the SAVOR project
science-based + nature-infused behavioral health services
Category: General mindfulness
Love in the grocery aisles: mindfulness and compassion
About eight years ago, I attended a brief women’s metta retreat. Following a weekend of meditation and near silence, re-entry back into the “real world” proved surprisingly difficult even though I’d participated in previous retreats. The challenge started once I left the rural retreat… Continue Reading “Love in the grocery aisles: mindfulness and compassion”
Mindfulness in nature – savoring sound
Sound is all around us, throughout our day. We encounter sounds that may be sweet or soothing, and occasionally, sounds that we might not want to hear. However, sounds provide information and help us navigate in, and connect with, our larger world. A growing… Continue Reading “Mindfulness in nature – savoring sound”
Mindfulness in nature – Introduction
In this brief mindfulness exercise, choose an object from nature (indoors or outside). Enjoy the opportunity to focus with intention, curiosity, and compassion – all skills that translate into significant mind/body health benefits, over time.
Savoring flowers
The lilac is blooming, and the rain has lifted. Amazing how each garden transition is like a birth. Just like each breath, and each day. Last night I hosted a short silent meditation session for my Mindful Self-Compassion community, and I read Mary… Continue Reading “Savoring flowers”
A new planting year begins
It’s that time again. I’m clearing out the vegetable beds closest to our house. I’m rinsing out my germination flats with bleach, and filling them with seedling mix. I’m fondling seed packets, and paging through piles of seed catalogs. What will I grow? How… Continue Reading “A new planting year begins”
A self-compassionate first aid kit
Recently, my 9-year-old daughter came home from school and shared an event that had happened during recess while playing a game known as “deadly tick tock” on the tire swing. She’d flashed back to a memory of our family’s car accident the July before,… Continue Reading “A self-compassionate first aid kit”
Savoring the small stuff
This morning during a writing exercise, I found myself reflecting upon how frustrated I feel when I don’t have enough time for my creative projects. How painful it feels to start — only to end before I’m ready. Zooming out, I suspect that sometimes… Continue Reading “Savoring the small stuff”
Repetition is not failure
A few weeks ago, I began reading The Book of Awakening, by the poet and teacher Mark Nepo. From the September 23rd entry, he writes: “There is no expected pace for inner learning. What we need to learn comes when we need it, no… Continue Reading “Repetition is not failure”
