Our Mindful Nature: Meditation Inspired by Nature to Soothe the Overwhelmed Mind and Ease Anxiety

Not all meditation experiences are peaceful — and that's something we need to talk about. In this conversation, meditation teacher Meryl Arnett sits down with mindfulness trainer and trauma expert David Treleaven, PhD, author of The Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workbook, to explore how trauma impacts meditation and vice versa.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, dysregulated, or triggered during meditation practice, this episode will help you understand why — and give you practical tools to work with these challenging experiences.What To ExpectWhy meditation can trigger trauma responses and what to do about itThe spectrum of trauma: understanding the difference between stress, traumatic stress, and PTSDThe Window of Tolerance: a powerful framework for knowing when to lean into meditation and when to back offBeing with vs. working with: two essential approaches to meditation practicePractical regulation tools beyond traditional seated meditationPerfect ForMeditation practitioners experiencing difficulty or overwhelm in practiceYoga and meditation teachers wanting to develop trauma-informed teaching skillsMental health professionals integrating mindfulness into their workAnyone with a trauma history exploring meditationParents helping children develop emotional regulation skillsAnyone interested in understanding the intersection of meditation and mental healthFeatured GuestDavid Treleaven, PhD is a writer, educator, and trauma professional specializing in trauma-sensitive mindfulness. His work helps meditation teachers and practitioners understand how to work skillfully with trauma in contemplative practice. He's trained thousands of meditation teachers worldwide and his resources include The Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workbook and various online trainings.Find David at: davidtreleaven.comResources MentionedThe Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workbook by David TreleavenWidening the Window by Elizabeth StanleyTeachers referenced: Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Rick HansonFree trauma-informed meditation webinar available at davidtreleaven.comJoin the ConversationHave you experienced challenges in your meditation practice? What tools help you regulate when practice becomes overwhelming? Share your experiences on social media using #meditatewithmerylDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're experiencing trauma symptoms or mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified mental health professional.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find her at:https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

Just the Meditation - Join host Meryl Arnett for a profound 15-minute guided meditation that uses advanced breathing techniques to move you from linear thinking into expansive, timeless awareness. This practice progresses from structured spine breathing to flowing circular breath, ultimately releasing into pure presence.What You'll Experience:Complete guided meditation moving through three distinct phasesLinear spine breathing to establish awareness and rhythmCircular breathing technique that dissolves time boundariesExtended period of unguided timeless meditation (7-8 minutes)Gentle integration and return to ordinary consciousnessPerfect For:Experienced meditators ready for deeper practicesThose curious about advanced breathing techniquesAnyone seeking to transcend time-based thinkingPractitioners wanting to explore non-linear meditation statesPeople interested in the relationship between breath and consciousnessReady to explore the depths of circular breathing and timeless awareness? Find your meditation seat and join Meryl for this transformative journey beyond linear time.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

A meditation perfect for fall - Host Meryl Arnett shares a deeply moving story of witnessing three ancient ginkgo trees releasing all their golden leaves at once—a moment so magical that families stopped their cars to stand beneath the "snow" of falling leaves. This beautiful memory becomes the foundation for a 10-minute guided meditation on the art of letting go.What You'll Experience:A gentle 10-minute meditation perfect for beginners and experienced practitionersImmersive forest soundscape with rustling leaves and peaceful bird songsTree imagery for grounding, stability, and knowing when to releaseThis practice is Perfect For:Anyone struggling with overthinking or mental loopsPeople seeking stress relief and anxiety reductionThose new to meditation looking for accessible, nature-based practicesExperienced meditators wanting seasonal inspirationAnyone feeling stuck or needing to practice release and surrenderSeasonal Reflection:This meditation is particularly powerful during autumn when nature demonstrates letting go all around us. However, the practice of releasing thoughts like falling leaves is relevant year-round for anyone seeking mental clarity and emotional freedom.About the Soundscape:Features authentic forest sounds from Emmy award-winning acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton including gentle breezes rustling through leaves and peaceful bird chatter, creating an immersive natural environment that supports deep relaxation and mindful awareness.Ready to learn the art of letting go from nature's wisest teachers? Find a comfortable seat and join Meryl for this touching meditation inspired by the magic of ginkgo trees and falling leaves.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Gordon Hempton for today’s nature field recordings; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://soundtracker.com/https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

The Fall Equinox is a time of balance, and today's episode is a practice devoted to cultivating this balance for the colder, darker months ahead.Join guest host Eve Payor from Singing Pines as she guides you through an authentic forest bathing experience rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. This isn't about hiking or exercising—it's about mindfully receiving nature's healing gifts through all your senses.What You'll Experience:Complete guided forest bathing session you can do anywhere—even indoorsScientific evidence behind nature therapy's powerful health benefitsSensory awareness practices connecting you to the "more than human world"Three focused invitations: observing motion, connecting with water, and greeting treesReflection opportunities and journaling prompts throughoutThe Science Behind Forest BathingResearch led by Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki at Chiba University reveals forest bathing:Significantly lowers stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rateBoosts immune system through phytoncides (tree essential oils)Increases natural killer (NK) cells that fight infections and tumorsImproves cognitive function, memory, and creativityReduces risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart diseaseEnhances mood through negative ions found near water sourcesPerfect For:Those wanting to mark the Fall Equinox in a meaningful wayAnyone seeking natural stress relief and anxiety reductionPeople interested in science-backed wellness practicesThose wanting to deepen their connection to natureBeginners to forest bathing and nature therapyAnyone needing a mindful break from urban overwhelmWhat You'll Need:Access to any natural space (forest, park, or even potted plants)Optional: journal for reflectionOptional: cup of tea for the closing ceremonyWillingness to slow down and be presentPractice Highlights:This episode includes a full 30-minute forest bathing experience with guided sensory awareness, three distinct nature connection invitations, and built-in reflection time. Eve's gentle guidance helps you discover the healing power of simply being present with the natural world.Ready to experience the profound healing of forest bathing? Find your favorite natural space, grab a journal if you'd like, and join Eve for this transformative journey into mindful nature connection.About Guest Host Eve Payor:Eve is a certified guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and founder of Singing Pines, dedicated to sharing Mother Earth's healing power through guided nature experiences.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

In this third installment of the "Steadiness of Stone" series, host Meryl Arnett guides us through a fascinating exploration of time's flexible nature and how meditation reveals timeless awareness beyond our everyday linear experience.What You'll Discover:Why Einstein and modern physics prove time is relative - and how meditation shows us this truthThe difference between chronos (chronological time) and kairos (mythic, timeless moments)How dreams operate outside linear time and what this teaches us about consciousnessWhy expecting specific outcomes from meditation leads to disappointmentHow to recognize and fall into timeless states during your practiceFeatured Meditation Practice: Experience a unique circular breathing technique designed to help you step out of linear time progression and into expansive, timeless awareness. This 15-minute guided practice uses breath visualization to move from linear spine breathing to circular flow, ultimately releasing into pure presence.Key Takeaways:Meditation naturally reveals time's fluid, relative natureSome insights come as sudden knowing beyond logical progressionTimeless states can't be forced but emerge through consistent, non-expectant practiceBoth anxiety-filled and blissful meditations demonstrate time's flexibilityCircular time and loop theory suggest past and future may be illusionsPerfect For: Meditators curious about the deeper mysteries of consciousness, anyone struggling with time anxiety or meditation expectations, and those interested in how ancient wisdom aligns with modern physics.Resources Mentioned:Carlo Rovelli (Italian physicist)"Divination and Synchronicity: The Psychology of Meaningful Chance" (Jungian psychology)Poem: "The Three Oddest Words" by Wislawa SzymborskaReady to explore timeless awareness? Grab your favorite tea, find a comfortable seat, and join Meryl for this mind-expanding journey beyond the ticking clock.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

Just The Meditation So many of us approach meditation with pressure, rules, and expectations—only to feel more overwhelmed than connected. In today's meditation practice, we explore a fresh, nature-inspired perspective on meditation that expands time, deepens your connection to the present moment, and helps you discover your personal “now.” Press play now and join me. Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

What if your experience of time could actually shift the way you feel your anxiety?So many of us approach meditation with pressure, rules, and expectations—only to feel more overwhelmed than connected. In this episode, we explore a fresh, nature-inspired perspective on meditation that expands time, deepens your connection to the present moment, and helps you discover your personal “now.”You’ll learn how shifting your relationship to time can transform your mental health and create more resilience, even when life feels fast and chaotic.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why anxiety eases when you stop chasing the “perfect” meditation practice.How sitting still expands your personal now and builds inner resilience.A grounded, nature-inspired way to feel more connected and less overwhelmed.Listen now to step into meditation with freedom instead of pressure—and discover a deeply personal path to mental health and connection.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

For the Full Harvest Moon: A Moonlight Bathing MeditationIn this episode, you’ll be guided through a gentle, nature-inspired meditation practice designed to honor the full Harvest Moon, ease feelings of overwhelm, nurture resilience, and deepen your sense of connection with yourself and the world around you. Using the power of moonlight, breath, and stillness, you’ll discover how simple moments outdoors can profoundly support your mental health.Take a pause, step outside, and let this moonlit meditation guide you into peace and clarity—listen now and feel the shift.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Gordon Hempton for today’s nature field recordings; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://soundtracker.com/https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

What if the way you think about time is actually feeding your anxiety?In this episode, we explore how meditation can shift your relationship with time—freeing you from the pressure of the clock and helping you feel more grounded, connected, and resilient. Instead of rushing through moments or relying on timers, this practice invites you to sit with stillness and discover a timeless space within yourself.You’ll walk away with:A nature-inspired perspective on time that reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. Today's nature sounds come from the Eastern Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.A meditation approach that creates mental health benefits by slowing down anxiety.Practical ways to build resilience and deepen your connection through timeless practice.Take a breath, let go of the ticking clock, and discover how meditation can transform your experience of time—press play to begin.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.

Are you lying awake at night, overwhelmed by racing thoughts and rising anxiety?This episode guides you through a meditation practice designed to ease tension, quiet the mind, and help you melt into deep, restorative sleep.Instead of battling your body or forcing your breath, you’ll discover how meditation, connection to nature-inspired imagery, and gentle awareness can transform anxiety into calm and resilience—supporting your mental health in a way that feels natural and sustainable.In this practice, you’ll experience how to:Release stress and tension from head to toe through mindful breathwork.Build a circle of calm and safety to soothe anxiety and support sleep.Strengthen your resilience by connecting to the flow of breath as a grounding anchor.Drift into peace and connection—tune in now to discover how meditation can help you quiet anxiety and embrace rest. Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:https://www.nickcmcmahan.comhttps://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.