Fall into Komorebi, an Ancient Way To Connect with Nature

(read time: 2 min)

Fall, with its breezes rustling the leaves, is a great time to take a one-minute break and watch the effect of sunlight streaming through trees.

YOUR BOOST

To find peace in Komorebi, the effect of sunlight streaming through leaves. Spend at least one minute today being entranced.

This brief mediation allows for an emotional pause and recognition. When the light streams through the rustling leaves you can see the shadows more clearly. Shadows are a natural part of our life. Komorebi asks you to look at the shadows (in the analogy here, dark times) with curiosity, knowing they are temporary. Concurrently, the sun rays stream through, and whether you are aware of this at first or not, those shadows help you to see and appreciate the light (good times) with more clarity and recognition.

I also love this concept so much because there is no English translation. For me that speaks volume about the limitations of language in our hustle-driven culture and how that contributes to the lack of rich descriptors when it comes to mainstream recognition of mental health and wellness.

THE SCIENCE

It is well understood that meditation has powerful benefits even in small doses. But when you combine meditation with being in nature, you spark magic in your brain: the ability to make more neurons and connect in new ways. This is called Neuroplasticity. This rewiring helps you brain to reinforce patterns of peace, and decrease your automatic fight or flight response.

TAKE HOME

The dancing of leaves in the sunlight gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the good and the bad, the dark and the light. Embrace Komorebi today, and reap its benefits for neuroplasticity, emotional regulation and stress reduction.

No shame, no guilt, just more good days.

-Nicole