Find Your Calm by
Connecting to Nature
Mindful Outdoor Experiences
& Poetry Writing
What is A Mindful Nature?
A Mindful Nature is a small, woman-owned business offering outdoor programs to anyone who wants to learn how to connect more deeply to the more-than-human world. A Mindful Nature means slowing down, being present, observing, and experiencing awe and wonder in the natural world. A Mindful Nature is based in Philadelphia, but can offer custom programs anywhere either in-person or virtually. Programs incorporate mindfulness, outdoor exploration, and poetry reading and writing to create truly unique and supportive experiences.
What is a Mindful Outdoor Experience?
A Mindful Outdoor Experience (MOE) is a nine-step process that helps participants slow down, observe, and reconnect with the more-than-human world. It's a combination of gentle movement, guided breathing, mindful observation, and simply reconnecting with your wild self. MOEs also incorporate a sense of grounding and connection to place, helping reset busy minds that are often more connected to screens.
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Micah Mortali, Founding Director of the Kripalu School for Mindful Outdoor Leadership, created the structure of the Mindful Outdoor Experience. In his book, Rewilding: Meditations, Practices, and Skills for Awakening in Nature, he lays out the nine steps included in an MOE. Micah also created and runs the training program for guides at Kripalu. A Mindful Nature incorporates Kripalu's practices into all programs.
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As a trained Mindful Outdoor Guide, A Mindful Nature's leader, Lori Litchman, will lead you and your group through all the steps of an MOE.
How does Poetry fit into the Mindful Outdoor Experience?
Poetry isn't technically part of a Mindful Outdoor Experience, but often, guides will read poetry to inspire participants to connect to the natural world. Lori Litchman, A Mindful Nature's lead guide, is also a poet and professional writer and made her realize that connecting poetry to Mindful Outdoor Experience could increase the health benefits for anyone who participates. You can talk with Lori about creating programming with or without poetry writing, but even if you are unsure about including it, give it a try to see how you feel after immersing yourself in nature while reading and writing poetry. We think your brain and body will thank you.
Experiences
A Mindful Nature offers a variety of experiences you can choose from for your organization or your small group.
Mindful Outdoor Experience
A traditional MOE that incorporates all nine steps and allows for mostly quiet connection to nature.
Mindful Outdoor Experience
+poetry
Writing
This experience combines parts of a traditional MOE with time for reading, writing, and sharing of poetry.
guided mindful hike
This hike is more like an "awe" walk. We'll slow down and learn to look more closely at nature. The distance covered is less important.
Generative Poetry Workshops
If you are looking for some creative inspiration, or just want to try your hand at writing poetry to experience its benefits, this is the workshop for you.
How Being Mindful Outdoors Changes Our Lives
Helps you sleep better
Spending time outdoors increases your sunlight intake and helps your circadian rhythm reset, which helps you sleep better.
Decreases anxiety & depression
Being mindful outdoors helps increase feelings of well-being, while decreasing feelings of disconnection and loneliness.
Reduces stress & improves health
Mindfulness outdoors decreases your heart rate and blood pressure, while strengthening your immune system.
Improves attention & concentration
Just a short time being mindful in nature can help improve your focus and productivity.
How Writing Poetry Changes Our Brains
Reduces stress & anxiety
Research has shown that writing poetry helps process emotions and increases feelings of well-being.
Improves cognitive function
Reading and writing poetry has been shown to improve memory retention language processing.
Increases feelings of hope
Reading poetry can increase feelings of positivity.
Our brains are hard-wired for poetry
Research has shown that reading & writing poetry promotes neural connections and a healthy brain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and noticing what is going on in the present moment. We will practice observing nature around us, and as you do so, you will notice that your brain is more eager to be in the present.
Who is this programming for?
Anyone and everyone! I can work with nature centers and outdoor spaces, friend groups, professional groups, educators, senior centers, long-term healthcare facilities, clubs, secondary schools, colleges, and home schooling groups. Email me to discuss your group's needs.
How should I prepare?
Always bring water with you. Check the forecast ahead of time and dress in layers so you are comfortable. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Consider turning your cell phone off so you can be fully present for our time together. Pack a snack in case you want to nibble on something. If you need anything else, we will be sure to let you know.
What if I can't quiet my mind?
You are human, so it is likely that you won't be able to instantly quiet your mind. Lori will guide you in some mindful movement, breathing, and grounding to help you slow down your thoughts and just be present.
What if I've never written poetry?
Anyone can write poetry! I'll provide you with prompts and support to help you get started if you feel stuck. The beauty of poetry is that it can be anything you want it to be. It's your decision if you want to share what you write.
How much does it cost?
Each program is different, so the cost depends on the program. A Mindful Nature will always work with participants to make sure the experiences are affordable for everyone. Should you want to discuss bringing this programming to a group on a recurring basis, Lori is happy to help you seek grant funding.
Summer Poetry Series @ Studio 34
in Burlington, NJ.
3-part Series: Poetry as an Act of Self-Care, Resistance, & Love
Do you enjoy writing poetry? Or, are you looking for a simple way to calm your mind? Join writer and poet, Lori Litchman, on a journey through writing poetry as an act of self-care, resistance, and love. Each workshop will start with a grounding and short guided meditation to quiet our minds. We’ll read some poetry for inspiration and then get busy writing our own poems. You’ll get an envelope of poetry prompts and a small poetry journal to take home. No previous poetry writing experience necessary!
Studio 34
34 W. Broad St., No. 2
Burlington, NJ, 08016
Click here to reserve your spot through Studio 34's website.
Poetry as a Form of Resistance at Love City Brewing, Philadelphia
If you are looking for a way to help wrap your head around all of the chaos, check out this generative poetry workshop focusing on writing poetry as a form of resistance. We'll read resistance poetry to get inspiration and then craft our own poems. We'll end the workshop with an opportunity to share newly crafted poetry. ​
The Garden @ Love City Brewing
1023 Hamilton St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
June 29, 2025
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About Me
Hello! I'm Lori Litchman, founder of A Mindful Nature. I'm a certified Level 1 Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. I'm also a professional writer and poet with an MFA in Creative Nonfiction. I'm the author of the hiking guide book, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Philadelphia and the forthcoming PA travel book, Pennsylvania Day Trips. I love spending time outdoors and sharing my love of nature with others. I'm a former educator, so I know how to craft engaging programming. I am also certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. I look forward to working with you and your group!
Publications
My MFA craft paper about the evolution of the American nature writer, published in The Writer's Chronicle.
I write eco-poetry, speculative poetry, and nature poetry mostly. Click here to read my published poems.
I've authored a hiking guide book and PA travel book and have blogs to go with each.
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I write travel listicles for Expedia and Hotels.com. Click here to read some of my favorites.
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Writing Services
As a professional writer, I'm always looking for new clients to support who are looking for someone who can take complex ideas and create content that is simple and engaging. If you have a writing need that fits one of my areas of expertise, use the Contact Form below to send me an email.
Grant Writing
I specialize in large Federal grants. I support grant seekers in crafting detailed and compelling narratives. Successful grants from NEH, NEA, NPS (Save America's Treasures).
Technical Writing
Technical writing comes in many forms. My areas of specialty are educational writing including curriculum, legal writing, business writing, and compliance and oversight writing.
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Accessible Writing
Statistics show that the average American reads at about a middle school level. As a certified Reading Specialist and former classroom teacher, I'm an expert at crafting prose accessible to diverse audiences.
Blog Writing
Sometimes you just need content that is simple and engaging to detail your company or non-profit's work. I love writing blog posts that tell compelling stories.
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Get in Touch
Complete the form below to send A Mindful Nature an email. Thanks for your interest!