Tree Babies- Mindfulness classes for parents and babies
Our unique Tree babies classes include many nurturing and nourishing practices to connect parents to themselves, their babies, other parents and to nature.
Mindfulness is a very grounding practice, perfect for new parents as many can experience anxiety and worry about the future or feel troubled by birth experiences or difficult emotions in pregnancy.
Here are three simple to do mindfulness practices in nature for you to try and to give you insight into the power of being outdoors.
Awakening the senses in nature
This is the easiest form of mindfulness to begin with. The intention is to use our senses and to tune into nature. We bring our attention to what surrounds us and in doing so become present.
What to do:
Find your sit/still spot. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and then bring all of your attention towards your senses. What can you see, hear, smell, taste, feel. Notice the different depths in your senses. The layers of the environment around you. Notice the sounds that are closest. The feel of your body on the earth. What you can see in your depth of field. What are the smells? Be curious as to what you are experiencing and feeling. Become connected with everything that surrounds you. When your mind wanders, notice you’ve become distracted and then gently return your attention to one of your senses to find yourself. Use your breath to stay connected to the moment. You are always here. You are centred and grounded. Continue this practice for at least five minutes.
Mindful Walking
We walk every single day but it’s usually to a destination or for a purpose. Mindful walking is for the experience of walking in itself. We make the intention to be really present and then we can see, hear, feel, and experience more of our environment than we ever do otherwise.
What to do:
Find a time and place that you can go for a short walk in your own time, undisturbed. Set your intention before you begin while taking a few deep breaths. This is a walk to connect to nature and yourself. Walk your route at a slow, easy pace and begin to bring your awareness to what is around you. Begin to notice the sensations that you experience. What can you see, hear, feel. Start to tune into the detail of what surrounds you. Slow everything down and be present with yourself. Notice how things flow around you and how you are part of everything you see.
Move Meditatively
Moving meditatively can take many forms from yoga to dance. Physical movement helps to release stress from the body and embody emotions you are experiencing to help you return to your centre.
What to do:
Choose a form of movement to try.
Find a place outside where you are comfortable and won’t be disturbed.
Centre yourself before beginning by taking a few deep breaths.
When you begin to move, let your body lead you and do so with awareness. You may choose to focus on one part of the body at a time, or your body as a whole.
Become aware of how your body wants to move., Where there is lightness and heaviness. Become aware of your weight through your feet, your arms in the air, your posture
Continue for five minutes and if you feel your mind wander, reconnect to the body and the breath.
To find out more about becoming a Tree Babies Guide click here.
Tree Babies-Our essential resources list for teaching parents and babies in nature
I thought I would share some of my favourite resources from our Tree Babies Guide course to inspire you.
Reading list
Our Tree Babies course covers everything you need to know but I always suggest cultivating a daily practice of learning.
You can order some of these books for deeper reading from Red Lion Books to support an amazing family-run independent bookshop. Send an email copying this list or any of the titles and Jo at Red Lion will send them out to you, [email protected]
Connection
Continuum Concept-Jean Liedoff
Vital Touch-Sharon Heller
Mindfulness
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life in
Ten Minutes a Day by Andy Puddicombe
Four Agreements-Don Miguel Ruiz
Untethered Soul-Michael Alan Singer
The New Earth-Eckart Tolle
Forest bathing and nature practice
The Healing Nature Trail: Forest Bathing for Recovery and Awakening Book by Tamarack Song
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature Book by M. Amos Clifford
Forest Therapy: Seasonal Ways to Embrace Nature for a Happier You Book by Sarah Iven
Other useful resources for Tree Babies classes
Calm app-This is a great way to tie up what you do in sessions with the home practice for parents
Headspace app-This app offers a grounded way to add mindfulness to your day
Insight Timer-A huge range of mediations, mindfulness exercises and much more
To join us as a Tree Babies Guide and join the Tree Babies Revolution, click here
About Blossom & Berry
Blossom & Berry offers expert training, support & resources on baby massage, yoga and parent and baby wellness for professionals & parents across the world.
Blossom & Berry training is designed to give you everything you need to succeed. It gives you a complete teaching practice and mentorship program in a box.
Our training is the most comprehensive teacher training and business package on the market with no restrictions on what you can do and no ongoing licence fees ever.
“I would love to invite you to join my network of over 1000 teachers across the world sharing the benefits of nurturing touch and connection with parents and babies.” Gayle Berry – Master trainer and international expert on baby massage and yoga, founder of Blossom & Berry.
Your success is our success and having a transformational and nurturing experience is key.