Mindfulness Through Nature 

 Is for Everyone 




October 2023

-Noah Hood

Nature is powerfully healing for people. Prior generations, indigenous communities, and non-western cultures have been aware of nature’s healing properties for many years. As time has progressed, western and empirically reviewed research increasingly focuses on the connection between nature and the human experience. Spending time in nature is proven to decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and other symptoms associated with mental health disorders (Calvert, 2022; Djernis et al., 2019; Tang et al., 2015). Mindfulness techniques can enhance the positive effects of experiences in nature. 

Mindfulness is a technique that was extracted from Buddhist philosophy by its founder Jon Kabat-Zinn. According to him, mindfulness is an “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally” (Kane, 2023). Mindfulness is not exclusive to Buddhism. People holding a variety of faiths and non-religious people can experience the benefits of mindful meditation. Mindfulness promotes developing an understanding and wisdom of the self in the current moment. Individuals who practice mindfulness note its ability to help with physical and emotional pain. Mindfulness can incorporate breathwork, body scans, walking meditation, sitting meditation, mindful eating, and many other techniques. Mindfulness can improve attention, decrease job burnout, improve sleep, and improve diabetes control (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022). Nature does not always seem accessible to diverse bodies and groups. Most of the major brands that sell and promote outdoor equipment and activities target very specific demographics. It is not common to see LGBTQIA+, individuals who are overweight, POC, indigenous persons, people with disabilities, or other marginalized groups represented in outdoor culture. Thankfully, nature itself does not discriminate. Trees, grass, flowers, local wildlife, and the natural environment are meant to be enjoyed by everyone - regardless of their held identities. Connection with nature is a shared human experience. Do not let people tell you that you don’t belong in nature because of who you are. Nature is for everyone. Nature is for you. 

References & Further Reading

The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation | Nature Reviews Neuroscience (https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3916)  

Jon Kabat-Zinn's 9 Attitudes Of Mindfulness (+ PDF) 

(https://mindfulnessbox.com/the-9-attitudes-of-mindfulness/) Mindfulness exercises https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356 What Happens When We Reconnect With Nature - Mindful 

(https://www.mindful.org/what-happens-when-we-reconnect-with-nature/) A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting - PMC (nih.gov) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747393/) Mindfulness in Nature Enhances Connectedness and Mood | Ecopsychology https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/eco.2018.0061?%20journalCode=eco

Rewild Yourself with Mindfulness Meditation in Nature | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/digital-altruism/202212/rewild-yourself-with-mindfulness-meditation-in-nature Fat Girls Hiking – Body Positive Hiking Community (https://fatgirlshiking.com/)