Mantras to celebrate the Earth

Now that Spring is here, we are all spending more time outside. One of the joys of the first lockdown was the glorious Spring, with its incredible blossom. 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 accutely 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 lockdown – the slower pace of life, and the simpler existence we have 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