Rewilding Ourselves
How do we incorporate more of the outdoors into our modern lives? We may know time in nature is good for us but how do we fit it in? In Amy Bushatz’s Humans Outside podcast she talks with Micah Mortali, author of “Rewilding: Meditations, Practices, and Skills for Awakening in Nature” and founder of the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership. He shares some simple ways we can embrace the practice of rewilding. We don’t need to live off the grid or become an expert survivalist to participate.
Rewilding can have more than one meaning but, in this context, we are discussing the “rewilding of human life by exploring ways of connecting with the earth and living more in harmony with it.” In this episode of the Humans Outside podcast, “Simple and Easy Ways to ‘Rewild’ Your Life by Going Outside (Micah Mortali)”, Micah offers a few suggestions for those who may not have access to or live close to wild spaces. A few ideas include simply removing your shoes and walking barefoot on the pavement (if safe to do so), hanging a bird feeder on a fire escape near a window, getting to know one tree in your yard, or nurturing a few tomato plants in containers outside your home or apartment. It all begins with the breath and the intention to be mindful of the present moment. He suggests a good place to start is to find something you love to do and take it outside.
For me, I love gardening and would prefer to do any exercise, be it soccer, yoga or a fitness workout – outdoors. Perhaps you want to begin a sit spot practice. Or you can be like Micah and do daily pull-ups outside by hanging off a tree branch! The key is to start with something accessible for you.
If you find this topic intriguing and are yearning for more on rewilding, such as how to begin a “sit spot” practice, I recommend this podcast or perhaps grabbing a copy of Micah’s book.
Let me know what your thoughts on your own rewilding journey in the comments below. In the meantime, I am off for a walk in the woods!
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