Please note: This course is intended to be taken in combination with Professional Mental Health Therapy. Please visit our website @MindfulMountain.Org for a list of Mental Health Therapists.

When you struggle with an emotional barrier, how do you respond? Are you able to respond with wisdom and awareness to experience each feeling, thought, and emotion with compassion, in order to acknowledge your personal strength in character and resilience?

Please note: This course is intended to be taken in combination with Professional Mental Health Therapy. Please visit our website @MindfulMountain.Org for a list of Mental Health Therapists.

Stress is an inevitable part of life. How one handles stress is an important factor in resilience and health. Stress arrives to us through thoughts, feelings, and emotions in reaction to life’s pressures; perceived. For some, the natural way to deal with stress is to pretend like it does not exist, however this is impossible. It will show up physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually eventually. The best way to deal with stress is to acknowledge that it is there and stay in the present moment by tuning into your body, listening to your breath, and noticing where you feel stress in the body; physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Then asking yourself what you need by listening to your internal wisdom. By staying present we can learn to become aware of our needs in each moment.

Please note: This course is intended to be taken in combination with Professional Mental Health Therapy. Please visit our website @MindfulMountain.Org for a list of Mental Health Therapists.

From a very young age we develop patterns of protection. Some people become very reclusive and closed off to the world, creating a barrier of safety. Some people become very competitive and aggressive, seeing everything and everyone as a source of criticism and a reason for challenge. Some people use a façade of humor and comedy to occupy feelings of complete irrelevancy. Some people use substances, food, or excessive exercise to create a sense of protection between themselves and reality. Some people are a little bit of two or a mixture of all.

How do you notice habits of self-protection? Do you know how to recognize destructive resistance when it faces you? What are you resisting? Are these habits serving you well? Is it preventing healthy growth full of connecting to a life well lived? Ask yourself these simple questions and notice what thoughts, feelings, and emotions become present.

Please note: This course is intended to be taken in combination with Professional Mental Health Therapy. Please visit our website @MindfulMountain.Org for a list of Mental Health Therapists.

Mindfulness, at its core, involves cultivating non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It encourages individuals to become attuned to their thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and the external environment without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. When applied to the process of healing trauma, mindfulness provides several essential benefits. First and foremost, mindfulness helps survivors of trauma develop a greater sense of safety and stability within themselves. Traumatic experiences often fracture one’s sense of security and trust in the world. By focusing on the present moment and grounding themselves in the here and now, individuals can begin to rebuild a foundation of inner stability. Mindfulness allows survivors to navigate their emotions and triggers with greater self-awareness and a stronger connection to their inner resources.

Experiencing nature through activities like hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking offers an opportunity to cultivate mindful intention and connect with your inner self. Each step on a hiking trail can serve as a reminder to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. As you ascend a mountain path, focus on the rhythm of your breath and the texture of the earth beneath your feet. Allow your mind to quiet, making space for reflection on what your heart truly needs.

Notice your posture and your breath and shift any weight or stance that you need in order to feel comfortable and centered. Find what feels good and secure to you. Notice this present moment in as much detail as possible, listen and become aware with every breath. Feel yourself in your body with awareness, grounding physically and securely into the earth. Go inward and listen to what your mind and body need in this moment. Once you have settled into your posture gently close your eyes and begin to settle your mind. As your mind becomes quiet begin to listen to your breath and bring intention to the way you are breathing

I encourage you to incorporate nature and mindfulness into your daily routine so that it becomes a healthy habit and part your proactive healthy lifestyle. There are so many benefits to spending time in nature and mindfulness meditation including improved mood, lowered stress, and mental clarity.

Nature experience mindfulness can be done in any kind of weather. Just make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather and have the proper gear. If it is raining, make sure to have an umbrella, galoshes, and a rain coat. In the summer when the sun is beating down make sure you have plenty of cool spring water, sunscreen and a sun hat. For the winter, make sure you keep your head and hands warm with hat and gloves and wear a warm winter coat and boots.