Mindful Nature Walk
Mindful Nature Walk
In-PersonJoin us in a guided mindfulness practice. We will practice contemplation and observation of the natural world on the Arboretum grounds.
Last Revised: May 12th, 2026
Event Description
Mindful nature walking opens the senses to the full experience of the beauty of the outdoors. We use our sense perceptions as objects of mindfulness to experience nature directly, beyond our thoughts and conceptual minds. We alternate periods of walking in silence with sharing our experiences with each other. Both mindfulness meditation and being in nature have been found to have health benefits, such as reduced heartbeat, blood pressure, and stress. Mindful nature walking combines the two.
BIO: Craig Sargent is an Emeritus Professor of Biology at UK, where he taught and conducted research in ecology, evolution and animal behavior for 38 years. He also has 25 years of experience teaching mindfulness meditation, and using our sense perceptions as objects of mindfulness. In retirement, Craig is a fulltime nature photographer.
Who should come?
Please come if you can walk for 2 hours, are interested in cultivating mindful attention outdoors, and would like quiet company to share in your walk.
What should I bring and wear?
Water and weather-appropriate clothes that can get a little dirty and/or wet.
Are children welcome?
We walk mostly in silence. Children are welcome if they participate as mindful hikers. Not all children (or honestly some adults) can walk in silence. Hence, parents and children may choose to attend a portion of the walk.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, no, unless your pet is a service animal.
What if the weather is bad?
We will walk if it is safe to do so, meaning that we hike in wet, hot and cold weather but not thunderstorms or extreme cold (e.g., below 10 degrees). We will contact participants by 9am on the day of the trip if conditions are unsafe.
HOW TO REGISTER
Space is limited. To register, email us at arboretum@uky.edu