Mindful writing with nature

How are you like a tree? A mountain? An ocean? What nourishes your soil? How do you know when you are depleted or in need of replenishment? Which seeds have you intentionally sowed in your lifetime – and which do you still long to grow?

Join Dr. Dawnn McWatters (licensed psychologist, community educator, and nature advocate) as she offers brief presentations on topics related to edible gardening and therapeutic horticulture, and guides class participants through a mindful writing exercise – cultivating curiosity, awareness, and compassion, with the support of nature-based prompts. While not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment, nature exposure, mindfulness, and expressive writing have been shown to contribute positively to mind/body health.

Through Winter 2021, Mindful Writing in Nature sessions will be offered on the 3rd Monday of each month. Pre-registration is required. Once you sign up for a class session, you should receive the Zoom link details within 24 hours. And look for “sneak peeks” beginning in September 2021 as Dawnn features live IG “bites” that highlight seasonal topics.

Mindful Writing – Seeds of Change (Online)

Explore the awe-inspiring lifecycle of seeds, and reflect upon the seeds you have planted (or wish to plant) in your life. A free condensed version of this class session is available to watch here.

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Mindful Writing – Composting the Messy Stuff (Online)

October 18, 2021

12:00pm PST – 12:30pm PST

Learn about the organic process of composting, and reflect upon how we can use difficult life experiences to amend our soil for future growth. Register today!

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Mindful Writing – Extending Thanks to Nature (Online)

November 15, 2021

12:00pm PST – 12:30pm PST

Learn about the mind/body health benefits of engagement with nature, and celebrate diverse leaders who are centering nature in their work. Reflect on gratitude in our writing. Register today!

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Mindful Writing – Sharing Nature Gifts (Online)

December 20, 2021

12:00pm PST – 12:30pm PST

Stressing about last-minute holiday shopping? No worries! Join us for a quick tutorial on making a nature-themed present with materials that are available close to home. And then reflect on how you can “give the gift of nature” to yourself and others, year-round. Register today!

Each session will last 30 minutes, to include a short therapeutic horticulture presentation that we all can apply to our lives, followed by 10 minutes of writing practice, and a few minutes of reflection. On the introverted side? No worries, I feel you! No sharing required. You can also choose to participate live or watch the recorded presentation (of speaker only) at a later time.