Do this for you. Take two minutes out of your day to slow down your breathing, de-stress, release any anxiety/tension, and give your mind a mental break. Being in nature and/or looking at nature photography can provide countless benefits. As I discussed in my very first  post, research shows that spending time in nature, or even just looking at it through photography can reduce stress, depression and anxiety, slow down breathing, lower heart rate, and much, more (disclaimer: please note that I am not a doctor or a licensed professional in this field. To find out more information, please visit the articles listed or talk to your doctor if you have any concerns).

Without further ado, let’s start to unwind.

Wherever you are, take a few seconds to get as comfortable as possible, and focus on your breathing.

Inhale for 4 seconds.

Hold your breath for 4 seconds.

Release your breath for 4 seconds.

Repeat this 2-3 times. Close your eyes for a moment if that feels right for you.       

Now. Take a look at the photograph and imagine yourself in the following environment:

You are walking across a boardwalk that goes over a beautiful wetland.

Herons and Egrets sit on the edge of the cattails looking for fish and frogs.

The sun is setting and casting beautiful colors across the sky.

You stop and admire the whole scene, listening to the frogs start their evening calls.

As you continue to soak in the surroundings, what sounds do you hear?

Sit and contemplate this scene and focus on your inhale, hold and exhale for as long as you are able. As you go throughout your day (or if you find yourself up at night), come back to this photograph, the scene you created in your mind and your breath.

To see other guided meditations, click here.

Photograph and guided meditation prompts © Ld Nature Photography & The Mindful Mom Blographer | 2017 and cannot be used without written consent.

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