Looking at beauty in the world is
the first step of purifying the mind
- Amit Ray

Suggested Invitation for Day 4

Nature Museum

On the way to your Sit Spot today, or when you get there, pick up a natural object that draws your attention, although ideally try not to disturb or pick anything living. Sit in your Sit Spot for a few minutes and take in your surroundings. Tune into your breathing for a few minutes. Take a long, deep breath in through your nose, and then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this cycle of breathing 6 to 8 times, focusing on the pause between each inhalation and exhalation.

Then take a few minutes to explore your natural object, noticing its qualities. What about it drew your attention? How does it feel? Is it rough or smooth? Warm or cold? Pinecones often still feel quite warm even in winter. Does it make any noise if you shake it? How does it smell? You can try tasting it if you wish and think that it is safe to do so.

Continue examining your object with all your senses for as long as you wish and then just sit and ‘be’. Practice your Sit Spot Sensory Inventory and when thoughts arise, gently bring yourself back to your senses; to the sounds, sights, smells, and feel of your surroundings.

So long as there is no apparent reason not to, if you wish to take the natural object home with you and start a nature museum of beautiful things, feel free to do so.