nature vs. stress

I feel like I blog a lot about stress. I guess I just can't stress the importance enough! (Pun totally intended) It's part of every day life for everyone. Your body sends stress signals when you are hungry, when you stub your big toe or when you are in rush-hour traffic. For many people though, stress is an unconscious constant state because our minds are careening out of control. Though most animals and primates automatically shut off their stress signals when they're not in immediate danger, the gift of our developed mind has also plagued us the chronic subconscious habit of worrying, anticipating and perseverating. How we deal with stress really does 'make-or-break' us and effect our overall health, so we can't keep ignoring it.

I was recently reading some of the diaries of good ol' Anne Frank. It's really amazing to think about such an intelligent young woman reflecting on her life, the people around her and basic human nature, all while grappling with world-altering events. Some of her thoughts and beliefs are downright profound, especially for a 14-year-old. Coping mechanisms are different for everyone, but I loved that one of her favorite ways to de-stress was to spend time in nature.

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

You can find more of Anne's best quotes here.  

Sometimes, reading simple advice like this really helps me put my stress in perspective, so that's why I'm sharing it. If Anne Frank can cultivate peace through the beauty of nature, then certainly I should be able to as well. Have you tried seeking out a quiet spot in nature to clear your head? It doesn't have to be a completely private and silent spot to have an effect, but you can observe any small microcosm. Whether it's sitting inside, looking at your backyard, heading to a park to sit in the woods or practicing yoga outside, natural beauty has a way of showing us it's intricate perfection and making us and our troubles feel smaller by comparison. And spring is a perfect time to try it! :)

Intricate perfection and balance!

guided meditation - warm valley

This is a guided meditation used at our last meditation workshop at Wholehearter Yoga. It details a small journey deep into a valley of relaxation. Please feel free to read it slowly for yourself, pausing at each break, record it or read it to others to enjoy. Namaste!


Before you begin, get comfortable. You may choose a more relaxed posture leaning against a wall or using pillows, blankets...etc. Find a position that feels natural.

Warm Valley Guided Meditation

Begin by relaxing deeply.
Feel all the muscles in your body melting...from top to bottom....becoming heavy and warm.
Keeping your eyes softly closed, begin to awaken your inner eyes.

You are standing at the top of a large hill....under a tall, green canopy of trees.
You're looking down into a beautiful, lush valley.

The valley is quiet and tranquil.
Late afternoon sun shines warmly on your face, relaxing your entire body.

You begin to descend slowly down the hill, taking in your surroundings.
Thick, green foliage surrounds you and protects you.
You hear the sound of slowly moving water....birds are singing and insects thrum in the trees.
You feel a gentle, warm breeze on your face.
You feel thick, soft moss, cushioning your feet.

As you make your way further down the hill, you continue to feel calm and relaxed.

You smell fragrant, fresh plants....warm earth...and the crisp scent of the water below.

You sink deeper into the valley moving into an even deeper state of relaxation.

As you come to the fresh stream at the bottom of the valley, you feel completely safe...completely relaxed.

The water is crystal clear...and warm.

You sit down at the edge of the stream, dipping your feet into the warm water.

You sip in a deep breath of fresh air...relaxing here.


The sun moves across the sky above you.


After some time has passed, you are ready to return to the top of your hill.
Removing your toes from the water, you dry them on the warm moss of the forest floor.

Slowly padding back up the hill, you again take in your surroundings once more.
The sun has begun to set....the air is crisp with evening.

You hear crickets quietly chirping...the birds are singing their nighttime melodies.

You feel healthy, calm and content.

As you near the top of the hill, the sky has turned to vibrant shades of reds..deep pinks and orange.

You breathe in the fresh air here as you return to your original spot.



Looking out over the beautiful valley once more, you take a long, slow inhale through the nose...and sigh out the air through your mouth.

Taking some time for your body to awaken.

When you are ready to open your eyes, gently place your fingers over them for a moment.
Then, slowly open the fingers as you gently open the eyes.



Welcome back and namaste. :)