Performing a sensing exercise outdoors is a great way to relieve stress, reconnect with nature, and become grounded. With so much going on in our daily lives, its easy to become consumed with todo lists and deadlines, often passing by and leaving unnoticed some of the most important things in life and our environment.

To perform a sensing exercise, simply go outside and find a spot to stand or sit. Then focus on each of your senses individually. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? And possibly, what do you taste? (salty ocean air?) In doing this exercise you can ground yourself with the earth and I bet you will notice things you wouldn’t normally notice. You can do this anywhere, any time of year. One of my favorite places that I performed sensing was at the top of an 11,000 ft snow covered peak in Colorado. But I have also done this in Times Square and on the DC Mall.

Here is my lunchtime sensing today -> I see the sun’s rays streaming through green leaves on tall oak trees and bouncing off the rocks below. I hear the locust chirping, counting down the days of summer, and the breeze rhythmically rustling leaves high in the canopy. I feel the dirt beneath my bare feet and the sun warming my back. I smell the moss on the tree bark and the decaying wood on the forest floor. Ah, all is well!

Part of embracing tomorrow’s technology, is being grounded and connected today. With a clearer mind you can tap into your inner creativity more easily and translate that to innovation you can apply today.