January 10, 2025
By Carly Gray, Education Manager
Children today are accustomed to constant stimulation, sometimes they even crave it. Spending time in nature, without the noise and activity of city life, can feel unfamiliar at first. But just like any muscle, the ability to slow down and truly observe the world around us needs practice to grow stronger. People of all ages can benefit from being outdoors.
Interested in fostering curiousity and deepening your connection to the natural world? Here’s some strategies—whether you’re a child or an adult!
Set the Intention
Before heading outside, let children (or yourself!) know that you are practicing the art of noticing. Take a moment to slow down and focus on the fine details. When we embrace silence, we make space to fully see, hear, smell, and touch the beauty of nature. This is also a great way to practice mindfulness through living in the present moment. Your only job is to be here.
Engage the Senses
Start by noticing your surroundings through all your senses. Share your observations and ask questions.
- Look for faces in nature—can you find faces in tree bark, rock formations, or the patterns of leaves on the forest floor?
- Observe the way sunlight filters through the trees. Where does it land on the ground? Can you feel the warmth on your face?
- Find a cool nest—what animal do you think made it? What materials is it made out of? How does it stick together?
Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers. Practicing curiosity is beneficial for everyone, adults included! Bring along a notebook to jot down any questions that arise. There are many neurological benefits to curiosity-driven exploration.
Model Slowing Down
Sometimes we need a reminder of what it looks like to slow down. Teach children to notice their breath and observe how it feels to stop, listen, and breathe. Notice how you feel after 5 or 10 deep, full belly breaths. Now try 5 fast breaths. Do you notice the difference? Explore the benefits that come with connecting to your breath.
Notice Fractals
We are naturally relaxed by the orderly chaos of nature. Fractal is a term used to describe the geometric patterns that naturally occur and look similar across different-sized scales. Take a look around and notice how the patterns you see are both predictable and surprising. Think of the ways branches extend from a tree – each branch separates into smaller divisions. Our eyes actually search for fractal stimuli and the presence of them create positive feelings. Even looking at nature has health benefits for our eyesight! We can be easily bored of human-made objects while natural phenomena can hold our attention.
Try a Fox Walk
This is a fun way to move slowly and with purpose. Walk from toe to heel, taking deliberate steps to make the least amount of noise. As you step, breathe deeply and intentionally. Pay attention to the ground beneath your feet, feeling for safe spots to step. By pressing down slowly, you can minimize noise and compress leaves and twigs without disturbing them. Can you walk like any of the animals you see around you?
Make it a Game
It can take a couple different methods to get children to enjoy a walk in the woods. Sometimes, a little friendly competition helps keep things engaging. Try counting how many nests you can spot on a walk. How many different colors or shapes of lichen can you find on a tree? What critters might live inside that tree—can you find signs of them without disturbing their home?
Or, for a bit of fun: the first person to find and identify an animal track gets to choose what’s for dinner tonight!
Field Guides
Find a localized field guide at a local bookstore and bring it along on your next outdoor adventure.
Let them Explore
And finally, remember that sometimes the best thing you can do is give space for exploration. Roam and discover the wonders of nature at your own pace.
How to Learn More:
Read about Nature Meditation Walks
Sign up for one of our workshops, including Forest Bathing and Nature Journaling.