Nature Practices during COVID-19 (and anytime) - Sit Spot
March 17, 2020
During this time of uncertainty, disruption to normal routines, and social distancing, Nature can offer a sense of peace and relief, as well as hope. An increasing body of scientific evidence associates nature connection with reduced stress, better mental and physical health and greater cognitive functioning.
Each week over the next six weeks VWP will offer a free resource for you and your family to deepen your connection with nature. Please keep in mind that social distancing guidelines still apply. Feel free to share your experiences with us on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/vashonwildernessprogram/
Sit Spot
One of the most powerful ways to connect with nature and yourself more intimately is to find a place in nature that you visit regularly – your Sit Spot. With all of your senses awakened, being in this one special place again and again and over time helps you develop keen awareness and observation skills, and a presence with all life. You begin to experience patterns and cycles in nature and understand your place in the community of all beings.
In his book, Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature, Jon Young tells about his Sit Spot from which he was able to watch a family of raccoons grow up:
Sitting at that one spot, I watched those baby raccoons grow up, finding crayfish to eat and playing with each other in the stream. I also got to know other wild friends that lived there: deer sniffed me and stared at me before crossing the stream, beavers carried sticks up and down the stream, eagles swooped right over my head, great blue heron walked up behind me silently and scared the heck out of me, and even a little springy jumping mouse once jumped right into my lap! I spent a lot of time sitting at the one special spot and it seemed the animals accepted me as a natural part of that place. Going there felt like going home.
Anytime is a good time to find a Sit Spot. Here’s how it works:
Find your spot. Don’t feel that you have to travel far to find one -- a backyard or even a park bench is a perfect place to begin.
Visit your spot. The point is to go a few times a week if possible, even for only a few minutes at a time. It can take up to 20 minutes for the animals and birds in the immediate area to settle down after you arrive, so being able to stay longer is even better!
Just “be.” Sit comfortably, relax, and observe. Notice what you see, hear, smell, feel and even taste on the wind. Enjoy this time being in nature.
Share your experience. It’s fun and feels good to share your discoveries with those who will listen attentively, and ask good, insightful questions, or simply share in the magic and mystery of the nature world.
Whether going alone, or with your child (or whole family for a group sit!), take a journal with you. This paper companion is meant to invite observation, reflection, inspiration, or any number of other ways to relate to your experience while at your Sit Spot. Here are just some ideas of what could be captured in your journal; feel free to make up your own! And by all means, have fun experimenting!
notes on the weather
a survey of what lives at your Sit Spot
a map of your Sit Spot, including directions
drawings of the plants, animals, bird, insects you see/hear/smell
abstract drawings (colors, shapes, textures)
feelings and/or sensations that arise as you Sit quietly
poetry, songs, or stories inspired from the land
visions, dreams
your Story of the Day (really, your experience of your Sit Spot)
ENJOY!