Earth Treasures II – New Meditations

Explore four new Earth Treasure meditations with mindfulness teacher Rowena this July. Each week she will facilitate a deep focus on one of four seemingly simple, yet incredibly rich and complex aspects of the natural world. Go inward and be inspired, relax and be calmed with these unique guided experiences.

Each one is a contemplative 30 minutes on a Friday in July at 8am BST and can be enjoyed as a separate event, but, as with the last set offered in January, they are designed as a series in flow that have a connection, and sometimes that aspect is only evident as they unfold organically in the moment. Focusing closely on each object is a lovely way to meet and come to know its value, its deep qualities and its ability to move you and your senses.

Various elements from different traditions and mindfulness techniques might be included. For each meditation you will need a different natural form in front of you that is close enough to see in detail, smell and touch/hold. We will be using all our senses with the natural phenomena we sit with, so that might also be ideal if you aren’t comfortable meditating with your eyes shut. You won’t be seen on the screen and you won’t need to look at or interact with it.

Friday 4 July (8am BST): Meditation 1 – Feather

A feather is a lightweight, artful delight that is easy to find. Each one is an amazing feat of Nature’s engineering, and they are very significant in many cultures and traditions, representing so many things for each of us. You might enjoy sourcing those you choose to sit with by going on a mindful walk first. Perhaps you’ll find tiny, fluffy under-feathers from a small bird, or a large goose quill or even a peacock tail feather… but it doesn’t have to be elaborate. If you have a saved feather from a pet bird or a rescued chicken, that may have added meaning for you, bringing feelings of kinship with the animal kingdom.

Friday 11 July (8am BST): Meditation 2 – Lichen

Lichens are fascinating for our focus because they create a beautiful visual stimulus as well as playing a crucial role in ecosystems as indicators of air quality and as pioneers in soil formation. As natural, composite organisms formed from a symbiotic relationship, they can help us notice and enjoy the feelings of cooperation and mutual support. You might be able to find some that’s been growing on rocks, trees, soil or even a human-made structure. A fallen twig or small branch with lichen on it will do nicely. Just ensure that any creatures have been able to leave it before you bring it in, to avoid that distraction.

Friday 18 July (8am BST): Meditation 3 – Metal

The lustre, the colours and even the rustiness within the huge variety of metals draws us to them, and they can be found in many forms around us in our kitchens or gardens, as jewellery, tools or instruments, ringing bowls, spoons or keys. Metal is considered within Tao as a fifth element, along with water, fire, earth and air, and ancient Greek philosophy and Ayurvedic traditional medicine also value its unique properties. For ease, choose something big enough to see in front of you without straining. Otherwise, have a magnifier ready or have several small things to hold up close to look at.

Friday 25 July (8am BST): Meditation 4 – Shell

If you are lucky enough to live near a beach, finding a shell will be an easy, lovely task. Perhaps you have one as a bathroom decoration, or you might be able to borrow one from a friend for this meditation. Shells are not only beautiful natural artefacts that capture our eye with their intricate designs and colours. They also hold much cultural and spiritual significance for many people. As we sit with a shell or a collection of shells, we won’t forget that they were once home for someone, or how much they contribute to the health of our ocean.

There is no charge for these events. Any donations will raise money for The Resurgence Trust, an educational charity (no. 1120414) that seeks to connect people to Nature, to each other and to themselves. By making a donation, you are contributing directly to our work in creating change and helping us to keep our events accessible to all. Support us in shaping a more just and regenerative future.

For more events from The Resurgence Trust head to www.resurgenceevents.org

With thanks for peacock feather image by Eva Bronzini.