Can't Commit to Daily Meditation? Do This Instead.

"This is usually when I chastise myself for a lack of willpower. That's exactly what I was doing when my therapist paused my rant to suggest an alternative to daily meditation: outdoor moments. As she explained it, all that's required is to step outside, breathe deeply, and notice the world around you."

"This phenomenon is both spiritually and scientifically backed. Outdoor spaces are proven to calm the nervous system. Additionally, research suggests that the "Noticing Nature Intervention," also known as NNI (very official) or simply paying attention to the world around you, can boost well-being throughout the winter months."

"Each morning when I wake up, I step outside, inhale deeply, and look around for three to five minutes. (Sometimes many more than that.) Here, I can see the frost collecting on the leaves and the lichen on the bark. Hear the geese passing overhead. Feel the cold air biting my cheeks."

Formal meditation practice, while scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, can feel difficult and unsustainable for many people. A therapist suggested an alternative: outdoor moments, which require only stepping outside, breathing deeply, and noticing the surrounding world. This simpler practice is both spiritually and scientifically supported. Research on the "Noticing Nature Intervention" demonstrates that paying attention to nature boosts well-being, particularly during winter months. The author discovered that her most profound and transformative experiences occurred while spending quiet time alone outdoors. By spending three to five minutes each morning observing natural details—frost on leaves, lichen on bark, bird sounds, and air temperature—she achieves the calming benefits of meditation without the resistance and self-judgment that accompanied formal practice.

Read at Yoga Journal