Hawaii: Quietly Stirring – Reflections on Nature, Wonder, and Presence

🎧 Episode #58 Hawaii: Quietly Stirring – Reflections on Nature, Wonder, and Presence

Do you struggle to stay present in the moment, even during some of life's most pleasurable experiences?

Do you have a hard time slowing down? Are you multitasking even while on vacation?

Do you wish you had a good technique for re-focusing your attention on mindful breathing throughout the day?

Presence can be hard to come by these days. Being present with our loved ones, our creative projects, our work, our friends, and of course, with ourselves. In this episode, I unpack my wonderful vacation to Oahu, Hawaii, with a deep dive into how the flowers, sea animals, scents, and people inspire and re-energize my energy and commitment to my mindfulness practice. These two weeks of vacation are an important refresh, and the memories I make on these trips come back to me throughout the years, helping me be present for all the facets of my life. 

On the island of Oahu, flowers hang in full bloom like lanterns, and sea turtles glide beneath the waves. In this episode, I reflect on the abundance of life in Hawaii and how it stirs something deep within me – the rainbow shower trees, the fragrant trade winds with hints of plumeria, fruit and coffee, clay and salt air. But it’s the sacred honu (sea turtles) that have captured my heart.

This episode isn’t just about travel, vacations are supposed to be otherworldly and blissful; this is about being present, patient, and observant so that you can hold your experiences in your mind, body and heart for years to come. From being surprised by a sea turtle swimming just inches away from me, to standing under showering blossoms, these days on Oahu felt like blessings, reminding me of the importance of slowing down.

💭Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Nature can be a teacher, a spiritual guide, and a protector. Its ability to help ground us (literally and figuratively) protects us from losing our sense of self, and we learn more about our passions, beliefs, and self-identity when we connect to nature in all its forms.
• Being present with your breath, for example, when engaged in a mindful activity like snorkeling, can serve as a reference point for your mindfulness practice. When your mind wanders during mindful activities such as meditation, you can rein in that "monkey brain" by recalling moments of calm breathing.
• Taking time to immerse yourself in the moment can release a striving state of mind and help us feel satisfied. We experience "enoughness."

Journal Prompts to Recognize and Benefit from Moments of Presence

Here are some journal prompts to guide your reflection and writing about an experience that changed you – an encounter, a book, or a conversation that touched you so deeply that something shifted in you. What was it? Write or reflect on these prompts:

We are looking for balance as we navigate the ebbs and flows of taking action (striving) on the one hand and acceptance and presence of life as it unfolds right now in the moment (on the other hand). We need to hold space for both.

If we aren't present for important experiences, our life can feel like one long quest. We may never get to the promised land. But if we listen, watch, take in, and connect with life’s moments, especially those that connect our minds, bodies, and hearts, we leave ourselves open to the wonders of the world, and we remind ourselves that there is still wonder in this world.

As we stay present, we can enjoy some of life’s most curious observations, things like how symmetry can be found in nature, the spiritual presence of other sentient beings, our connection to one another, and our growing sense of self-belonging. May you find those moments wherever you can, and may they bring you ever closer to the bright side of the beat.🌞

Podcast Music: My thanks to all the musicians who make incredible music and have the courage to put it out into the world. All music and sound effects for my podcast are sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.

Songs in this podcast episode: Con Sazón by In This World; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t

Resources:

The Wilhelmina Tenney Rainbow Shower Tree “The Official Pride Tree of Honolulu”:  https://www.queerhistoriesofhawaii.org/rainbow-shower-tree

Responsible viewing practices for marine wildlife in Hawaii:  https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-life-viewing-guidelines

Related Episodes:

The Art of Deep Rest: Recovering Energy and Purpose Through Stillness (episode #56)

The Art of Belonging: Creating Space for Yourself (episode #43) 

Mindfulness and Moderation: the Power of the Middle Way (episode #35)

The Nature Connection: Finding Peace and Perspective (episode #28)

Journaling Resources

30-Day Journal Challenge (Writing Prompts to Get Started)

Here’s a fun & simple 30-day journal challenge for beginners (or those who need inspiration). Use the daily prompts to rediscover yourself.

Let the Verse FlowJill Hodge

Journaling 101: An Inspirational Guide to Start (or Revive) a Practice

Whether you write, doodle, draw, or keep memorable quotes, journaling uncovers YOU. Let your unconscious mind speak, download my free guide.

Let the Verse FlowJill Hodge

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