When life is really a question,
The answer can be found
In the natural beauty
Of Mother Earth.” –Sri Chinmoy
About the Listen to Nature Outdoor Meditation Series
This free series is based on the book Listen to Nature by Sri Chinmoy (with foreword by Jane Goodall). Purchase of the book is suggested but not required for participation in this free workshop. (You can buy the book at Noble Learning or Jyoti-Bihanga for $13.00; it is also available elsewhere.)
Each session features guided meditation as well as time for silent reflection, reading or journaling. Some of the sessions involve contemplation-in-action such as walking meditation, easy nature hiking, etc. These non-strenuous classes are suitable for anyone who is able to move around outdoors–everyone can walk at their own pace and some parts of each class are seated.
At the conclusion of the series, you’ll receive a Listen to Nature Skill Sheet to help you practice the meditations on your own in the future.
Listen to Nature sessions include the following…
Session 1: Peace
Let nature inspire you.
In this session located at a Peace Garden you’ll participate in guided meditation and use simple techniques to help you connect with nature’s peace even in a busy city environment. We’ll complete 3 different meditation exercises and you’ll also have time to enjoy the beautiful garden and/or complete a brief journaling activity.
Session 2: Oneness
Gather energy from nature
This session features seated visualization exercises and a walking meditation along a beautiful nature trail. You’ll be given guidance, breathing exercises and simple mantras for this contemplation-in-action class. (The trail is flat and the walk is non-strenuous.) The session concludes with a meditation under a giant tree.
Session 3: Transformation
Receive nature’s message
Early but amazing! Join us for morning meditation alongside a beautiful lake. You’ll be invigorated and inspired by the crisp air, the sounds of nature, and the heart-centered meditation techniques (seated and walking).
Session 4: Hope
Accept nature’s encouragement
Join us on the beach for a beautiful San Diego sunset meditation! You’ll utilize visualization to experience nature’s beauty and power mirrored in your own spiritual heart–and you’ll enjoy the spontaneous inspiration of sand, sea and soul.
How will you benefit from participation in the Listen to Nature series?
These meditation exercises and the collective outdoor experiences can strengthen our ability to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. You’ll learn helpful techniques for stress management, habit change, and spiritual contentment. Plus, you’ll get an invigorating dose of fresh air and scenic beauty! The companion book (Listen to Nature by Sri Chinmoy) encourages activity in nature and is an illuminating and ultimately hopeful guide for taking a spiritual approach to challenges that affect all humanity–such as the environmental crisis and divisive worldviews.
“Nature’s beauty
Teaches optimism
To the aspiring heart.”
—Sri Chinmoy
Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007)
About the Instructors
The Listen to Nature meditation series draws from the recently published book of the same name–an anthology of Sri Chinmoy’s prose and poetry on nature and humanity’s collective responsibility to respect Mother Earth. The various meditation exercises, activities and reflection questions featured in the class series also derive from other spiritual writings by Sri Chinmoy. The creator of the course is Vasudha Deming, a meditation instructor, learning designer, and founder of Noble Learning. Other experienced meditation instructors will also lead some of these sessions.