RESOURCES

The practice of a sit spot has been deeply transformative for Johanna and is one of the simplest ways to build a meaningful relationship with the natural world. A sit spot is the practice of returning regularly to the same outdoor place to sit quietly and observe nature over time. This simple ritual can reduce stress, calm the mind, support physical wellbeing, and deepen awareness of local wildlife, seasonal changes, and the rhythms of the natural world.

This is my deck, my sit spot, seen from above in May. I live on an old shipping pier in Philadelphia.

Lunar and solar gravity pulls the ocean water towards them as the earth rotates. I watch the crest and trough of these water waves create the tides on the river.

Framed by the neighboring pier’s upper steel girders, cloud gazing becomes like watching a film. Or tracking a single cloud becomes a reflection on wind speed and time.

Seagulls are year round residents. Several birds were perched on an upper pier balcony. They flew very close to the building as they landed. I didn’t realize that birds use their tail feathers like a rudder and air brake. Mostly I notice their squawking calls.

Seen here still with their tags attached are two evergreens I acquired a few years ago. Evergreens are the only trees that can survive in a container and withstand my deck’s southern sun exposure. Surrounded by water and the sounds of traffic on I-95, I pine for green.

Coral was “rescued” and gifted to me by a neighbor who knows I love Japanese maples. We sat together while she struggled through the transition and the sun. I grieved her passing.

I am afraid of spiders and there are so many on my deck. I had no idea that an average spider can make an orb web like this in under an hour. The webs are amazingly intricate. I will most likely still remove them. This is a coexisting conundrum for me.

Why can’t I get rid of these weeds? Didn’t I just vigorously rip them out? Yet they return…and...bring the bees! I will not interfere again. Coexistence.

While I live on the water, getting water to my deck is a chore. My intermittent watering strategy is not in sync with the needs of these beauties. The bees like the heartier lavender best anyway.

For a remote walk on Sunday April 6, I stayed on my deck. Pleasures of Presence was with a being and I left my being, a shell, outside. A scratch and sniff invitation was delightful with a pansy.

A mallard. On a recent windy day, a downy feather stuck to the deck.

With snow and ducks from above, January.

Creating a sit spot practice is simple. Choose a place that is easy to visit regularly, such as a backyard, garden, local park, or even a view from a window. Spend a few minutes sitting quietly without distractions, allowing your senses to notice the sights, sounds, and scents around you. Gradually increase your time until you are spending about 20 minutes a day in your spot. Over time, you may begin to notice subtle changes in weather, wildlife, and the seasons, deepening your connection with the natural world.