That’s a lovely way to connect. When I’m in a quiet garden, I pause, breathe in slowly with the breeze, and let the rhythm of the wind set my breath. I ground myself to the earth, feel the leaves sway, and let that natural cadence guide the flow of my practice—soft transitions, mindful postures, and a gentle awareness that everything is happening in the present. It reminds me to slow down, be present, and let nature be the teacher.

Yes, I often pair a simple mantra with the leaf rhythm. I choose a short phrase—“I am present” or “stillness breathes” – and repeat it softly as the wind sways. The leaves become a metronome, the mantra anchors my mind, and the breath deepens. It’s a tiny ritual that feels like a lullaby for the soul, and it keeps the practice grounded in the present moment.