You don’t have to wait for conditions to be perfect. You can start right now. 🌱

It may be tempting to visit nature only when it’s nice out, or when you’re in a good mood. Try practicing #mindfulness outside of these moments to help expand your awareness, and build your flexibility and resilience.

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle

Mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the present moment, and that includes those joyful moments of surprise and awe that nature gives us. Remember to be there for the marvelous parts of life ✨ (A mindfulness practice can teach you how!)

#mindfulness #mentalhealth #wellness

Curiosity is wonderful. When you find something that makes you curious in nature, take a moment to mindfully observe it. Pause, take a deep breath in, and slowly exhale. In this moment, what are your senses perceiving? What are you feeling and thinking? This awareness is #Mindfulness.

"All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole." - Hal Borland

American writer, journalist, and naturalist Hal Borland said, “All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole.”

Mindful walking not only gives us the opportunity to discover things in nature, but also to discover things about ourselves.

Mindfulness teaches us to be fully present to our current experience, without judgment.

🌸 Go outside.
🌸 Pause, and take an intentional breath in, and then out.
🌸 Find something in nature that draws your interest. Take at least 30 seconds to look, listen, feel, and smell.

Studies show just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lowers stress, regardless of artistic experience. Pair that with the positive benefits of nature, and you have a powerful combination of nature, art, and mindfulness that can improve your mental health and overall sense of wellbeing.

When you find something in nature that draws your interest, your mind might want to label it. Instead, focus on the present experience with your senses. This mindfulness allows you to step away from rigid thinking, opening yourself up to possibility and creativity.

In the book “How to Dream,” Thich Nhat Hanh shares: “The energy of mindfulness enables us to look deeply and gain the insight we need so that transformation–personal and societal–is possible.”

Mindfulness changes the way we think. Each time we practice bringing our awareness to the present moment, experiencing the here and now without judgment, we train our brain away from unhealthy, unhelpful thinking patterns and mindsets.

#wellness #mentalhealth #mindfulness #ThichNhatHanh

A little 🌷spring🌷 for your feed!
Small, intentional moments of mindfulness can calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and boost your sense of wellbeing. 💚

From Thich Nhat Hanh's How to Walk: “Every step is a revolution against busyness. Each mindful step says: “I don’t want to run anymore. I want to stop. I want to live my life. I don’t want to miss the wonders of life.” When you can truly arrive, there is peace in you because you aren’t struggling anymore. Each footprint has peace in it, it has the mark “here and now” in it. You may enjoy arriving and feeling at home for three, four, five, or ten minutes, as long as you like. One hour of practice already begins the revolution.”

Mindful walking in nature means walking outdoors, while being aware of each step and the present moment. You’re not thinking about your to-do lists, planning for the future, or worrying about the past. You’re simply walking at your own pace, aware of your body’s moment, and your current experience.

You don’t have to travel far to find nature to enjoy – it might be right at your feet! Daily interactions with nearby nature can improve your mood and sense of wellbeing. This can be anywhere from 5 - 15 minutes spent in your backyard, walking in your neighborhood, or enjoying houseplants. 🌱

A #WILDKEPTMoment is when you notice something in nature that allows you to pause and be #mindful of your experience in the here and now.

As we transition from winter to spring, notice what shows up 🌱

#nature #moss #mentalhealth

Noticing is a key part of exercising mindfulness in nature. Let yourself be drawn in by delight and whimsy when you're spending time outdoors!

#mindfulness #nature #whimsy #wellness #mentalhealth

Walking mindfully in nature not only has mental health benefits, but improves physical health as well. The key is being aware of your movement and bodily sensations in the present moment, without judgment. #mindfulness

“Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.” - John Muir

Studies show that 86.6% of people practicing mindfulness report feeling better emotionally, and 79% report improved overall health. Trying nature-based mindfulness activities may be your doorway to a greater sense of calm and wellbeing.

Green moss peeks out behind snow. Text over the image reads: "A reminder: Winter always gives way to Spring."

A reminder, if you need it, that Winter always gives way to Spring. Feelings and circumstances aren’t forever. We can be present with them in the moment, but also know that this moment is not here to stay forever. #mentalhealth

Based on the concept of the Food Pyramid, the Nature Pyramid was developed by Tim Beatley of the Biophilic Cities Project at the University of Virginia. Base of the pyramid: daily interactions with nearby nature, next level: weekly outings to nature parks, next level: monthly nature excursions, top level: yearly wilderness immersion.

Wondering how much nature you should be getting for maximum wellness benefits? The Nature Pyramid can serve as a guideline!

Mindfulness can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and bringing your attention to the present moment.

Studies have found that leisurely forest walks resulted in a 12% decrease in cortisol levels, 7% decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, 1.4% decrease in blood pressure, and 6% decrease in heart rate.

Two researchers in Japan found that leisurely forest walks can benefit our minds and bodies. In addition to positive physical effects, participants also reported better moods and lowered anxiety.

If you are unable to physically go out in nature, keep in mind that studies show simply looking at nature images and videos can be beneficial to your mental health.

Just 200 milliseconds of nature images can help the brain hone in on happiness.

While physically spending time in nature is best, studies show that simply looking at pictures or videos of nature can benefit mental health.

When practicing #Mindfulness you may be distracted by random thoughts or worries.

This is a natural part of cultivating mindfulness. The ability to notice that your mind has wandered and the ability to bring it gently back to your present experience is an achievement! 🌿

A hand holds two stones, one vaguely heart shaped, over a rocky creek. Text over the image reads Stay Connected.

Spending time in nature is not about disconnection. Mindfulness helps us stay connected with ourselves and increases our ability to regulate our emotions, and act intentionally.

Take a moment for yourself, spend time in an environment that brings you peace and comfort. Remember to breathe.

Practicing mindfulness in nature doesn’t require a big time commitment. Just 5 minutes spent in nature can boost your mood.

#WILDKEPTmoment #naturetherapy #winter #mindfulness

Spending just 5 minutes in nature can boost your mood.

Studies show that spending just 5 minutes in nature can boost your mood.

Any type of nature has positive benefits for wellness. If you can’t get to the forest, a visit to a city park, a walk around the block, or time spent in your backyard or balcony can still be helpful. Give it a try today 💚

Take a deep breath in, and a slow exhale out. If you can, try to spend some time outdoors and take in those good tree smells 🌲✨

Mindfulness in Nature: Scent

The scent of evergreens and other trees comes from "phytoncides," organic compounds with antimicrobial properties.

Studies show that spending time in forests, breathing in these scents, can boost the immune system, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood.

If you don't have access to forest areas, essential oils like cedar, cypress, pine, fir, spruce, eucalyptus, tea tree, and rosemary may help!

When practicing #mindfulness in #nature we use our senses to fully connect with the present moment, including our sense of smell. Research shows that certain smells in nature can be particularly beneficial in promoting well-being. 🌲 #mentalhealth #wellness

#Mindfulness in #nature can calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety & boost your sense of well-being.

Here’s what to do:
🌿 Find something in nature that draws your interest.
🌿 Pause & take an intentional breath & out.
🌿 Observe the thing you have found with your senses for at least 30 seconds.

Practice mindfulness in nature through contemplation:

🍁Notice something in nature -- like an autumn leaf.
🍁Pause, and take a conscious breath in.
🍁Allow your full attention to explore nature using your senses.

This can help reduce anxiety, stress, and increase your overall sense of well-being 💚

"Soft fascination" is a way of calming ourselves and giving our stressed brains the chance to restore by allowing our focus to be gently engaged by the natural world around us.

Noticing the pleasant moments of our day can bring balance and a sense of #wellbeing to our lives.

#WILDKEPTmoment