Mindfulness in Bird Watching

Meditations on Nature & Freedom

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Pub Date 5 Nov 2024 | Archive Date 22 Nov 2024

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Description

"In Mindfulness in Bird Watching, Claire Thompson elegantly weaves a narrative full of her own delightfully documented encounters with birds in amongst sage guidance on using mindfulness to help readers become deeply aware of the present moment. Following Claire's clearly described exercises has the potential to lead one from mere identification to making deeply insightful observations into the life of birds." – British Trust of Ornithology

Through personal anecdote and expert insight, Claire Thompson of BirdLife International invites us on a mindful journey through gardens, cities, open country, forests, coasts and mountains to enjoy and learn from the magnificent beauty and diversity of the avian world.

Who has never gazed enviously at a bird soaring through the sky? Or delighted in the uplifting tunes of nature’s songsters? Birds can do wonders for our hearts and minds – if we simply pay them attention. With Mindfulness in Bird Watching, Claire Thompson reveals how the practice of mindfulness enriches our bird watching experiences – and explores how birds are, in turn, the ideal inspiration for the practice of mindfulness.

Enjoy the magnificent diversity of colours, songs, flight patterns and behaviours displayed by birds while reaping the benefits of mindfulness:

  • Increased concentration
  • Increased creativity
  • Increased vitality
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Better overall physical and emotional well-being
  • Better sleep

Bird flight is a symbol of freedom to soar through life without constraint, and mindfulness similarly enables us to invite freedom and happiness into our own lives.

Find even more ways to practice mindfulness with the Mindfulness series: Mindfulness in Sound, Mindfulness in Drawing, Mindfulness in Knitting, Mindfulness & the Journey of Bereavement, Mindfulness of Work, Art of Mindful Singing, Art of Mindful Crafting, Mindfulness and Compassion, Mindfulness for Black Dogs & Blue Days, Mindfulness for Unraveling Anxiety, Practice of Mindful Yoga, The Mindful Man, Mindfulness and the Natural World and more.

"In Mindfulness in Bird Watching, Claire Thompson elegantly weaves a narrative full of her own delightfully documented encounters with birds in amongst sage guidance on using mindfulness to help...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9780711298743
PRICE US$15.00 (USD)
PAGES 144

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Average rating from 9 members


Featured Reviews

"Mindfulness in Birdwatching: Meditations on Nature and Freedom" by Claire Tompson is a gentle reminder of the beauty of birds and our deep connection to the natural world. This wonderful book made me realize that I have been birdwatching unconsciously for much of my life. As Claire notes, "Birds are excellent reminders of the passing of time and daily teachers of the impermanence of life," making birdwatching a profound source of wisdom for us all.

While the book offers moments of deep reflection, Claire guides us toward mindfulness in the simplest ways—by stepping into our back gardens, strolling through local parks, or simply watching from our windowsills. It’s a fabulous read for anyone feeling lost amid the noise of social media and online distractions. I highly recommend it as a meaningful Christmas gift for a dear friend or loved one seeking solace in nature’s quiet moments.

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This is a wonderful little read that really shows the benefits of being out in nature and taking time to watch the wildlife. I'm a recent convert to bird watching and this book really helps sum up the good that it does our mind and souls to take the time away from screens and to get out in nature and enjoy the free show nature puts on for us!

This book is beautifully written and would appeal to birdwatchers new and old, as well as anyone looking for a new hobby or way to get some mindfulness in their life. From just looking out of the window to see birds in the back garden, going to the park and birdwatching there or travelling further afield to the coast or nature reserve, the author has a few handy hints on how connecting with nature in this way is so beneficial. Even just listening to the birdsong has a positive effect on a person and this book shines a light perfectly on ways to enjoy the world of birdwatching, along with some helpful mindful exercises to follow.

I found it to be a very calm and peaceful book, and it's a wonderful way to get us connected back to nature seeing as modern life has so many people disconnected from the natural world nowadays. highly recommended!

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Mindfulness in Birdwatching: Meditations on Nature and Freedom" by Claire Tompson was a lovely book. I watch birds, and find myself learning more every day and each season. I've realized, though, that by slowing down, taking everything in, and watching the birds interact brings so much more to the act. I struggle with meditation, but this book taught me that meditation is sometimes being mindful, being aware of the beauty of the world around you, and our own connection to each other and other species.

This will be a great gift as well, for anyone in your life that either loves birdwatching, or anyone that needs a bit of peace in their life.

#QuartoPublishing #NetGalley #BirdWatching #MindfulnessInBirdWatching #ClaireThompson

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A gentle reminder and guide to mindfulness and thinking about the natural world. I loved this book, similar to others in the series about findings mindfulness in ways that you wouldn't have. I enjoyed reading this book and found lots of good tidbits I applied to my life.

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Review coming soon!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Opinions are mine.

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