What is mindfulness in nature?
Practicing mindfulness in nature blends two wonderful and well-studied areas: mindfulness and nature connection. Both have many overlapping physical and mental health benefits, such as stress reduction, nervous system regulation, better ability to handle difficulties, and an increase in feelings of well-being. Combining these two areas allows for greater richness and depth of practice: learning to be mindful helps you deepen your enjoyment and connection with nature, and being in nature helps mindfulness become more effortless and offers variety, and so helps support your mindfulness practice.
Since early 2017, I have led free mindfulness in nature hikes in the Austin area. Once the pandemic eases and it is safer to meet up in groups, I hope to resume offering these once again.
Here’s what people have said about my mindfulness in nature hikes and walks:
“I really enjoyed our mindfulness outing this morning. It gave me greater appreciation for the stillness that comes with winter, especially as I embraced the dormant plants and trees.” – Sally
“Great outing! I really enjoyed the QiGong. Never tried it before. Perfect setting to do it too. Also was the perfect mix of mindful walking, QiGong and ‘solo’ reflection time for me. All on a perfect brisk, sunny day.” – Michael
“I am forever grateful for this experience.” – T.
“It was a very enjoyable, meditative event which included walking and resting in a silent, stay-in-the-present contemplation exercise.Thank you so much for all of your time, effort, and love you put into making these wonderful mindfulness adventures available to all of us!” – Ron
“Thanks for another great event! Each time I learn more about mindfulness and nature connection and my own brain! You gave me some new (to me) mental tools for dealing with hardship. And we had such an interesting combination of people!” – Mikael
“I enjoyed the (Mindfulness in Nature walk) very much, and it gave me some insight into why I’ve been feeling stressed.” – B.
“We enjoyed it immensely. Always feels so good to get out in nature. Thank you for leading the group!” – Esther
“It was wonderful and very thought-provoking!” – Ruthann
“I really love this group and feel so centered and balanced and calm at the end of it. Wonderful time spent with nature and like-minded people. I love the mix of solitary and group discussions. ” – Ellen
“I have been looking for something like this (mindfulness in nature outing) for a very long time. It was exactly what I was hoping for and exactly what I need.” – E.
“I loved my time spent in nature and discussing the mindfulness of it all with y'all. The (sometimes) light rain made it that much more special. I'll never ever forget my little spider buddy.” – Jeannie
“A delightful time in a beautiful place with great people.” – Gayle
“It was really good. I am very much into mindfulness but have never really done something exactly like this. I found it very interesting to do it the way we did. I look forward to the next one with eagerness.” – G.
“The peaceful interactions with our environment and each other was wonderful” – D.
“I definitely want to incorporate mindful hikes into my regular activities. It was such a great experience. Was so relaxed last night!” – Melisa
“I really enjoyed our mindfulness in nature outing. What a great way to rejuvenate my mindfulness practice at the start of the new year!” - S.