How to meditate when sitting still feels impossible

Ever tried sitting in silence to “clear your mind,” only to find yourself thinking about what’s for dinner? Or how itchy your nose feels? Or, let’s be honest, how bored you are?
You’re not alone. Traditional ‘closed eyes, deep breathing, calm mind’ meditation definitely works, but it’s not for everyone – especially those among us with extra active brains and fidgety bodies.
Thankfully, you don’t have to sit cross-legged on a cushion to feel calm and connected. There are plenty of ways to meditate that fit into a more active, outdoor lifestyle (hooray!)
If sitting still makes you restless (we know the feels), these outdoor meditation ideas can help you feel more centred, grounded and peaceful while still moving your body.
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Walking meditation Take a walk through your local park or along the beach. Have the intention of not going anywhere, but just letting your feet carry you. Feel the ground under your shoes, notice the breeze on your skin, and listen to the crunch of leaves/squeak of the sand under your feet. That’s walking meditation. It’s even better if you go barefoot – it’s the best way to feel grounded and really connect with the earth. |
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Nature listening
Find a quiet spot, like under a tree or on a park bench, and just listen. At first, your mind might wander (totally normal). Gently bring your attention back to what you hear – the singing birds, rustling leaves, or simply the sound of life going on around you. There’s no need to label anything, just notice the sounds coming and going. It’s a simple way to feel more connected to the world, and yourself. |
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Cloud watching Remember lying on the grass as a kid, watching clouds drift by? Turns out that’s basically meditation. Find a comfy spot whether that’s on the beach, in a park, or even on your balcony and watch the sky. Notice the clouds, the shifting colours, or just how the sky changes. Let your mind wander with the clouds. It’s meditation without all the rules or pressure to “do it right.” |
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Yoga/stretching If sitting still isn’t your thing, try some gentle movement. Stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, or do a few easy yoga poses outside. Pay attention to how your body feels – your muscles stretching, your breath flowing, the ground under your feet. Even five minutes of stretching in the backyard can do wonders for your mind and mood. |
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Water watching Head to a river, lake, or ocean and just watch the water for a few minutes. Notice how it flows, ripples, or crashes on the shore. See if you can sync your breath with the movement of the water. And if your mind drifts, don’t stress, just gently bring it back to the water in front of you. There’s a reason people can sit by the ocean for hours; it’s an easy way to find a little calm. |
We hope these outdoor meditation ideas are helpful! If you need us, we’ll be over here perfecting the art of fidgeting with purpose.
Love,
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