Resources
Some amazing resources that have inspired us and guided our own nature connection journeys
Our Favorite Books
How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature, by Scott Sampson
Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature, by Jon Young, Evan McGown, Ellen Haas
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Sharing Nature; Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages, by Joseph Cornell
The Way of Council, by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle
The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms, by Clare Walker Leslie
Your Brain On Nature: The Science of Nature's Influence on Your Health, Happiness, and Vitality, by Eva M. Selhub and Alan C. Logan
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv
Organizations
Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership ~ This training program—which combines forest bathing, yoga, Ayurveda, outdoor skills, and an overview of relevant research on nature’s health benefits—is designed for those who are called to share nature’s gifts by integrating their love of the outdoors with mindfulness.
8 Shields ~ Rebuilding Nature-Connected Communities, World-wide
Mindful WV ~ Mindful West Virginia is a network formed to connect folks who are involved in teaching mindfulness and yoga practices to all people of all ages across our state.
Sharing Nature Worldwide ~ A worldwide movement dedicated to helping people of all ages deepen their relationship with nature
Core Routines
Some easy practices to inspire connection to nature, self, and community
Sit Spot
"It is in the still silence of nature where one will find true bliss" -J.J.C.
A 'Sit Spot' is a spot in nature to connect, observe, and study life.
A good Sit Spot is:
quick and easy to get to
has some nature available (doesn’t have to be a lot)
a place of solitude where you can expand your senses and let go of thinking
a place where you can relax and feel safe
Once you find a place in nature that calls to you:
Visit your place as often as you can and at different times of the day.
You will get to know it really well and begin to recognize the changes around you from one season to the next.
Allow yourself to find pleasure and feel a deep appreciation for what you discover.
If you like to sketch or journal, be inspired by your Sit Spot!
Council Practice
"We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak" -Epictetus
Council practice permits each person to share and reflect on their experience, and it allows each member to benefit from the wisdom contained in the whole. Council is based on ways of communicating that can be found among indigenous societies all over the world.
The Four Guidelines of Council:
Speak from the heart
Listen from the heart
Be spontaneous
Be of lean expression