Rooted in the Seasons: Reflections on a Year of Nature Mindfulness with Young Explorers

This school year, from September through June, I had the privilege of launching and leading a new nature mindfulness program. Each week, our group of young explorers stepped into the forest together—through hot, buggy fall days, cold winter mornings skating on frozen ponds, and cool spring afternoons filled with new growth.

Together, we watched the seasons shift. Leaves fell and returned. Tracks appeared in the snow. New buds opened on familiar branches. Through it all, the forest became more than a backdrop—it became a space for learning, connection, and reflection.

Nature as a Co-Teacher

What we experienced outdoors wasn’t just play or exploration—it was an intentional practice rooted in the growing field of nature-based education and mindfulness. Research consistently shows that spending time in nature supports emotional regulation, focus, creativity, and overall mental health in children. When we combine that with mindfulness—pausing to notice, breathe, and reflect—we deepen those benefits.

Each session, the children observed closely. They created art from natural materials. They listened to sounds in the forest, journaled their observations, and made meaningful connections between what they noticed and how they felt. These practices helped build awareness—not just of the environment, but of their own inner world.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting still. In the forest, it showed up through movement, curiosity, and quiet attention. And over time, I saw the children grow more present, more engaged, and more connected.

The Forest as Mirror

One of the most meaningful parts of this program has been watching the children recognize that nature has lessons for them.

They noticed how trees bend without breaking.How animals move with awareness and intention. How everything changes, and that change is okay.

Through their journals and conversations, it became clear that the natural world was offering more than just facts—it was offering perspective. Children spoke about how the forest made them feel calm. How it helped them handle stress. How it reminded them to slow down.

These aren’t just nice observations—they’re life skills. They’re the foundation for resilience, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

As we wrap up this year’s sessions, I’m proud of what we’ve built. This wasn’t just a weekly outing—it became a rhythm in our lives. A time to reconnect, reset, and learn alongside nature.

I’m grateful—for the children’s openness and enthusiasm, and for the forest itself, which welcomed us in all weather, in all moods, and with endless opportunities to explore and reflect.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue and grow this work. In a world that often moves too fast, spaces like this—where children can slow down, tune in, and connect deeply with the natural world—feel more important than ever.