In every place I’ve lived over the last 13 years, I’ve made a priority to have a daily Sit Spot practice.
That means I’ve spent literally thousands of hours just sitting quietly, watching, listening, and observing carefully.
This was all done very intentionally and with a conscious purpose because I was told by a mentor that if I simply followed the instructions… it would result in a remarkable relationship with nature and life.
I don’t know how to describe it other than to say that throughout history, the world’s greatest philosophers, scientists & leaders have found their inspiration through direct experience of nature.
I believe this link is something that’s built-in to the genetic structure of human brains because we evolved in a survival situation alongside birds, plants, trees, etc.
To me, the benefits are immediately obvious in how I feel out at my Sit Spot.
Having closeness with nature gives me frequent access to what psychologists sometimes call “Peak experiences”. The paradoxical combination of adrenaline & inner peace helps me stay focused on what’s most important in life. It brings inspiration when I’m feeling burnt out.
But I also think it’s really important to remember that the mechanism for how this all happens is through the senses and good old fashioned observation & pattern recognition skills.
Think about it… when is the last time you heard of a school teaching real life observation & pattern recognition skills through direct experience?
Yet this is a core sign of intelligence and success in all walks of life.
So do yourself a favour… Go to your Sit Spot and observe nature!
And if you need help getting started, that’s exactly what we’re talking about on today’s ReWilding conversations Podcast!
You can do it alone. You can do it with friends & family. Do it with your colleagues… and with students of all ages!
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