Quietude - Nature Connection and Forest Therapy

For this nature therapy time, I invite you stop and explore the world at the tops of the trees. Take 10-15 minutes to just watch, listen, and let your mind wander and wonder with the life happening way up above the ground. 

In this episode, I invite you to take 15 minutes to sit in your nearby nature space and just Be. No thoughts about where you need to be or challenges ahead. Just, for 15 minutes, be like the animals and trees in your nature space, and just live exactly in the moment.  Visit us on www.patreon.com/Quietude to share your experience. 

In this gentle, 15-minute guided nature experience, you're invited to slow down and attune your senses to signs of new life and fresh beginnings. As you wander through your natural surroundings, you’ll be encouraged to seek out the youngest beings—tiny sprouts, unfurling leaves, or tender new growth—and connect with them in stillness and presence. With quiet prompts and mindful reflections, this episode offers a space to observe, feel, and perhaps even offer a silent blessing to the fragile yet determined life around you. Perfect for early spring or any moment when you’re longing to reconnect with renewal, growth, and your own inner beginnings. Join our community on patreon.com/quietudepod

In this episode, we slow down and explore the natural world through the often-overlooked sense of smell. With a few grounding breaths to begin, you'll be guided to notice the scents in your environment—pleasant, surprising, and nostalgic. Discover how smell can deepen your connection to nature and stir cherished memories from childhood or time spent with loved ones. If you enjoy this episode, check out our community on patreon.com/quietudepod.

We all have those natural spaces we visit regularly - perhaps a local park, a stretch of beach, or a forest trail that feels like a second home. But today, I challenge you to approach your familiar sanctuary as if seeing it for the first time. Maybe enter from a different path, or pause in a spot you typically pass by. Stand quietly and allow your senses to absorb this place anew. What subtle wonders have been waiting for your attention all along? What whispers of nature have you been missing in your habitual visits? In today's episode, we'll explore how shifting our perspective can reveal hidden treasures in even our most familiar landscapes.

In this episode, will will explore using found objects in nature to create an expression of art. I will invite you to spend 10-15 minutes collecting fallen natural objects—leaves, stones, twigs, and feathers—before arranging them into creative and spontaneous artwork in a spot of your choosing. Please enjoy this small nature connection exercise as a peaceful break in your busy day.

In this episode, I invite you to think about how nature is supporting and receiving you in this moment, just as you are. There is no expectation to accomplish anything - you are just there observing what nature offers you in the moment. Take 10-15 minutes out of your day to just be, and be with whatever nature space you have available to you today. Find more nature-connection activities at patreon.com/quietudepod.       

In this episode, I'll guide you through one of the most foundational forest therapy practices called Pleasures of Presence - a sensory awakening invitation that helps transition from the busy world to a state of peaceful presence with nature. This is how I begin most forest therapy walks, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a break to your day. You'll experience a gentle journey through all your senses as I offer prompts with plenty of space between them. Don't worry about the 2-3 minute pauses - they're intentional moments for you to fully immerse in each sensation. By the end of our 15 minutes together, you may notice the world differently than when we began. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking a moment of calm connection, whether you're in a forest, a backyard, or simply by an open window. Connect with me at patreon.com/QuietudePod

Hello! I'm Sally Trufan, an ANFT-certified guide hosting "Quietude," my biweekly podcast designed to help you connect with nature, regardless of your location or mobility. In each episode, I offer a gentle invitation to engage with the natural world through your senses, followed by quiet time for your personal exploration and reflection. I've created "Quietude" to make nature connection accessible to everyone—whether you're in a forest, backyard, or simply by a houseplant. I occasionally share bonus episodes featuring the latest research on nature therapy and interviews with other guides. Remember: Nature is the therapist; I'm just your guide. I release new episodes twice weekly, and you can find more at patreon.com/quietudepod.  Be sure to listen for the important safety tips, which include listening with only one earbud to be able to hear noises around you and to be aware of any dangerous or annoying plants or animals in your area.  Connect with me on patreon.com/QuietudePod