Lessons From the Wilderness

Elizabeth, a wellness staff member at Great Plains Conservation, has shared her tips for practicing intentional connection in our lives.

• Intentional Breathwork: Breathe in for a count of 4 - Hold for a count of 4 - Breathe out for a count of 6/8. Do this 10 times to ground and find stillness.

• Intentional Gratitude: For what we have e.g.: For Self (healthy body, healthy mind and healthy spirit), for family, friends, for nature.

• Intentional Time in Nature: Nature is spirit in form. Try barefoot walking, listening to the sounds of birds or the wind. Pay attention to the smallest of things, such as tiny grass flowers, bees, ants and wonder how amazing they are.

• Intentional Movement: For at least 10 minutes a day, bring in intentional movement, which might be walking in silence, dancing, stretching, yoga, or somatic exercises.

 Intentional Focus: Focus on routines e.g. bathing, your waking up routine and going to bed routine. Set intentional timings for self-care.

• Intentional no screen time: Leave your screen devices outside of your bedroom and notice the difference in your sleep. Reading news and social media before bed and first thing in the morning affects your sleep pattern and nervous system negatively.

• Intentional Eating: Eat well and nourish your body, remove processed options, discover new recipes and healthy snacking to give your body its best chance.

• Intentional Creating: Take time to paint, doodle, journal, knit, create ceramics, etc.

• Intentional Nurturing: Look after something with intention, such as a houseplant or a vegetable garden.

• Intentional Self-Awareness: Understand your emotions, discover how you feel, listen to your body, learn to connect to your inner guidance system and trust its voice. Treat yourself well and with kindness.