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Mindfulness Stop 8

Mindfulness 8 - Shell House Take me here now

Make sure your volume is on: "Mindfulness 8 - Shell House"

Show transcript

The Shell House stands dappled with light and shade, cast by the sun shining through the canopy of leaves on the trees. The trees vary in shape, size and species.

Pick a leaf. It does not matter what type of leaf it is or what it looks like. Any leaf is okay. Next hold the leaf in your hand and let your attention be absorbed by it.

Really look closely at it. Notice the things about its physical characteristics. Turn it over, and around, and follow the patterns and form. Describe it to yourself like you are daydreaming. Notice the colours, textures, and shapes without judging them as bad or good, unpleasant or pleasant. Resist any urge to think about or assess the leaf. Simply observe it for what it is.

Do this mindfulness exercise for as long as you can. Every time you notice your mind has wandered, simply draw it back to the exercise with gentleness. Aim for observing the leaf for a few minutes without your mind wandering…

You can also use this exercise any time you are out with any object or scene. So lets just draw our attention to the the Shell House in the same mindful way as we did the leaf.

Look at how it stands. Walk around it. Take in its detail. What materials is it made of and held together with? Can you see the stones, flint and shells? Look at the colours and markings in the stones and shells. Take in all its characteristics. Look at the arches of the doorways. Look at what it holds inside.

Take some time investigating, being in the present moment. Look at all its patterns and forms, describe it to yourself as if you are daydreaming. Try not to assess it, just simply observe it for what it is. Every time you notice your mind wandering, simply draw it back to looking at the Shell House with gentleness.

This eigth stop is at the small 'Shell House' folly built under the trees on the path between the lake and the entrance. When you are ready, press the play button on this page. 

When you have finished here, continue up the hill and then turn left to find the viewiing platform overlooking the valley and the lake. 

This page is part of MINDFULNESS