Trauma affects both the mind and the body, which makes it very difficult to feel present or centred. So when we practice mindfulness, which includes focusing on the present moment with curiosity and without judgment, we can actually help overcome some of the impacts of trauma and its effects on our mind and body. Additionally, an interesting perspective is that when we include nature in the picture and incorporate the healing powers of nature with mindfulness, it can be even better to promote that calm and healing and feel that connection that often might be missing when someone is experiencing trauma. Also, when we think about this aspect, when we're intentionally spending time outdoors, most of us feel like we can self-reflect and feel more energized rather making nature a partner in our journey to healing.

Nature is so unique to us because it can also provide this grounding experience, which involves our senses, and this can be very helpful for those that are going through trauma. For example, when we're listening to the sounds of leaves, flowing water, or the chirping of birds, oftentimes we feel calm but we don't stop and think about it. So, when we're intentionally listening to these sounds or engaging in touching and feeling the textures of nature, for example, the breeze on the skin when we're outside, it helps us ground in the present moment. And when we're intentionally focusing on these sensations, it can help direct our attention from the very difficult thoughts of trauma to focusing on the present and the now.

There are many outdoor mindfulness practices that help us engage with nature and stay grounded in the here and now. A practice that I've recently researched and has become something that I use myself is walking involving mindfulness. For example, this looks like when we're walking mindfully, we're walking deliberately, moving slowly, and focusing on each step. This activity not only helps us ground to our body but also increases our awareness of the time and our surroundings. Another interesting practice is a Japanese practice called forest bathing, and this is a powerful practice because it highlights stillness and observing in a setting involving woods. It helps us and engages us to experience the surroundings without thinking about a specific destination and the distractions surrounding that.

Another benefit of being outdoors and in nature is that it helps with emotional release and promotes flexible thinking instead of rigid thinking. Trauma can often make us feel disconnected and stuck, but when we engage ourselves in nature and are intentionally present, it can bring us that feeling of freedom and the sense that we can start fresh. For example, when we are sitting and being present, just simply watching the clouds or the waves of a beach, it can show us that life is always moving and nothing is permanent. This includes when we're feeling pain; pain can also be healed with time. This awareness itself is so empowering and can help us with emotional processing.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all of this, please understand that even time in nature that is not necessarily structured can be healing. Something as simple as sitting, for example, outside and focusing on the surroundings, for example, the patterns of the leaves, the birds in the sky, etc., can be beneficial. Time in nature can also be an opportunity for self-reflection. For example, when we look at nature, we can see that so many things outdoors are resilient, and it can empower us to be resilient within ourselves. For example, something like a tree or flowers thriving in unusual places, or animals out in extreme weather that are still thriving, can help us understand and empower ourselves to believe that we can also be resilient. Over time, things can heal, nothing is permanent, and we have a connection to a larger world. We are our own healers, so if we can combine mindfulness and nature to create that grounding environment, we can create a space that will help us with our trauma.

Whether it's through mindful walking, forest bathing, reflection, or just time outside where we are intentionally aware of our surroundings, this can give us clarity of thought and perspective on who we are in the larger world. Lastly, nature teaches us resilience. It helps us, and maybe it will help us reconnect with the disconnection we often experience in trauma. So please, step outside and let nature guide you toward healing and peace

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