5-Minute Nature Connection Pause

Time needed: 5 minutes (90-90-120 seconds)

Setting: Garden/park/any green space

Purpose: Building mindful relationship with nearby nature

1. Sensory Nature Greeting (90 seconds)

What: Standing/sitting in green space:

- Feel air/breeze on skin

- Notice three different shades of green

- Touch different plant textures

- Listen for closest and furthest nature sounds

- Breathe in natural scents

Notice: Which sense awakens you most to nature, how body responds to green space, what draws you in

Why: Activates sensory awareness, builds nature connection, positive emotion of awe is engaged

2. Small Wonders (90 seconds)

What: Choose tiny area (30cm square) to explore:

- Find something surprisingly beautiful

- Notice tiny movements (insects, leaves)

- Observe patterns in nature

- Discover something you've never seen before

Notice: How focused attention reveals details, what exists in miniature, where life thrives

Why: Develops micro-awareness, encourages curiosity, reveals natural complexity, positive emotion of awe is engaged

3. Nature Conversation (120 seconds)

What: Engage with one natural element:

- Watch how one leaf moves in breeze

- Study growth pattern of plant/tree

- Follow path of insect/bird

- Observe changes in light/shadow

Notice: Rhythms in nature, what nature might be expressing, how you respond to natural wisdom

Why: Deepens nature relationship, reduces human-centered thinking, builds environmental awareness, positive emotion of awe is engaged