This presentation explored how nature-based mindfulness and embodied practices can support personal healing, community connection, and environmental care. It expanded the idea of “nature” beyond remote wilderness, showing that meaningful connection can happen anywhere—even during a walk at lunch or noticing a flower growing through pavement.

Participants engaged in experiential activities such as movement, grounding exercises, expressive arts, and guided mindfulness (like the “Mindfulness of a Leaf” exercise) to cultivate awareness and presence. We also reflected on professional ethics, including the effects of burnout and stress, and considered how self-care and environmental stewardship are connected. Drawing on the cycles of the seasons, participants explored ways to care for themselves, others, and the Earth, and were encouraged to set small, practical goals for environmental mindfulness.

Interested in learning more about these topics? Here are a few resources to dig in deeper!

The Earthing Movie (A documentary on earthing practices)

Verywell Health article on grounding

Walk and Talk Therapybook by Jennifer Udler

Embodied Mindfulness in Nature(Walk in My Shoes YouTube channel)

The 12 Hour Walk book by Colin O’Brady

The Seasonal Soul : A Mystic's Guide to Inner Transformation book by Lauren Aletta 

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Image source: Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash