Before you boogie down, take a journey in

With the New Year’s countdown on, you might enjoy this one last practice to nourish your creativity and resilience. I call it ‘Your Dream Partner’ because it stars your unique nature ally, using guided imagery. It’s like improvisation of the imagination, which is a fun way to welcome new and hidden ideas into your consciousness. Open up to the unexpected, and tap into your deeper wisdom where new stories and realities are born.

What’s waiting for you there? I’d love to hear about it after you give it a try.

Happy New Year!

Guided nature imagery for resilience (audio version)

Step 1

Allow at least 15 min to sit quietly. Anywhere is fine, as long as you feel safe and comfortable. Close your eyes or shift to a soft gaze so you can turn inward. Feel the solid points that your body is resting on. Allow yourself to melt further into those points. Breathe slowly and evenly in and out.

Step 2

Imagine a place in nature that makes you feel safe and at ease. Look around and notice what you see. What do you hear, smell, taste, or feel? Just notice what arises, without trying to change anything. Welcome what comes to you, even if it doesn’t make sense or isn’t what you expected. You can pause at any time, especially if you start to feel unsafe or agitated. Always return to your breath, allowing air to flow in and out, slowly and steadily.

Step 3

Now, notice a nature ally that has appeared to you. This could be an animal, a tree, a river, a gentle wind, a star…be receptive to whoever comes to you. Kindle a spirit of patience and curiosity about your ally. They’re here to support you.

Step 4

Now tell your nature ally what you appreciate about them. What about them stands out to you? Offer gratitude for these qualities.

Step 5

Ask your ally if they have anything they’d like to teach you. Stay with them and allow any feelings, thoughts, or images to arise. Just notice. You can add a prompt such as, ‘I notice’, ‘I wonder’, or ‘It reminds me of’. Wait for what comes next.

Step 6

Pay special attention to the sensations and energy that arise in your body. What emotions do you want to release? Do you want to move, make sounds, write, draw, use your hands? Make space to follow these impulses safely.

Step 7

When this interaction with your nature ally feels complete, thank them for sharing their wisdom with you.

Step 8

Return to your breath, feel it flow in and out, slowly and steadily. Gently open your eyes and refocus on the physical world around you.

Step 9

Give yourself plenty of time to transition to boogie down portion of your New Year’s plans. :) Or try journaling about your experience. You’ll be amazed at what comes up.

To experience this practice and many others with soothing audio and nature videos, join our free course, Nature + Mental health. Enjoy!