Mindful Moments at the Refuge - The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
By J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Visit the refuge's "Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail" located at the Bailey Tract on Sanibel Island, FL, to transform an ordinary hike into a restorative wellness practice or tune into the NEW Wildlife Drive Mindfulness Podcasts during your time at the refuge.
Mindful Moments at the Refuge - The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife RefugeMay 02, 2023
Slow Birding at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Slow down and enjoy this present-focused form of birding at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Observation Tower Mindfulness at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy a simple mindfulness meditation at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's iconic Observation Tower.
Mangrove Meditation at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Meditate among the mangroves with the rejuvenating, simple audio mindfulness exercise. Brought to you by the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Awaken Your Senses at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Follow this simple audio meditation to awaken your senses while you explore the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
The Health Benefits of Nature - Dr. Joe Blanda
Recently retired orthopedic surgeon and mindfulness hike instructor, Dr. Joe Blanda, welcomes visitors to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail and outlines the various physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of spending mindful time in nature. Some examples of these benefits include:
- boosting the function of the immune system
- lowering blood pressure
- reducing stress
- improving mood
- increasing ability to focus
- increased creativity and feelings of connectedness
Mindful Feeling
"Many people are alive but don't touch the miracle of being alive." - Thích Nhất Hạnh
- Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail station #4 is centered around mindful feeling. Plant your feet in the ground like tree roots, breathe in the peace that surrounds you, pay close attention to the warmth of the sun, and notice the coolness of the breeze.
Mindful Viewing
"You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather." - Pema Chödrön
- Station #3 along the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail is all about mindful viewing. Notice the sky above, is it full of clouds or vast and empty? Watch the sunlight dance on the surface of the water. Notice all of the various hues, shadows, and reflections around you. Slow down and intentionally notice all there is to see around you.
Mindful Listening
"Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to the heart, it knows." - Native American Proverb
- At all times, nature provides a symphony that can only be heard when we get quiet enough to listen. Station #2 along J.N. "Ding" Darling's Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail is all about mindful listening. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and tune into the sounds closest to you, furthest from you, and all of the sounds traveling in between.
3-2-1 Grounding
"Mindfulness can be like stepping out of a grey flatscreen mode, into a world that is vivid and three-dimensional." - Tessa Watt
- Station #1 along J.N "Ding" Darling's Self-Guided Mindfulness Trail, "3-2-1 Grounding", leads you through a simple grounding exercise.
- Sink deep into the present moment by connecting to your senses, noticing your breath, and becoming fully aware of your surroundings. Notice three things you can see, two things you can hear, and one thing that you can feel.