Pockets of Presence: Somatic Practices in Nature
Summer is a great time to find pockets of presence in nature. Longer days, warmer temperatures, and abundant greenery make it easier to slow down and notice what's happening within us—when we step away from the noise of our daily routines and return to the stillness that nature offers.
Nature is perhaps the most supportive environment for somatic practices. After all, we are nature. When we spend time outside, we're not just stepping into the woods, or a park, or our backyard—we're returning home to something our body recognizes as deeply familiar.
But many of us have become disconnected from this sense of home. The demands of modern life—busy schedules, indoor living, constant stimulation from digital devices—have made it easy to forget that the earth is not just a place we visit. It’s a place that holds us, restores us, and gently reminds us how to be.
The good news is that we don’t need to disappear into the forest for a week to receive these benefits. Even a few moments in nature—five or ten minutes—can begin to unwind the tension in our systems.
Here are some simple somatic practices you can try the next time you’re outside. No need to try all of them in one sitting. Simply choose one or two that resonate, and begin there.
Ground
Stand or walk barefoot if it’s safe to do so.
Feel the texture and temperature of the earth beneath your feet.
If that’s not possible, try sitting or lying down on the ground or on a blanket.
Allow your body to be fully supported by the earth underneath you.
Notice the physical sensation of gravity, of being held.
You may also sense the subtle energetic support of the earth—nourishing, calming, stabilizing.
Consider placing a hand on the ground and notice what it’s like to connect in that way.
Let the earth support you. There’s nothing else you need to do.
Listen
Close your eyes or soften your gaze and bring your full attention to sound.
What natural sounds do you hear? Birds, rustling leaves, buzzing insects?
Try not to label or analyze—just receive. Let the sounds move through you like waves.
Notice if your body starts to shift or settle as you listen with curiosity.
Notice the layers: What’s closest? What’s farthest away? Are there any patterns or rhythms?
If you feel comfortable, you might try gently humming in response to what you hear—letting your body join the symphony around you.
Notice how it feels to be part of the soundscape, not just an observer.
Gaze
Gaze softly into the distance.
Allow your eyes to rest on the horizon or scan the landscape without focusing on anything in particular.
This relaxed way of seeing can help cue the nervous system into a state of safety and openness.
Slowly turn in a circle, taking in the full panorama around you.
What colors draw your attention?
Are there any particular plants, animals, or tiny details that surprise or delight you?
Feel the Air
Whether there’s a breeze or stillness, notice the air on your skin.
Where do you feel it most?
On your arms, your cheeks, the back of your neck?
Tune in to the boundary between your body and the world around you.
Where do you end and where does the air begin?
Let yourself linger in that space of meeting—skin meeting breeze, inner meeting outer.
You could also use your breath here: Take a few slow inhales through your nose, and even slower exhales out your mouth.
Imagine your breath itself as part of the environment, flowing through you.
Touch and Smell
Gently run your fingers along leaves, bark, blades of grass—notice textures, temperatures, sensations.
Bring a flower or herb close to your nose and inhale its scent.
Engaging the senses in this way helps anchor your awareness in the present moment.
You’re not just in nature—you’re in relationship with it.
A Gentle Reminder
There’s no right or wrong way to do any of this. Somatic practice in nature isn’t about forcing yourself to feel relaxed or "getting it right." It’s about reconnecting—little by little—to a pace, rhythm, and presence that your body deeply recognizes.
You may notice subtle shifts right away: your shoulders drop, your breath slows, your thoughts quiet. Or you may simply feel more aware of how much tension you’ve been holding. Either way, it's valuable to notice.
Let nature co-regulate with you. Let it remind you that rest is natural, presence is available, and you are always welcome here.
A Seasonal Somatic Invitation
As you move through the rest of your summer, I invite you to create small rituals of returning to nature. Let a morning walk become a grounding practice. Let an afternoon pause under a tree be a moment of recalibration. These moments don’t have to be long or elaborate to be meaningful.
Your body, like the earth, knows how to come back to balance. Sometimes it just needs a little quiet, a little space, and a little sunlight to get started.
And while summer offers an especially easy entry point, know that nature is available to you in every season. There’s beauty, stillness, and supportive presence to be found in the crisp air of fall, the stark quiet of winter, and the blossoming energy of spring. Each season brings its own medicine—waiting for you to receive it.
With Care,
Lindsay
If you’d like to deepen your connection with your body and dive deeper into guided somatic work, I’d love to support you. I offer somatic coaching designed to help you reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom, so you can experience more ease, grounding, and presence in your daily life. If you feel called, you’re welcome to schedule a free discovery call. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Remember: This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.