On a recent walk, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the beauty of the outdoors. As I descended the muddy track into the mossy bush, I felt the humid air all around me, but the promise of waterfalls and wildlife made the heat bearable. Little did I know, I was about to experience a lesson in mindfulness and hypervigilance that would stay with me long after the walk was over.

The Adventure Begins: Immersed in Nature

As I continued my walk, I found myself crossing streams full of water. The waterfall was full and raging, with water tumbling down rocks and filling the surrounding area with a refreshing mist. The sound of the water was calming, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude to be in the bush, away from the stress of everyday life.

The trail was muddy, but I didn’t mind. In fact, the puddles helped cool my legs as I waded through them, allowing the cool water to provide relief from the heat. The lush, green surroundings filled me with peace and the joy of being outside.

A Refreshing Swim

By the time I reached a small calm pool near the falls, I was ready for a swim. The water was muddy, but cool, the perfect tonic for the warm, humid air. I spent some time floating, listening to the rush of the waterfall and letting myself relax in the moment. It felt incredibly restorative—like I was recharging my body and mind in harmony with the environment around me.

Taking Time to Reflect

At the end of my walk, I took a moment to pause and fill in my nature journal. I reflected on the sights and sounds I had experienced, as well as the physical sensations of being in the bush. I took a few deep breaths and practiced mindfulness, focusing on the present moment.

The Brush Turkey and the Kookaburra: A Lesson in Awareness

During a peaceful lunch, I was still reflecting on my walk when I noticed a brush turkey running around, eagerly eyeing any crumbs that might be left behind. I became so focused on its movements that I lost track of what was going on around me. My attention was drawn to it completely, and every time it scurried near, I couldn’t help but jump in surprise.

Then, in a split second, the true surprise came—out of nowhere, a kookaburra swooped down and snatched the sandwich right out of my hand. I swear I felt the rush of air as its wing brushed against my lips. In the blink of an eye, it had taken off with the entire roll—leaving not even a crumb behind. I screamed in shock, unable to believe what had just happened.

Reflecting on the Experience

In the aftermath, I sat down and reflected in my journal. I had been so focused on the brush turkey that I didn’t notice the kookaburra swooping in. It made me realise how often we get distracted by the small things in life, missing out on the bigger picture.

How often do we focus on one detail, only to overlook other opportunities around us?

Nature was teaching me something important: it’s not always about what’s in front of me, but about being mindful of everything happening around me. The experience with the kookaburra was a reminder that I need to be aware of the present moment, and to not become overly focused on distractions that may pull me away from the full experience of life.

Mindfulness in the Midst of Distractions

This experience raised an interesting question: is it possible to stay mindful in the present moment while being distracted by something else?

As I reflected further, I realised that it’s a delicate balance. We live in a world full of distractions, both large and small. But the true challenge lies in staying present despite these distractions, not allowing them to take us completely out of the moment.

This lesson from nature reminded me that hypervigilance, whether conscious or not, is a part of being human. We are, after all, part of the natural environment. When we are truly tuned in, we can notice more, sense more, and fully engage with everything happening around us. But if we become too fixated on one thing, we risk missing out on the richness of the whole experience.

What Can We Learn From Nature?

So, what was this experience teaching me?

Nature seems to be offering a subtle but powerful message. There’s a balance to be found between focusing on the present moment and staying open to what else might be happening. Taking only what is necessary, whether it’s from nature or in our daily lives, ensures that we don’t become too fixated or too distracted.

Final Reflections: Staying Present

As I thought about the kookaburra’s quick swoop and the brush turkey’s frantic search for crumbs, I realised that the experience was about more than just an unexpected wildlife encounter. It was about how often we, too, get caught up in distractions and lose touch with the present moment.

When we’re distracted, we risk missing out on things, and sometimes, things can be taken away from us without us even realising it. But mindfulness gives us the ability to stay in tune with what’s happening around us, helping us avoid missing valuable opportunities and experiences.

A Call to Action

Next time you venture into nature, or even into the hustle and bustle of daily life, try to stay present and aware of what’s going on around you. And one last piece of advice—just don’t bring a sausage roll! You never know when a hungry kookaburra might swoop in!

Would you like to join me on a walk and talk in my nature-based counselling practice? Let’s explore mindfulness and reflection together, connecting with nature in a way that helps us stay grounded and present. Reach out to learn more!