By Samantha Brintnall

As a child, I can remember staring all the way up the trunk of a tree, gazing at the leaves and branches of the gigantic oak in my parents’ front yard. I vividly remember knocking on the tree trying to listen for any fairies scurrying around as I woke them to play. Some of my best memories from childhood are moments like these, so when I discovered the fairy houses at the Lavender Farm, nostalgia flooded me in every direction. Immediately I was drawn back to childhood when things were less stressful and a carefree attitude seeped into each and every day.

Nowadays, for many of us, reaching a place where we feel no stress can be difficult. Meditation is one way we can try.

But, I can’t meditate…

For many, sitting in a cross-legged position for any amount of time is uncomfortable, difficult for focusing, and simply not conducive to what the body and mind need. Or, your inner voice deters you from trying, or succeeding: I can’t focus, I don’t have the time…and anything else you can think of as an excuse.

Guess what? That’s okay, it’s perfectly normal. We’re human and have good and bad days; the key is finding what works for you and sticking with the practice. Some days you might notice that meditation comes easier, you have more focus, and the “monkey mind” is a bit more still.

Start small. As little as 5 minutes in the morning can rearrange the course of the day and get your mind feeling its best to take on anything thrown at you. Mindfulness, simply put, is about present-moment awareness. That means coming back each and every time you notice the mind drifting or thoughts becoming intense during meditation.

Mindfulness and meditation are also scientifically proven to have positive effects on the brain. Studies done by some of the biggest hospitals and most prolific doctors have indicated that consecutive meditation can increase gray matter density in the hippocampus, the part of the brain from where learning and memory stem. It has also been shown to increase blood flow, make improvements in cognitive awareness, and decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. With practice, meditation can become part of your everyday routine and you can heal the mind, body, and soul from the inside.

Combating screens, at any age

We live in a world where screen time is consuming the lives of adults and children alike. It is changing how children interact with one another, interfering with sleep and affecting behavioral and academic performance. It can stunt development and leaves children more susceptible to unhealthy lifestyles.

Enter nature

For children, being in nature stimulates the brain and its “feel good” hormones. Spending time outside produces oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin all of which are key in reducing stress, building resilience, and promoting an overall happier sense of well-being. Encouraging play and outside time with children teaches them to self-soothe because as the chemicals in the brain are released, the way children respond and react to situations changes. Not only do these benefits happen to the mind and brain, but their bodies also benefit. Children who spend more time outside are less likely to face obesity, and it reduces the likelihood of many chronic diseases. Vitamin D from the sun strengthens muscles, and bones and builds better respiratory health.

Being curious and playful - no matter how old

Most adults tend to lose their sense of playfulness and curiosity as they get older because without a doubt, life is hard. It seems the older we get, the more we settle into routine and rarely think out of the box. When adults regain their sense of childlike mentality it transforms the way they see the world and how they show up for it. With this attitude, we can witness our thoughts without judgment or labeling. Practicing kindness towards yourself can neurologically retrain the mind and can alter the way you think about the outside world and yourself.

Using the Farm as a balm

Walking the fields at the Lavender Farm, you can look for fairie houses all over and make up your own fables as you enjoy the journey. Small children are delighted by seeing the tiny creations and adults just the same take part in the joy the simplicity brings. As you continue to walk, you smell the Lavender, look at the color of the plants, and the sky above, and in those very moments, you are meditating. Walking or movement of any kind can be meditation and is just as effective as sitting for an hour as you chant or hum. As the weather grows warmer and days have more light, there are so many opportunities throughout the day to get outside. Each and every time you feel the mind wander, or the restlessness of thoughts emerge, come back to the breath. Even if it's moment to moment, you only need one breath at a time to bring your awareness back.

We’re open 10-4 daily (M-S) and noon-4pm on Sundays. Come visit, even if to just take in the crisp spring air.

Samantha grew up on Cape Cod and works at the Lavender Farm. Sam is a trauma-informed yoga teacher, advocate for holistic healing, and a mom to a 9 & 7-year-old.

Meditation, Imagination, & Nature