A monarch butterfly perched on a light purple flower with a green blurred background.

Resources for Prevention & Wellness

Nature & the Nervous System

For many people, nature can be soothing to the nervous system, bringing them into a state of nervous system regulation and connection. If you connect with this or you’re curious, try out accessing nature when you’re feeling dysregulated (e.g. fight, flight, freeze/shutdown states). Notice its effect on you.

Notice how the nature themes and pictures on this website impact you.

Mindfulness of Nature & the Senses

One way to increase the connection and regulation you receive in nature is to access it mindfully. So, how do you practice mindfulness in nature?

First, practicing mindfulness is all about intentionally becoming aware of the present moment without judgment. Anyone can practice while doing or not doing anything!

Let’s take a moment to practice together with a nature video. I’ll offer some brief instruction to use while you watch and listen.

Instructions: find a comfortable place to sit or stand based on what feels best to you right now. Settle into your body in the spot you’ve chosen. Take a moment to check in with your internal landscape (thoughts, feelings, sensations) without judgment. Now, we’ll focus on each of our senses, zooming in and out on the details and big picture for each. If you find your mind wandering, be gentle and nonjudgmental in bringing your attention back to nature. Pay attention to what you see - take in the big picture then begin to zoom in on details, taking the time to notice each detail, then zooming in further. Now, pay attention to what you hear - noticing the overall sound, then attempting to notice each individual sound. Begin to notice what you feel in your current space (temperature, textures, sensations) and imagine what you might feel at this nature spot. Finally, pay attention to what you smell and imagine what you might smell in this setting. When you are done, check back in with your internal landscape - notice what is there without judgment.

Small mushrooms growing on a moss-covered tree trunk in a forest, with blurred trees in the background.

Mental Health Crisis Resources

NCDHHS -- NC Department of Health and Human Services: dial 988 anytime to reach a Mental Health Counselor. 

Hope4NC  -- NC Mental Health Helpline: (855) 587-3463

Mecklenburg County Mobile Crisis Number: 1-(704)-566-3410