MINDFUL BIRDING

Enjoy watching birds? Did you know that birdwatching is a gateway to a powerful mindfulness practice? It’s called a “bird sit.”

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A bird sit is like an outdoor meditation with a focus on birds. Bird sits provide similar benefits to mindfulness practices, including relaxation and quiet mind. They also cultivate a deeper bond with the birds around us and reveal the birds’ secret languages.

 

The stillness of a bird sit invites our avian friends to come closer to us because they don't feel afraid. As a result, we experience beautiful intimate moments of their lives and a strong sense of kinship with birds.  

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Birds pay close attention to everything that happens in the landscape because their survival depends on it. They communicate to announce food sources, declare territory, attract a mate, coordinate within a flock, and sound the alarm when danger appears. We can learn to decode their secret language – and quickly – with a little bit of practice. You'll be amazed. 

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Perhaps you have already noticed this subtle conversation:

• Do you feel the ease and peace in your body when the birds are singing?

• Has your body ever picked up on the tension that comes when the birds suddenly go quiet?

• Can you walk down the street without making the birds fly away from you?​​​

Studies show that spending time outside is healthy and nourishing for our bodies and minds. Mindful birding can help reduce stress, sharpen concentration, and improve our well-being.  

 

A study by the University of Michigan concluded that if we connect with nature for at least 20 minutes at a time, 3 times a week, our cortisol levels will be lowered significantly. 

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Mindful birding is the perfect way to enjoy time in nature while both activating your senses and calming your nervous system.