Find Your Still Point: How to Create a Sit Spot Experience with Biophilic Design
How can we create a sacred space for stillness?
I have been researching all aspects of Green and Sustainable Design for years and recently wanted to do the Biophilic certification course but due to time constraints, it isn’t possible for me. What I did learn while in the class was the concept of a “Sit Spot” technique. It was an interactive experience where we did a forest therapy walk with a group and shared our experiences. While meditating in nature is something I have done for decades, it was a pleasant experience to do it in a group setting.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a moment of quiet connection with nature is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to bring this experience into your daily life is by creating a “Sit Spot.” Rooted in nature observation and mindfulness practices, a Sit Spot is a designated place where you pause, sit quietly, and allow your senses to attune to the natural world.
When integrated with biophilic design principles—those that emphasize a human connection to nature—this practice becomes even more potent. Whether you live in a city apartment, or a home surrounded by trees, designing a Sit Spot can help restore balance, creativity, and inner calm.
This “forest bathing” or “Shinrin-yoku translates literally to “taking in the forest atmosphere”. It was developed in Japan in the 1980s as part of a national health program to counteract the stress of urban living. It involves walking slowly and mindfully through a forest, engaging all the senses to absorb the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural environment.
What is a Sit Spot?
A Sit Spot is a place to simply be. It’s where you return regularly to observe the rhythms of nature—birds, weather patterns, wind, light, and even your own breath. While traditionally practiced outdoors, biophilic design allows us to bring this tradition into our indoor environments by weaving in natural textures, elements, and sensory cues.
Why Biophilic Design Supports a Sit Spot Practice
Biophilic design isn’t just about bringing plants indoors. It’s about reawakening our senses to the natural world by incorporating organic materials, earthy tones, natural lighting, and patterns found in nature. This design approach fosters wellness, grounding, and a sense of belonging which is perfect for Sit Spot creation.
Benefits of combining Sit Spots with biophilic design:
Boosts mental clarity and focus.
Encourages nervous system regulation.
Supports creativity and emotional healing.
Fosters daily moments of mindfulness.
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