Dadirri #AtoZChallenge

Almost everyone, with very few exceptions, will agree that Nature has the power to heal. Spending a little time with her is perhaps the best way to connect with the Universe.

Considering how busy life is, always on the run to finish that never-ending to-do list, it is easy to forget the joy of being still, being one with Nature.

We are so fixed on doing, that we skip being.

And of course, who has the time to listen?

I want to show off that I spend time every day in Nature, walking, observing birds and trees and sunsets. But I'd be a liar because, lately, I've allowed myself to get caught up with life's daily dose of stuff that never ends.

Of course, I try my best to be mindful with everything I do, but it is so easy to get swept away in the tide of the day. Before I know it, another day has dawned.

Even after working hours, when I ought to be spending time relaxing with family, I see that I am frantically rushing to meet deadlines, when I'd rather be having conversations or dozing with a book.

There are times when we are so caught up with what we are doing, we postpone catching up with the things that matter.

I recently read about the concept of Dadirri, which means inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness, practised among the Australian Aboriginals.

As a concept it is nothing new, but what's fascinating is how the Aboriginals consciously practice it in an unhurried manner, appreciating and allowing nature to take its course.

Nice reminder. And a timely one.

While I am not sure to what extent we can take time away from our routine to do this, I certainly see Dadirri as a way for some much needed slowing down and mindfully appreciating what is around us. It is a way to be more patient, enjoying the joy in stillness. Deep listening is a way to take a long loving look at what is around us.

It is also a way to strengthen relationships. Imagine a good listener versus someone who's constantly fiddling with their phone and nodding automatically without hearing a word of what you're saying.

We know that mindful listening, without judgment, without criticism, without interruption, ensures being fully present in that moment, allowing us to absorb what the other person is saying with empathy. It helps us to develop an awareness of our inner thoughts, reactions and distractions that often interfere with our listening and learn to let go of them. We learn to be open, ready to receive what the other person is saying.

I think including Dadirri in our daily schedule is a wonderful way to practice easy meditation, while honing our listening skills, and naturally, enjoying the benefits of better connections.

It is easy to practice Dadirri. What you need: How to practice Dadirri

Set aside a little time in the course of your day-even 5 minutes at a time is enough.

Switch off your phone.

Sit comfortably, preferably in a natural environment. Your backyard, a public garden or park, your balcony.

Breathe deeply, calmly.

Become aware of your surroundings. No need to focus on anything.

Listen to the sounds around you.

Be aware of the fragrance

Observe what you see.

Now become aware of yourself in relation to your surroundings.

Can you feel your body in contact with the ground?

Scan your body from top to toe.

How do you feel? Relaxed, tired, happy, anxious?

Don't dwell on the thought.

If you find yourself doing so, bring it back to the present.

Let your mind now focus on a specific sight. A bird? A pillar? The pavement? Flowers? Cloud? Pond? Whatever you can see, without stressing over it.

Or just allow something to find you. A fluttering leaf. The sunshine.

Experience the breeze and its movement.

Feel one with the spot you are in.

Let your warmth blend with it.

Listen to your own heartbeat, your breathing.

Just be still. Quiet. Aware.

Focus on just being.

Quietly listening.

Let Dadirri soothe you, dissolve your worries. Reflect on the current state of your body as you become clearer about yourself and your purpose.

The sense of relaxation and calm following this is amazing. You may want to journal about how you feel-or even write poetry, sketch or just break into song. I do.

The idea is to enjoy the feeling of just being, without cluttering your mind with outcomes and to-dos.

Don't
sneak looks
at your cellphone
or allow yourself to
get distracted

And since we cannot deny that listening is a big part of our lives, here's something to reflect on, in relation to how well you practice deep listening:

• Do you listen deeply to people? How well? How do you know?
• Did you hear any unspoken concerns in what someone said or wrote to you?
• Did you experience a new understanding of the people you spoke with?
• Do you plan to take any action based on what you observed about yourself?

Would love to hear what you think about Dadirri.

Will you practice it? Where?

D for Dadirri

D is also for Do it and Do you want to lower your triglycerides.

Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury