A New Way to Experience the Beach

Next time you’re at the beach, try a little nature therapy to connect more deeply to Mother Ocean and yourself.
 
Find a safe, comfortable place to sit along the shore for 20 minutes or more. Scan your body from head to toe, releasing any tension, stretching, or moving in a way that brings comfort and ease to your body.
 
Close your eyes and breathe deeply for several rounds, inhaling the sea air and exhaling any worries or stress. Imagine that you are exhaling your troubles in a cloud of smoke. You might even want to emit an audible sigh, giving a sound to this release. Feel the breeze and salty air on your skin, the sunlight or shade of the clouds. Relish this sensation.
 
Next, tune into the sounds of the seashore. The waves, the birds, the laughter of children. This is all part of the symphony of this place. Tune into the sounds that you find pleasurable and spend as long as you like enjoying these melodies.
 
Take a deep breath in through your nose, inhaling the sea air. Does it evoke a memory or emotion? Breathe deeply for a few more rounds, letting your nose decipher any other scents the ocean breeze brings you.
 
Now, breathe through your mouth, as if you’re sipping the air through a straw. Let it pass over your lips and tongue. What does the sea air taste like?
 
Slowly open your eyes and let the beach reveal itself to you as if you’ve never seen it before. Spend some time here, enjoying the scenery and fully taking it all in.
 
Now that you’ve awakened your senses, what does the ocean invite you to do? Let your heart guide you. Give yourself permission to explore.
 
When you’re done, take a few moments to reflect on your experience. What are you noticing? Share your thoughts with a friend or jot them down in a journal.

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. ​