Mindfulness in Icelandic nature

Mindfulness can feel like work in a busy life. In Iceland it tends to arrive on its own. The scale and stillness of the landscape pull your attention into the present without any effort, and a few simple habits help it land. Here is how to let Icelandic nature do the quieting for you.

Let scale settle you

There is a particular calm that comes from standing in a very large, very quiet place. A wide fjord, a black beach, a steaming valley, these landscapes are big enough to quiet the inner chatter. You do not need a technique, only to stop, look, and let the size of it land.

Use the water as an anchor

A warm soak is one of the easiest ways into presence. Sink into the Reykjadalur hot river after the walk in, or the quiet tidal pools of Hvammsvík, and let the warmth and the sound of moving water draw your attention to the body and the breath.

A few simple practices

• Walk slowly and notice, the light, the wind, the ground underfoot, with no destination in mind.
• Breathe with the cold air, long calm exhales settle the body quickly outdoors.
• Sit by water for ten quiet minutes, a warm pool, a waterfall, the sea.
• Leave the phone behind so nothing competes for your attention.

Even the wild eastern highlands play their part, the warm waterfall at Laugarvellir rewards a long quiet pause.

Icelandic nature does not ask you to focus, it simply makes the present moment impossible to ignore.

Want to go further? Read a digital detox in Iceland and try the calm of sea bathing and cold plunge.