Let go of the desire of thinking of nothing and pay attention to what happens right now. 

“What are you thinking?” 
I was asked, in a Macrame workshop. 
I looked at a bit confused as I was focused on getting the thread through the hole. So I started to think: what was I thinking? 
“Well actually I was just looking carefully how to make the knot and I was aware of the pain I currently have in my shoulder and back”. 
Then the teacher asked “aren’t you thinking of the list of things you have to do after this workshop?”
“Well actually not really, because I’m too busy now with making this bag, what use would it be to think of what I have to do next?”
“How is it possible that the thoughts of what to do next are not occupying your mind involuntary?

Wow thanks to that question I came to realise I was fully present in what I was doing. Bearing the fruit of my trail to wellbeing by daily walking meditation.
Aware of the simple physical sensations. Aware of the shapes and forms I see. Aware of the activity I’m doing in that very moment. So yes, I was thinking, as my thinking capacity allows me to fulfil a task, like this macrame workshop. Though I consciously made the choice to pay attention only to the things of the present moment.  

​For many the goal in meditation is to be able to think of nothing. A desired state of emptiness, liberated from our thoughts and negative emotions that drive us freaking nuts into a state of stress.

Though I would suggest to let go of the desire to think of nothing. Let’s accept our thoughts while we meditate or do an activity. Let's be completely present of your thoughts, physical sensations, emotions, of anything that is happening that very moment. Once you are completely present in what you are doing, the unwanted thoughts go, and make room for the thoughts you need to perform that activity. Being completely present is what liberates you from stressful, uncomfortable thoughts and to-do's. 

You don't need to use this reflection as a call to action. While you write down your answers notice your emotions and any physical sensations that pop up. Then put your answers away, maybe read them again or let them go. 

I personally belief that everything we experience serves a purpose. After a series of adventures and experiences that have caused heartbreak, tears, and smiles I understand it even more than ever before. Our deepest desire is to discover and experience the parts we love and don’t love of ourselves. We want to get to know our fears and destructive behaviour to no longer limit ourselves so we live our loving potential. Every person and situation holds up a mirror, thereby showing us a reflection of who we truly are. Sometimes this reflection is amazingly beautiful. For example, when we fall in love, the birth of a child, or the start of a new project. Sometimes we prefer to refuse the reflection the mirror. For example, when we are in an argument with someone about their destructive behaviour, when a terrible disease shows itself, or when life does not go how we expected it to be. It’s ok, if sometimes you don’t want to look in the mirror. Another person or experience will come to hold up the mirror again with patience. Until you are ready to have a look. 

What lessons have you learned this 2018? 
What do you truly desire?

​Have a lovely Christmas. 

​Sophie 

The sounds of twigs snapping and leaves whispering, the aroma of resin and blossoms, and now and again the comfort of sunlight on your face.

Yes, the deliciousness and beauty of walk in the forest. 

For me personally, going to the forest is like visiting an old friend. When I need to recharge, get out of the house, or encounter some stillness inside I would always go for a gentle stroll in the forest. I always leave the forest with a smile on my face. 
In the exotic country Japan these healing powers of the forest have actually been the centre of attention for quite a while. Here a stroll in the forest has a beautiful name, you immediately want to jump into. It’s called forest bathing, Shinrin-yoku. Defined as the practice of taking a short leisurely visit to the forest for health benefits. 

What impact will the forrest have on you?

A study from Japan on official forest bathing trails have shown that habitual forest walks significantly reduce stress hormones and blood pressure, regulate blood glucose levels, boosts your mood,  and increases energy level. Yeah science proofs my experience is true ;) 
Breathing in forrest air appears to actually improve immune system functions. In order to protect themselves from germs and insects, trees emit natural essential oils, Phytoncide, improving their natural immune system. Taking in these scents will be beneficial for your protection and if you visit the forest after illness or surgery it will accelerate your recovery process. Do you think we have been unconsciously aware of this protection as many recovery and elderly centres are actually next woodlands?

How does it work? 

The connection with nature  starts with becoming aware of our respiration, our internal communication channel.  The breath facilitates to embody contact with the present moment by concentrating on one simple element. This distracts us from thoughts about tomorrow, yesterday or the far future and enables us to be in the present.  

When we are able to be in the present and afterwards reconnect to our surrounding it awakens our curiosity. This opens our internal doorways to expansive awareness. Therefore the next phase is to submerge yourself in the scents and sounds of the woods in silence. Hear the birds and wind passing by, smell the blossom and trees, and let your eyes follow the path of light trough the leaves of the trees. You'll be surprised about what you'll discover in the forest. 

We’re so used to rushing and running around. Though, while observing the forest with all your senses you move very slow. When we slow down the forest has the time to do it’s work and you have time to truly take in all beauty of your surroundings. You might miss that beautiful bird sing if you walk to fast. 


Nature something so fragile but at the same time so powerful. We spend so much time indoors, running around, on paved streets, and far away from observing our natural surroundings that today it’s necessary to study the benefits of connecting to nature. I hope it gives a little encouragement to people to go out to nature. Take your time for an easy walk, and let nature do the work and you’ll leave the forest energised, happy, and healthier.

A long day full of impulses, information, social encounters, and appointments. You´re tired and would like to go to sleep. Though your mind is still spinning around. I would like to invite you to do a walking meditation instead of watching a movie, your favourite series, or submerge yourself in another social encounter. 
​
In walking meditation the primary object of attention is the walking itself. In other words, you pay close attention to the physical act of walking, the way you take one step after another. No goal or destination, it's just to enjoy the act of walking itself.

The focus of the mind on this more obvious object helps to achieve three things:
First, you stay active. After a long day, you might fall asleep with a sitting meditation. Furthermore going to sleep with a head full of thoughts and stress may lead to poor sleep. If your sleep only stays in the first stages of the sleeping pattern your body does not get fully charged. Leading to negative effects on the memory, judgement and mood. Walking meditation gives you the opportunity to relax the mind and body while having an active and vivid experience. This results in a good night sleep. 

Second, walking meditation helps to relieve discomfort in a pleasant way. After a workday you might feel some tension, and restlessness. Shifting your awareness through your body releases the tension accumulated in your body. The movement of the body parts while walking makes it pleasant and bearable to focus your attention on the painful areas. While your breath functions as a cool airstream that brings relaxation. 

Third, the practice will awaken your curiosity to what is going on right now. The present is always with us, though we are always occupied with over 1000 thoughts every minute. With this simpel meditation practice you bring your thoughts back to two: breathing and walking. A perfect distraction for the mind of the usual train of thoughts. This will sharpen awareness and train the mind to concentrate.  Though the best is that you'll be trained to be aware of the small things that surround you. For example enjoy that cup of tea before going to bed, truly listening to your partner during dinner. The act of paying attention to what's going on right now. 

It is a real exploration of the body & mind. A simple practice rather than a search for spiritual enlightenment. Therefore everyone can do it, in any type of environment. You'll be surprised by the outcome: a beautiful smile, eyes full of life, ready to enjoy your evening, and sleep like a baby. 

I hope to walk with you soon.