Finding Peace in the Unexpected: A Mindful Nature Threapy Evening at Blue Springs

Blue Springs is a manatee refuge in the winter, with beautiful crystal clear waters that are 72 degrees year-round. As each water overlook goes farther into the forest, and closer to the head of the springs, we can reflect on what our senses are feeling – the cold mist of the water, the sound of the water running, the smell of the trees – and how it is recentering and grounding us.

We arrived at Blue Springs State Park shortly before closing – a time chosen intentionally, as many visitors had already begun to leave, allowing for a quieter, more serene experience. As we drove along the winding road toward the parking lot, we encountered a deer grazing calmly near the roadside. It didn’t seem startled, which one participant noted, prompting me to reflect aloud about the beauty of having protected spaces where wildlife can thrive undisturbed.

I felt energized, relaxed and joyful to be outside. I felt curious about the woods and the animals that lived there. – Participant feedback

Upon reaching our intended starting point at the boardwalk, I quickly had to adapt when I discovered that much of the area was cordoned off for repairs. Thankfully, being familiar with the park, I was able to shift our route to a nearby water overlook that remained accessible. There, I led the group in a mindfulness exercise, inviting everyone to engage their senses – breathing in the scent of water and earth, listening to birds, insects, and the rustling leaves. After a few moments, I asked what they noticed. One participant shared that they felt transported to a peaceful place, where the breeze and sound of the water seemed to carry away their stress, and that this must be what meditation is like. I shared that mindfulness in nature is something that can be practiced almost anywhere, and how taking a few moments to just “be” can help ground oneself.

I wondered if the animals knew which tree was the oldest at the park. – Participant feedback

From there, we continued down the boardwalk, past the construction zone and onto a wooded path. Along the way, we shared observations: a wild turkey passed close by, a buzzard cried in the distance, a possum scurried off the trail, and a gnarled tree sparked a curious question about whether animals have their own ancestral paths, shared and passed down throughout generations. I responded that it was a fascinating idea and reflected on the timelessness of nature, how it teaches us about perseverance and legacy. This sparked a meaningful conversation as we walked, deepening our collective experience.

This walk taught me a lot. I was proud of my ability to remain flexible when plans changed and was encouraged by how naturally the participants engaged with the experience. It affirmed the importance of always having a backup plan, and checking for updates like construction, even when the location is familiar. It also helped me identify areas worth strengthening – such as ensuring that I have an wide array of themes to connect back to our lesson. Although the group was small, it gave me valuable practice in managing multiple participants. I know that as my nature walk groups grow, new challenges will arise, but I feel confident that the desire to connect with nature will remain a shared and motivating force for everyone involved.

I learned that that being outside is very relaxing. It’s good for the mind to be outside in nature. I would like to spend more time out in nature. – Participant feedback

Cassidy Cameron is a Certified Nature Therapy Guide in Volusia County, Florida.

Cover photo: A herd of Manatees in Blue Spring, Deland, Florida. Taken by User:Mwanner at en.wikipedia. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.