We are a nature-based organization, that helps foster people’s connection, awareness, and love of the natural world through offering mindfulness-based nature practices, programs, and retreats, which in turn helps people develop care and stewardship for the earth and all species.
Our mission draws on the work and teachings of Mark Coleman, Buddhist meditation teacher, author, and founder of the nature meditation organization Awake in the Wild.
Key findings from our survey results
The Power of Mindfulness in Nature
- Nature-based mindfulness led to meaningful emotional relief. On average, participants responded with 23% less distress, and most notably, a reduction by 35% of nervousness and anxiety after participating in one of our programs.
- Participants repeatedly described the programs as “grounding”, “restorative”, and “exactly what I needed.”
- Surveys showed that all nature-connection related indicators increased, and all stress-related indicators decreased – a rare and compelling pattern in contemplative intervention research.
Deep Emotional Relief and Connection
Participants often arrived anxious, overwhelmed, or exhausted. Within hours, teachers reported:
- “Shoulders lowered, faces relaxed, and people settled.”
- “Meditation was easier than they’d ever found it.”
- “A sense of community emerged almost immediately.” Healthcare workers and first responders, in particular, described the retreats as lifegiving, replenishing, and emotionally clarifying.
Nature as a Safe and Healing Container
Veterans, clinicians facing burnout, and youth leaders all described nature as a space where emotional honesty felt possible. One participant joked, “My telomeres are longer after today,” capturing the embodied sense of renewal.
High Program Satisfaction
Several teachers reported fewer participants than originally registered, echoing trends in engagement. However, smaller groups often resulted in more intimate, powerful experiences.
Teacher Feedback Informs Role of Mindful of Nature
- Teachers attended networking sessions in which they shared program experiences and provided support for each other.
- All teachers appreciated this opportunity to learn from each other and willingly shared stories.
- Teachers emphasized the challenges of their administrative load (recruitment, site selection, data entry), and expressed gratitude for learning from each other and coming together for support and brainstorming approaches to teaching.
- Several teachers recommended exploring strong organizational partnerships to reduce the participant recruitment efforts. This feedback is just one example helping to inform the role Mindful of Nature can play to support teachers moving forward.
Our Areas of Focus
Mindfulness Programs
For Nature Connection
Professional Network
Networking and Skills Building
Scientific Research
Research Proven Impact
Suggested Readings
Many of the Teachers in the Mindful of Nature network have trained in the methodologies of the following authors.
``When we attune to nature with sensitivity, we can see just how connected we are.”
Mark Coleman, Founder of Mindful of Nature