Meditation is often associated with quiet rooms and serene settings, but you can practice mindfulness anywhere.
Here are several places and ways to meditate in different or unusual environments:
In the heart of nature: Forest bathing
Find a forest or park and engage in ‘Shinrin-yoku,’ also known as forest bathing. Sit or stand among the trees and absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Focus on the rustling leaves, the soft earth underfoot, and the fresh scent of pine to ground yourself in the present moment.
Urban oasis: City meditation
In the city, find a bench in a busy square or park. Close your eyes and turn your attention to the rhythm of the urban life around you. Let the symphony of footsteps, conversations, and distant traffic become a backdrop for your breath-focused meditation.
At work: Desk detox
Take a few minutes at your desk to meditate. With your feet flat on the ground and hands on your knees, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Allow the hum of office activity to fade into the background as you centre yourself amidst the chaos.
On the move: Walking meditation
Choose a quiet path or labyrinth for a walking meditation. With each step, mentally note the lifting, moving, and placing of your foot. This practice can be particularly grounding and is a great way to integrate meditation into your daily walk.
High-altitude mindfulness: Airplane meditation
Flying can be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to meditate. With your seatbelt fastened, close your eyes and focus on the sensation of being lifted into the air. Use the drone of the engines as a focus point for your meditation.
Waterfront contemplation: Beach or lakeside
Sitting by the water, tune into the rhythmic sound of waves or the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore. Let these natural sounds anchor you in the now, as you breathe in the fresh air and exhale any tension.
