Feel the Earth (between your fingers & toes!) Embodied Learning by Caroline Everidge

 Feel the Earth (between your fingers & toes!)

 

Evidence-base

• Benefits of nature

According to the American Psychological Association, there is significant evidence that spending time in nature contributes to improved mental health outcomes (2020). Additionally, studies have shown being in nature (or even just viewing nature scenery) reduces anger, fear, and stress.  Exposure to nature also impacts physical wellness – reducing blood pressure, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones (Delagran, n.d.).

 

• Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs)

Mindfulness exercises have long been an approach in mental health and substance use treatment. Mindfulness exercises typically incorporate breathing exercises and drawing attention (awareness) to the participant’s physical body. Grounding exercises are also utilized to connect the participant to the world around them. Studies show that MBIs reduce heart rate and help regulate physiological reactivity, which in turn helps manage cravings for substances (Webster, 2024).

Integrating MBIs into nature settings has been shown to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety (Webster, 2024). This is significant for participants with co-occurring disorders (a substance use disorder and a mental health condition).

 

Audiences

• Participants involved in the criminal justice system
• Participants in substance use recovery, specifically in a community-based recovery home
• General population utilizing community spaces

 

Methods

• Individual plant containers
  • This is the primary way I facilitate this program. Depending on the audience, we focus on positive self-talk. For example, participants envision the plant as themselves (sometimes their current selves, sometimes their younger selves, and sometimes even their future selves). While we go through the planting process, we practice saying kind words to the plant (which represents the individual).
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    • Check out this video for more information!
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• Garden spaces
  • If you have a green space that is easily accessible, this is the way to go! Prior to the activity, make sure to set the stage. Are you wanting to focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, coping skills? Whatever the goal, be sure to provide the participants with some guiding reflection prompts. Participants then engage in a “5 senses” activity: What can they hear, smell, see, touch, and taste (you might have to help with the taste portion – bring a small snack or warm beverage). Consider inviting participants to sit in the grass or even wiggle their toes in a nearby water source.

Bonus Options!

Here are a few ways to incorporate creativity:

• Invite the participants to decorate their planters or adorn the garden space with personalized items (wind socks/chimes, bird feeders, statues, etc.)
• Introduce music. Invite participants to play or listen to calming music. Or if indoors, listen to nature sounds (birds whistling, bubbling water, rain falling, etc.)
• Include movement. Green spaces are great places to take a calm walk/hike or do some gentle stretching, maybe even yoga. Depending on your community, there may be walking paths or labyrinths that are perfect for quiet reflection while moving.

 

American Psychological Association. (2020). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-natureLinks to an external site.

Delegran, L. (n.d.). How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing? University of Minnesota. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeingLinks to an external site.

Webster, A. (2024, Feb 21). Nature Rehabs for Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment.American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/nature-rehabLinks to an external site.