Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy for Adults

Being Fully Present in Nature

Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy (MBNT) is an exciting therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness practices—being completely engaged in the present moment—with the restorative benefits of nature. Research demonstrates that spending time outdoors and practicing mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve our ability to cope with daily challenges. MBNT incorporates science-backed practices from mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapies, while also including hands-on activities in nature.

How Can Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy Help You?

If you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, or if you're looking to improve your mental health, Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy (MBNT) can be an effective option for healing and personal growth. This approach is ideal for those who embrace a holistic view of mental wellness, especially those who enjoy the outdoors or seek new ways to engage with nature. By combining mindfulness practices with the beauty of the natural world, you can begin a healing journey that encourages self-discovery and fosters a more fulfilling and balanced life.

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What is Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy?

When you take part in our Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy program, you'll experience a mix of traditional therapeutic techniques and nature-inspired practices. Here are some examples of what you can expect during your sessions:

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

We recommend a free 15-minute consultation with our psychiatrist to make sure the program is a good fit for you. Your first session will involve a 60-minute evaluation, where our psychiatrist will review your goals and challenges to develop a personalized treatment plan.
In this initial evaluation, we will also review how the program works and address any specific questions or preferences you may have regarding outdoor activities.

Engaging Walks in Nature

Sessions typically take place outdoors in our peaceful meditation garden, nearby parks, or local natural areas that provide a relaxing setting for mindfulness and connecting with nature.
We will engage in gentle activities, like walking in nature, which will help you tune into your surroundings and notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This practice grounds you in the present moment and strengthens your bond with nature.

Mindfulness Exercises

You will have the chance to practice mindfulness exercises that incorporate natural elements, including mindful breathing, body scans, and meditative practices focused on observing plants, animals, or the local environment.
These exercises aim to help you develop a state of relaxed awareness and enhance your mindfulness practice through engagement with nature.

Lessons Learned from Nature

Each session wraps up with time for personal reflection, allowing you to share your experiences and insights from the day's activities. This reflection helps you integrate the lessons learned from nature into your daily life.
You will discover how to incorporate mindfulness and nature connection into your routine by prioritizing time spent outdoors, starting a nature journal, or practicing techniques like walking meditation.

Safety and Support

Our primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for your healing journey. All activities will be tailored to your comfort level and adjusted as needed to ensure you feel safe.

If outdoor sessions are not suitable due to weather or personal preference, we can adapt mindfulness techniques and nature-based practices for indoor settings. We also offer virtual sessions when possible, allowing clients to experience mindfulness and nature-based practices from any location.

What You'll Need To Bring to Each Session

For a positive outdoor experience, it's important to wear appropriate clothing and take some basic precautions. Here are a few tips that can improve your experience:

Carry a water bottle for adequate hydration.
Use sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.
Dress in layers that can be adjusted according to the weather.
Bring a waterproof outer layer in case of rain or snow.
Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for unpaved trails.
Bring a journal or paper for writing, sketching, or taking notes.
Don't forget pens or pencils, and consider adding colored pencils or watercolors for optional drawing or painting.
For easy transport, pack your items in a daypack or small backpack.
While most trails are paved or compact dirt, you may encounter loose gravel or rocks, so consider bringing trekking poles if you feel more comfortable using them.

Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy

Participants in Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy often experience numerous positive outcomes, including:

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The calming effects of nature, combined with mindfulness practices, can significantly decrease stress levels and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Increased Focus and Attention: Practicing mindfulness regularly in natural settings improves your ability to concentrate and stay engaged.
Enhanced Mood and Positive Outlook: Connecting with nature fosters a sense of calm and self-confidence, which can boost your mood and promote optimism and resilience.
Stronger Connection to Nature: Engaging in outdoor activities can deepen your appreciation for the environment, enhancing your sense of belonging and purpose.
Improved Sleep and Physical Health: Spending time outdoors and engaging in light physical activities, such as walking in nature, can benefit your physical health and enhance your sleep.

Program Topics

Discover 12 core principles of the Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy program designed to enhance mental resilience, foster self-awareness, and strengthen your bond with nature.

Mindful Awareness

Mindful awareness requires shifting from a continuous state of activity to a calmer state, allowing you to focus on what is occurring within your body and in your environment at this moment.

Living in the Now

Living in the now means accepting the present moment fully and embracing the here and now by letting go of any regrets about the past and worries about the future. This moment is the only reality we have.

Letting Go

Letting go involves recognizing what you cannot change after trying your best to improve what you can. This process of acceptance requires freeing yourself from feelings of shame and guilt.

Radical Acceptance

Radical acceptance encourages us to recognize our thoughts and feelings without reacting in ways that could lead to negative outcomes. Our thoughts and emotions do not define us; they are simply mental processes.

Wise Mind and Body

A wise mind balances our rational and emotional sides, helping us identify what we can change and what we need to accept in life. By understanding the link between our mind and body, we can improve our mental and physical health.

Centering

Centering helps you recognize your current self—the person you are at this moment—and your ideal self—the person you wish to become. By uniting your perceived self and your true self, you can find peace and purpose in life.

Connecting

Connecting means engaging with what matters most to you, whether it's your community, spiritual beliefs, or the natural world. Genuine connections enhance mental resilience and foster optimism.

Nature Stories

We all create stories about the meaning of our lives and where we're headed. Nature tells its own tales, which we can interpret, enhancing our understanding of our existence and empowering us to reshape our own narratives.

Nature Wisdom

By exploring nature, we can gain valuable insights that enhance our self-awareness and deepen our appreciation for the environment. Nature offers important lessons about resilience, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Relating to Nature

Seeking comfort, relaxation, and renewal in nature not only improves our mental and physical health but also enhances our appreciation for the environment and strengthens our bond with the natural world.

Nature Healing

Spending time in nature offers many benefits, including reduced stress, enhanced emotional stability, and improved mental fitness. The incredible healing powers of nature make it an important ally in the pursuit of holistic wellbeing.

Embracing Your True Self

By practicing self-awareness, mindfulness, and acceptance, you can discover your True Self and align your actions with your values, improving your relationships and strengthening your bond with the natural world.