Nature Connection

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 8 - Connecting to the sense of Hearing

Today's subject is Mindfulness of Sound. Mindfulness means paying full attention to something. It means slowing down to really notice what you're doing. When you're mindful, you're taking your time. You're focusing in a relaxed, easy way.

Find yourself a place outside where you can sit in peace and comfort. If you can't sit outside then find a spot by a window where you can look outside. Sit there for a few moments taking …

Nature Connection Challenge -Day 7- Get outside and PLAY!

Research suggests that one of the most important elements for healthy development in humans and even animals is play. It is easy to look at play as frivolous, but it is an essential part of supporting physical, emotional and mental health for all ages.

So, today’s challenge is to make time for play. If you have a child in your family, ask them to guide you in a playful activity. Really follow their lead and embrace a playful mindset.

I…

Good Saturday Sunny Morning!

Today’s challenge is for you to go outside and make a fire (if you are able to make a fire safely in your yard).

See if you can make your fire with materials you can gather from outside (rather than bring stuff from inside your home).

Once you have your fire going - take some time to pick up sticks around your yard to keep your fire going.

Enjoy your time outside and enjoy taking some time to gaze at the magic of the fire.

Warmly,
Through The Trees

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 5 - Foraging

Today’s Challenge - Make Pine Needle Tea

1. Go out in nature.

2. Locate a white pine tree (look for longer needles in groups of 5!). Other pines, fir, spruce or hemlock make good tea too.

3. Collect some needles.

4. Use the needles to make tea.

White pine is a tree that is plentiful in Maine, and has many medicinal qualities. Pine needles are very high in vitamin C and have antiviral and antibacterial qualities. White pine tea was used extensi…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 4 - Getting Active

Welcome to Day 4’s challenge!

Put on an extra layer and your rain gear and get outside for a nice walk in the rain. Often times we think of a rainy day as a day to hunker inside but the rain can make the woods feel even more magical!

Share pictures or rainy revelations with us on Instagram or Facebook!

Nature Connection Challenge Day 3 - Gratitude

“Being satisfied and grateful with what we already have is a magical golden key to being alive in a full, unrestricted way.” -Pema Chodron

Todays challenge is all about cultivating an attitude of gratitude. It is easy when we are facing unpredictability and change to focus on what is going wrong. Gratitude can shift our perspective and help us see the gift each moment offers us.

Here it is your gratitude challenge:

• Start by getting a journal …

Day Two Challenge - Nature Art and Mandalas

A mandala is a circle organized around a central point. In Asian cultures it holds spiritual and ritualistic symbolism and is used in prayer in meditation as a representation of the Universe. It is believed by many that creating and then focusing on the mandala, moving your focus toward its center, sets an intention of moving toward peace and joy on Earth and in the Universe.

Your challenge today is to go for a walk in nature and collect items to cre…

Hello Nature Lovers!

Welcome to the beginning of a journey into nature with us. As we all settle into our new reality of Social Distancing, Through The Trees challenges you to lean deeper into your connection with Nature. Each day for the foreseeable future, we will post a challenge that will help guide you into Nature in a new way.

Day One’s Challenge - Mindfulness and the Sense of Sight

1. Think of a place in nature that you can get to easily, safely and often. Maybe a favorite tree, strea…