By Rose Macaulay, Cullan Joyce, Katherine Johnson, Dianne Vella-Brodrick, Iain Walker, and Kathryn Williams

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Many people feel worried, sad, or overwhelmed about climate change and biodiversity loss. We wanted to learn whether practices that bring together time in nature with contemplative activities like mindful attention or reflection could support people experiencing these feelings, and if so, how.

We interviewed 11 experienced teachers of these practices and then ran two workshops with a subset of the group. We asked what their practices involve, what changes they usually notice in people, and what they think links the practice to those changes. From these conversations, we identified four connected “pathways” that can lead to more productive responses to ecological change, individually and collectively. First, being present: simple sensory attention such as listening, noticing smells, and feeling the ground, and meditative awareness can reduce stress and help people feel calmer and more grounded. Second, facing difficult feelings: in a safe natural setting and a supportive group, people can reflect on worry, grief, or anger and find steadier ways to live with them. Third, expanding the sense of self: practices that invite connection with other people, places, and the more-than-human world, for example, through visualisation or gentle movement, can foster feelings like awe, gratitude, and care. These experiences can strengthen our relationships with nature and each other. Fourth, strengthening values and commitments: sharing experiences in a group helps people articulate what matters, align around shared values, and make small, tangible commitments toward acting with and for others and nature.

Together, these pathways suggest practical design ideas for practices. Practitioners can build presence through sensory and meditative activities, create safe and supportive settings, include prompts that cultivate connection beyond the individual, and make time for group sharing so insights can become commitments. Our workshops translated these ideas into design suggestions that practitioners can test and adapt in their own contexts.

In summary, blending nature engagement with contemplative practice may help people manage eco-distress and move toward collective, nature-supporting action.