8-Minute Country Connection

Time needed: 8 minutes (2-3-3 minutes)

Setting: On Country or any land that holds you

Purpose: Deepening relationship with land through respectful presence

Land Acknowledgment (2 minutes)

What: Standing still, feel your feet on ground. Acknowledge whose Country you’re on. Place hand on earth/tree/rock if possible. Say silently or aloud: “I ask permission to be here” and “Thank you for holding me.” Listen for any response from the land.

Notice: How acknowledgment feels in your body, any sense of being welcomed or held, what the land offers back

Why: Shows respect for Traditional Owners, creates reciprocal relationship, opens to land’s wisdom

Listening to Country (3 minutes)

What: Sit or stand quietly. Let your senses receive what Country offers:

- Sounds of birds, wind, water

- Feel of air, sun, earth temperature

- Scents carried on breeze

- Movement of plants, animals, clouds

  Ask “What is this place teaching me?”

Notice: What draws your attention, how Country speaks to you, any messages or feelings arising

Why: Develops relationship beyond human-centered thinking, honors Country’s agency, builds environmental connection

Reciprocal Care (3 minutes)

What: Look for one small way to give back:

- Pick up any litter mindfully

- Send gratitude to the land

- Offer water to thirsty plant

- Share positive intention for this place

- Promise to speak well of this Country

Notice: How giving back feels, what this place needs, your role as visitor or caretaker

Why: Completes reciprocal relationship, honors responsibility to Country, builds ongoing connection

Closing: Place hand on heart, then on ground in thanks

Notice: Changed relationship with this place

Why: Seals respectful connection with Country

Tips:

- Learn whose Country you’re on

- Follow local cultural protocols

- Listen more than you speak

- Return regularly to deepen relationship

- Share respect for Country with others