Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao Tzu

Nature does nothing in vain.
Aristotle

Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.
William Wordsworth

Meditation can mean a million possibilities depending on where you live , your Philosophy and many other ideas. The process can either be personal , guided or with a group in any position or length of time. The english root of the word comes from the Latin and French word meditacioun and meditacion. The word conveys the ideas thought, reflection, study and think over, consider. Interesting how a French Monk Guigo II in his religious works Jacobs Ladder the word meditation is used in connection with Prayer and higher consciousness. http://faithandenterprise.org/lectio-divina-and-guigos-ladder-for-monks describes following:

Lectio Divina’s Four Steps

Guigo’s four steps can be understood as follows:

Reading (Lectio): The passage of scripture is read in its literal or natural sense, without applying theological or historical presuppositions.

Meditating (Meditatio): By meditation, Guigo meant to ponder the passage and consider its lessons and meaning for our lives.  This is different from what we usually think of as meditation and is a more analytical process.  The analysis is not, however, focused on issues of historicity or dogma but rather on the meaning of the passage for the participant.

Prayer (Oratio): In this step, we set aside the analysis and the cognitive activity of the second step and turn to God in prayer.  Ideally the second stage will have informed our prayer in some manner, leading us to ask for guidance, resolution, or perhaps something else.  By turning our attention towards God, and listening, this step also prepares us for the final stage.

Contemplation (Contemplatio): In this stage we let go of all thoughts and images and just rest in God.

There are many other historical references to meditation and the most famous in the west is Buddhist. In essence meditation practices have been around for thousands of years and it has been an international practice.

Today in this technological society it is emerging a new practice for many even Lady Gaga the extravagant Pop star embraces a form of it. I endeavour to use different types of meditation in my life through out the week. One type I really benefit from what I call Nature meditation.

How I Practice it

1 Find a comfortable chair with the ability of watching and observing nature.

2 Focus all your attention on what you can see and remove all distracting thoughts.

3 Let the mind soak in all the sounds , sights , smells and sensations with no judgements.

5 After 10 or more minutes ask yourself a few questions

What can I see

What can I learn?

What does this experience teach me?

Here are a few lessons I have learnt during these splendid opportunities

I was watching the sky with white fluffy clouds passing by during a sunny day. At times the clouds would block the sun then after a while the sun will shine again on my face with radiant warmth. The lesson I learnt in our world we have cloudy or dull days but the constant inner joy of our sun will radiate when then the challenges or stresses float by. The real joy we have is a constant sun from our heart but challenges like clouds stop the the inner joy shinning out just temporarily.

Another occasion I was watching the birds , observing the trees and thinking of all natures wonders. Not one of them was asking anything from me as a spectator. The trees give us clean oxygen , fruit and wood but what do I give back in return. Nature for thousands of years like a caring mother looks after the sons and daughter of earth. The lesson what do I give back to society not asking for anything back in return. Being in touch with nature can revive the soul to live a refreshing life away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.