Practising stillness

Unfortunately I can't tell you in detail how to track or stalk wild animals, which is meditation of a higher level. To learn how, you'll have to read a copy of Rezendes' book.

The practice of stillness

But you can begin by simply making a date with Nature and placing yourself in her presence on a regular basis. Here is a suggested way to go about it:

• Choose a regular time, at least once a week, and remind yourself that this is a well-deserved time away from your usual activities.
• Choose a specific place that you will return to for these occasions. Ideally, you will have to walk 10 or 15 minutes to get there. The exercise will provide an added benefit, and will help dissipate any excess physical energy or mental agitation you might be experiencing and prepare you for quietude. So a place in a park or the countryside is best, though a peaceful corner of your garden is also good. If your location or personal health make this impossible, you can still connect with nature indoors. For suggestions, read Create an indoor sanctuary. This could also substitute for your regular walk during inclement weather, or if you want to meditate on a more frequent basis.
• Make sure you have a pleasant view with a variety of things to look at. Bodies of water are especially powerful in soothing and engaging the mind. If you will be sitting indoors, try to use a window with a view of trees or a garden, or collect a variety of small houseplants, attractive stones, feathers and other natural objects.
• Make sure your place of retreat has a dock chair, a large log, a park bench or other place to sit comfortably. In winter you might have to carry an old blanket to keep your seat and legs warm. You may prefer to stand. Rather than shifting your weight from foot to foot, try flexing your legs very slightly so they don't fatigue as quickly while standing in one place for a long time.
• Always take a small notebook and pen to write down any perceptions, feelings or ideas you experience in your place of stillness. You might wish to include a drawing pencil or crayons to draw things you see or images that come into your mind.
• Whenever you head to this place, leave your usual concerns behind. Remind yourself that this a much-needed break from even the most
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