The Art of Mindfulness

Written by xoamys

To me the smell of fresh coffee is one the great inventions of the world, but to drink it in the wilderness is an entirely new experience…

It’s one of those mornings, where the magical snow-dusted countryside shows what Finland or being finnish is all about. I’ve let my worries melt away in the sauna and allowed the comforting calmness of the nature to do its wonders. Getting away from the city allows me to connect with the natural world and the less I get off this, the more dimmer I feel. Our early morning began with a beautiful frothy cappuccino on the frosty lake with an arctic green smoothie bowl full of berries. With the low temperature, the berries almost tasted like candy as they cooled down and become a bit harder. Not a bad way to start the day, I would say!

Nature reminds us that we are part of a large world that is charged with mystery, hidden beauty and wonders to be discovered. I love the crisp dry air that is crackling with energy, the life that you find hidden if you look closely and the actual feeling you get that cannot match with any manmade creation. A person who spends time in nature can vouch for the effects it has on the mind, body and soul. It’s called freedom.

Apparently people living in the Nordic countries belong to one of the happiest in the world because of their close relationship to nature that has given them an appreciation for a healthy ecological lifestyle. The Nordic way of life has an understanding for authenticity and seeing the beauty around us that correlates to a happier healthier lifestyle.

There is so much magic to these snow coated trees. The intensity to the whiteness almost gives you slight blindness, but makes you appreciate the brightness so much more because of the darker season amongst us. This moment with my hubby on the lake with my cozy sweater, hot mug and fur hat in absolute silence is what the countryside is all about.

Through photography, I’ve learned to become for mindful. Many can say, it’s such a cliché word that often gets thrown around too easily. But practicing mindfulness has heightened my awareness as I wait for the perfect moment to be captured. This allows me to be present and aware of the moment without distractions. Practicing to do so, has given me the art of discovering a whole new world and taking in the surroundings, the real surroundings. My mind is purely focused on what I see and not thinking about my responsibilities and this gives a great sense of peace and a respect towards nature.