Finding Your Still Point: How Nature Can Help You Ground and Center
Words by Brieann Powell, Balanced Rock Program Support Coordinator & Outreach Associate
In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of stillness can feel like a luxury.
Between work, family obligations, and the constant stream of information, it’s easy to feel disconnected from ourselves. Yet, in the quietude of our own being lies a powerful place of clarity and peace—a place that many yogis refer to as the "still point."
The still point is that calm, centered space where the mind is quiet, the breath is steady, and the body is grounded. It’s the moment when we feel deeply connected to the present, to ourselves, and to the universe around us. We cultivate the still point through mindful practice—through breath, movement, and awareness. But what if we could take our practice beyond the mat and use the world around us to deepen our sense of stillness?
This is where nature comes in.
Nature: The Ultimate Reflection of Stillness
The natural world is inherently peaceful and often provides the perfect environment to experience stillness. Whether you’re sitting beneath a towering oak tree, gazing at the vastness of the ocean, or simply standing barefoot on the earth, nature offers a quiet presence that can help us tune into our own internal still point. The elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—are all in constant motion, yet they each embody a deep, unspoken balance that invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
When we step outside and immerse ourselves in nature, we align with a larger rhythm that’s already in place. The wind doesn’t rush; the tides don’t hurry. Each element exists in its own flow, and we too can tap into this natural ebb and flow to help still our minds and center our hearts.
How to Find Your Still Point in Nature
If you want to bring a greater sense of stillness into your practice by connecting with nature, here are some simple ways to do it…
Breathe with the Wind
Take a moment to step outside and find a place where you can feel the breeze on your skin. Stand still and breathe in deeply through your nose, filling your lungs as the wind moves around you. On the exhale, let go of any tension or stress, imagining the wind carrying it away. As you continue to breathe slowly and deeply, notice how the rhythm of your breath begins to mirror the natural flow of the air around you. Allow the wind to help calm your nervous system, grounding you in the present moment.
Embrace the Ground Beneath You
Sometimes the most powerful practice is simply standing still. Stand or sit on the earth, whether it’s grass, dirt, or sand, and close your eyes. With each inhale, imagine the earth below you offering its support, and with each exhale, release any unnecessary tension into the ground. This is the foundation of grounding poses in yoga—feeling the earth beneath you as a steady, unwavering presence. When we connect to the ground, we cultivate a deeper sense of stability and presence.
“The still point is that calm, centered space where the mind is quiet, the breath is steady, and the body is grounded. It’s the moment when we feel deeply connected to the present, to ourselves, and to the universe around us.”
Listen to the Sounds of Nature
Another way to access your still point is by tuning into the sounds of nature. Whether it’s the rustling of leaves in the trees, the chirping of birds, or the gentle sound of water flowing nearby, nature’s soundtrack can help us slow down and become present. Sit or stand in a comfortable position and simply listen. As you do, let go of any mental chatter or distractions. Focus entirely on the sounds around you, allowing them to guide you into a meditative state. This practice of mindful listening can help you reconnect with your breath and your body.
Gaze at the Horizon
Find a quiet place where you can gaze at the horizon—whether it’s the vast sky, a mountain range, or the endless ocean. Allow your eyes to soften as you look out into the distance. This long, soft gaze allows you to feel a sense of spaciousness in your mind and body. Bringing our attention to a single point, helps us maintain balance and stillness. Gaze at the horizon as a way of expanding your awareness outward, while simultaneously feeling more grounded and centered in your body.
Move with the Flow of Water
Water has a unique way of teaching us about the still point. It is ever-changing, yet always at peace in its own rhythm. If you’re near a body of water—whether a river, lake, or ocean—take a moment to sit by its edge and simply observe its flow. If you feel moved to, practice a few slow, flowing yoga poses near the water, mimicking its fluid movement. As you move with intention, notice how the water moves in its own time, undisturbed by the world around it. Allow this natural flow to guide your practice, helping you find ease and grace in your own movement.
“When we step outside and immerse ourselves in nature, we align with a larger rhythm that’s already in place. The wind doesn’t rush; the tides don’t hurry. Each element exists in its own flow, and we too can tap into this natural ebb and flow to help still our minds and center our hearts.”
Photo by Fred Pompermayer
Taking the Still Point Back to Your Practice
Once you've connected with nature and experienced that sense of stillness, bring that calm energy back to your mat. Whether you’re practicing yoga indoors or outdoors, you can carry the tranquility and clarity of your natural surroundings with you. Begin your practice by taking a few deep breaths, visualizing the grounding force of the earth and the flow of nature’s elements. As you move through your practice, try to maintain the same sense of presence you felt in nature, holding each pose with mindfulness and grace.
In yoga, stillness doesn’t necessarily mean being motionless. Instead, it’s about finding peace and presence amidst the ebb and flow of life. Nature is a perfect reminder that stillness is not the absence of motion but the presence of balance. Whether you’re practicing on the mat or in the great outdoors, nature can be a profound teacher in helping you connect with your inner still point.
So, next time you feel overwhelmed or disconnected, step outside and let nature guide you back to yourself. The wind, the earth, the water, and the sky are always here, offering a steady, unshakeable peace. All you need to do is stop, breathe, and listen. •••
MEET BRIEANN
Program Support Coordinator & Outreach Associate • Licensed Massage Therapist • Proud Mama • Sustainable Homesteader
Brieann is a fourth generation Californian that learned her love of the Sierra and wild places from her parents and grandparents before her. As a kid, Brieann loved all things that involved nature and movement and was backpacking the sierras, waterskiing the reservoirs and skiing the Sierra by the age of 5. This time of growth in the Sierra, and freedom of recreation, gave her a deep love and reverence for the natural world.
After pushing the boundaries of her body and experiencing multiple serious injuries, Brieann turned toward Eastern medicine and natural supportive therapies to achieve healing. Following this path, Brieann studied Massage Therapy at the Touch Therapy Institute in Los Angeles, CA. She became a Certified Massage Therapist in 1998,and has enjoyed 25 years of helping others find holistic health and balance in their lives. Supporting others on their nature and wellness journey holds a special place in Brieann’s heart and gives her hope for health and humanity in the future.
Currently, Brieann lives with her husband and two children on their off the grid, solar-powered sustainable homestead in Mariposa, and passionately advocates for all things free and wild.