just be intentional in your awareness and observations.

Find something natural and bring it home for your own “Nature Zen Den”, (which we will be creating this week). Commit to looking at it through fresh eyes and “seeing” it in a new light. (It can be anything natural – a leaf, a rock, some grass, dried weeds, a pine cone, etc.).

As you truly observe it, as if seeing it for the very first time, ask a few thoughtful questions.

What purpose does this object serve in nature? Why is it shaped the way it is? Does its color carry any meaning or significance? You get the idea. Just be curious and observant.

You are becoming A.W.A.R.E. You are awakening within and remaining engaged.

Finally, notice one thing about your walk that you are grateful for. Name it and say “Thank you!”

Here is your Checklist for Day 1

☐ MEDITATION: Day 1 – “Learning to Be Mindful With Your Eyes”

☐ NATURE WALK: 20 minutes outdoors

☐ JOURNAL: Observations (What did you see/notice?) What you are grateful for?

That’s it! Well done. We’ll see you back here tomorrow.