Guided 2-Minute Mindfulness Guided Meditation – The Common Buckeye Butterfly
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 first ever 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:
Imagine yourself sitting in your favorite sunny spot.
You welcome the feeling of the sun and a warm, gentle breeze on your skin when you notice a bright, red flower nearby.
You move closer to the flower to admire its beauty. Suddenly, a butterfly lands right on the flower.
You silently watch as the butterfly drinks the flower’s nectar.
You feel the supportive ground beneath you.
As you continue to sit, what else do you see?
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.
Photograph and guided meditation prompts © Ld Nature Photography | 2017 and cannot be used without written consent.

I love getting some meditation time in. I go to a yoga class twice per week, and we start and end the class with meditation time.
I find it really helps me throughout my day!
I have never seen nor heard of a Buckeye butterfly. Thank you for the break in my work to slow down and have some calming breaths.
You’re welcome! Glad it was a useful break. Thanks for stopping by!
I need this in my life! I’m going to try it to see if it really works because I’m such a stress ball, it may stress me out more lol.
I hope it can help! Let me know if it does 🙂
What a fabulous way to unwind! I have been trying to be more mindful and get into meditation techniques lately, so this is a great place for me to start.
Hi Destany, I am so glad the meditation was helpful for you! I was very intimidated when starting my own practice, and wanted to create something short for others who may be in the same boat.
I love how peaceful this exercise is. And butterflies always give me a sense of relaxation and calm.
Hi Lisa! I am so glad you enjoyed the meditation. I love butterflies for that reason as well. There is just something so peaceful about them. Thank you for stopping by!
Oh, that was so wonderful. I used to set time for meditation but I have to say I have neglected that area lately. Self-care is important, and this is a good reminder!
It can be easy to fall into the trap of lack of self care for me, too. I am glad you enjoyed the meditation and that it was a reminder for you!
There is nothing that I don’t love about meditation. It’s really amazing and it helps me take the stress of my system especially after a rough week or a rough day! I think this is amazing.
Thank you so much for your comment, Carol! I am glad you have found some relief to life’s stresses through meditation. I am a fan as well 🙂
Love your guided meditation, we all need to take a break from job and the stress that comes with it. Your butterfly did inspired me too. I felt the love and the energy you give trough your post. Great work.
Hi Violeta! Thank you for your comment. It makes me so happy to hear you were inspired by the butterfly photo. Glad the meditation helped!
i have come to really appreciate mindfulness meditation. it can be so helpful for dealing with anxiety, and i’ve heard is also used for a lot of other issues as well.
Hi Dawn! Yes, it is very good for anxiety. And you are right, there are so many physical and mental benefits!
Thanks for these simple but effective tips I am going to start them tomorrow as I am a suffer of anxiety . I love how these are fast methods because I get tired very easily ! Xx
Hi Morgan, I am sorry to hear you suffer from anxiety. I do too! The meditations with the nature photography have helped a lot, especially if I’m at work or somewhere when I can’t actually get outside. I hope they help you! Thanks for stopping by.
I know that spending a few minutes observing nature reduces stress. This month as I traveled to work I gazed out at the ocean above which we were travelling and I could feel the tension seeping out of me. It is always beautiful to gaze at the ripples and the vast expanse of water. However, I did not know looking at nature through photographs has the same effect. I will try doing so for the obvious effects..
Hi Ingrid! Thanks for stopping by. I love that feeling of the tension just flowing out of you when you can start to relax!
I never would have thought to do guided meditation on here. That’s so cool. I know I could use a little more mindfulness and presence. Great post!
Thank you, David, and thanks for stopping by!
I would like to try this in my classroom. I think kids are easily stressed nowadays
I would LOVE to hear how that goes for you if you do! Thanks for stopping by!