Appreciating our Senses and Nature

Several yoga sessions earlier, Linda had mentioned at the end of the class to take a moment in nature and be present with all our senses. So this morning, during a walking meditation at Westmeadow Beach and enjoying the coolness of the weather, I decided to pay close attention to the air, itself, around me and make that my inspirational and sensual focus.

With minimal effort, I took in deep breaths and smelled the crispness in the autumn air. There was the faint scent of last night's rain mixed with the plants lining the road. The wind was mild this morning, yet I felt its cool presence caressing my skin. It felt delicious and it made me take even deeper and longer breaths. I tried tasting the salty air carried in from the ocean at the back of my throat, but I knew that was a bit of a reach.

The dangling tree limbs and branches would dance gently in the wind and I could almost visualize the twirling air movement flowing through them. The sounds of nature traveling in the air were a mixture of the waves peacefully thrashing against the shore, the cacophony of the seagulls above me, and the leaves rustling softly against each other. In the distance I could make out an animated conversation by fellow nature lovers approaching me.

My walk this morning had turned out to be more than just an exercise, it was a deeply sensual experience that connected me with nature.