Posted: by Jo Tuesday, 1 March 2022 @ 14:28
Now that Spring is here, we are all spending more time outside. Let’s take a moment to
appreciate how lucky we all are to have such a beautiful natural world to spend
time in; and to commit to looking after it, to ensure we pass that same beauty onto future generations.
April 22nd is Earth Day,
which is a day to highlight environmental issues across the world. Earthday.org
is the non-profit organisation behind it, aiming to bring together the environmental
movement worldwide, and drive meaningful action. At Mantra, we are acutely aware of the preciousness of Earth's resources, using only recycled and FSC-accredited paper for all of our packaging, and supporting amazing charities like Trees for Cities and Think Equal.
To celebrate Earth Day, and
to recognise how lucky we are to have the natural world to escape into, here
are some mantras to show our appreciation, and to encourage us all to
slow down and spend more time in nature:
Go
outside. Breathe. Let nature restore you
I
find that one of the most effective ways to restore my spirit is to take myself
outside, into the natural world. The difference between filling my field of
vision with trees, grass, hills or sky, versus concrete and manmade structures,
cannot be over-stated. I once went on holiday to Dubai, where the manmade
nature of the entire city made me feel trapped and depressed. Whether it’s your
local park, a nearby wood, or you are lucky enough to have a back garden – go
outside, take some deep breaths, and breathe it all in.
Today,
I will see all the beauty in my life
You
don’t have to be outside to see beauty in your life, of course. This mantra is
one of appreciation for all the good things in your life, be that people,
places, or things. But it is a great habit to look for beauty in the natural
world, whenever you can. The first snowdrops of Winter in your garden, the
first crocus of Spring in the park, the first blossoms on your neighbour’s
tree, the return of migrating birds, the dawn chorus getting noisier, the buzz
of bumblebees. Train yourself to notice the changing seasonal details, as they
will make you smile.
Today,
I will breathe deeper. Exhale slower. Find the stillness within me
A
great calming mantra, encouraging us to slow down and take a moment. As the
weather gets warmer, and we spend more time outside – let’s take the time to
really slow down and notice things around us. Let’s not lose one of the great
joys of the last years' lockdowns – the slower pace of life, and the simpler existence we all had to embrace.
Be
still, be present, be mindful
Another
mantra to bring us into the present moment, and encourage us to focus on the
here and now. Appreciate the natural world around us. Notice things. Walk
mindfully, with a heightened awareness of what is happening to the flowers, the
trees, the position of the sun in the sky. Don’t worry about what the future
holds. Don’t fret about the past. Just be still and calm, and be right here, in
the present moment.
Seek
the sweet moments in every day
Another
mantra of appreciation, urging us to seek out small moments of joy and
happiness in our day. Look for the things that make you smile, or bring a surge
of joy to your heart. We are never too old to smile when we see a rainbow, blue
sky after rain, the first blossoms of Spring, or newborn lambs in a field.
Spring is the perfect season to look for joy in the natural world.
I
stand with others to make a better world
We all know that more needs
to be done to save our planet and protect our environment. Whether it’s re-using
and recycling more, driving less, planting more trees, campaigning for greater
government action, or taking an active role to make change happen – let’s stand
together to make the natural world better for us all.
The
earth has music for those who listen
A
quote which is often attributed – incorrectly – to Shakespeare. In fact, no one
knows who wrote this line first – but it is a beautiful sentiment. If you are
prepared to be quiet, to pay attention, to tune in, and to listen carefully –
you will be rewarded with music from the Earth herself. From the gentle sounds
of lapping waves, to the bright joy of birdsong, to the rustling of wind in the
trees – the natural world has a beautiful soundtrack, if only we stop to notice
it.
Sky
above me, earth beneath me, fire inside me
A
mantra of appreciation for life itself. Look up to the glorious sky above; feel
the solid comfort of the earth grounding us, beneath our feet; feel the burning
energy of life inside us. Feel how lucky we are to be alive, and celebrate the
glory of nature around us.
This month, go out into the
world with a renewed appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us, and the
healing power of nature.
Jo xx
