Nature | Wellness

Five Tips for Meditating at Kiawah River

If you call Kiawah River home, there’s a good chance that you’re drawn to water. You may find it calming—taking walks along the river or the edge of the marsh and letting your mind wander and be soothed by the quiet sounds of water. You’re likely settling into a mildly meditative state brought about by the marine environment. So, it follows that you may want to try your hand at purposeful meditating—and we think the bodies of water throughout Kiawah River offer the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Prepare your body with light yoga or exercise. Before you can calm your mind, it might help to calm your body. A few minutes of light yoga or exercise such as walking along the marsh can rid your body of restlessness and set the stage for your mind to follow. 

Get comfortable. Find a calm, quiet spot where you can relax. Sit however you feel best—in a chair with feet on the ground, on the ground cross-legged, or kneeling. Find a position that you can hold easily for the length of your meditation. You may want to bring a shawl or light blanket to sit on or use to wrap around yourself to protect from light winds near the water’s edge. 

Mind your breathing. Paying attention to how you are breathing is a simple way to ease into meditation. Follow your breath as it enters and leaves your body, pay attention to the feeling of air moving through your nose and mouth, and how your belly and chest moves with each breath. As your breathing slows and steadies, your mind will be led into a peaceful, meditative state. 

Don’t pressure yourself. You probably can’t jump into meditating and “get it right” the first time. It takes practice. If you can only get in a few minutes of quiet and steady breathing before you find your mind wandering, that’s a great start! Work your way up to fifteen or twenty minutes of meditating to reap ideal benefits, but don’t judge yourself along the way. 

End mindfully. When you feel you’re at the end of your meditation, slowly open your eyes and take notice of your surroundings. Hear the birds calling to each other, the wind rustling the spartina grass, feel the sea breeze cooling your face. Take a few moments to feel grateful for your peaceful surroundings at Kiawah River.