BONUS EPISODE: Honoring Our National Parks

A Meditation for Connection and Gratitude

Welcome Friends -

Today’s special episode is in honor of our National Parks here in the U.S. and truly everywhere in the world. It is an episode acknowledging the peril our lands face and a bow of deep reverence to the land we are so deeply connected to. Join me for special meditation practice meant to soothe our broken hearts and celebrate the lands we love.

Protesters Display Upside-Down American Flag at Yosemite. Tracy Barbutes/San Francisco Chronicle

Under the current U.S. administration, these lands—our shared heritage—face mounting threats. Policies that prioritize corporate interests over conservation have opened the doors to expanded drilling, mining, and logging, stripping away protections meant to keep these ecosystems intact. Climate change policies have been weakened, rolling back crucial regulations that safeguard the air, water, and wildlife within these parklands. Funding cuts have left park services struggling, with fewer resources to combat wildfires, preserve biodiversity, and maintain the lands we cherish.

It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such peril. But today, we choose a different path. After reflecting on these urgent concerns and feeling the heartache that it creates, we will turn toward the power of connection—grounding ourselves in a meditation to honor our relationship with the Earth. In doing so, we acknowledge that we are not separate from nature; we are a part of it. Through this practice, we cultivate reciprocity—offering gratitude to the land, the waters, the forests, and all the beings that call these parks home.

Here at Our Mindful Nature, we have the deep privilege of incorporating nature soundscapes into all of these meditation practices—many of which have been recorded in our National Parks. These sounds—the whispering trees, rushing rivers, and echoing calls of wildlife—are gifts, and we do not take them for granted. As we listen, we honor not only the land itself but also the Indigenous peoples who have cared for these places since time immemorial. With gratitude, we recognize that these lands were never empty or untouched but have always been home to vibrant cultures, wisdom, and stewardship. May we listen with reverence, may we practice with gratitude, and may we commit ourselves to their protection.

Today’s meditation practice was originally recorded in my backyard in honor of Earth Day a few years ago and it feels particularly fitting for right now.

So take a deep breath, settle in, and join me as we bear witness, hold space, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting these sacred places. For the Earth, for each other, and for the generations yet to come.

Thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support.

NEW: Cover Art 💛

When you look for Our Mindful Nature in your podcast player, you will see some gorgeous new cover art designed by Mindshop Media. Hope you love it as much as I do!

You might have also noticed, we are now releasing bi-weekly episodes once again! Every Monday, you will get a mini episode that is JUST the meditation {no chatter beforehand}. Every Thursday, you will get a full meditation class as recorded from my live Monday Night Meditation group. Enjoy✨