Gentle, inspiring, and grounding. Mindful by Nature beautifully blends mindfulness with nature connection, reminding us that healing and belonging come from honoring the world around us—and within us.

Mindful by Nature by Tim Drake and Jason Hamilton is a gentle yet powerful invitation to reconnect—with the Earth, with others, and with ourselves. In a world that often feels disconnected and overstimulated, this book offers a grounded path back to presence through nature-based mindfulness. What sets it apart is its emphasis on accessibility and playfulness, making the practices feel welcoming rather than intimidating. Whether you live in a city high-rise or a rural cabin, the authors show that nature is never out of reach.

The book blends personal stories, nature studies, and guided exercises that encourage readers to slow down, notice more, and engage with life more fully. Drake and Hamilton don’t preach—they share. Their tone is warm and encouraging, and their reflections feel authentic, especially when they speak to facing challenges with compassion. For anyone who’s experienced a health crisis or emotional upheaval, the message here resonates deeply: healing and joy are possible, and nature can be a steady companion in that journey.

One of the most refreshing aspects is the call to rediscover playfulness. As adults, we often forget how vital it is to be lighthearted, curious, and open. This book reminds us that mindfulness doesn’t have to be solemn—it can be joyful, even fun. That spirit makes Mindful by Nature not just a guidebook, but a great gift idea for anyone seeking a deeper and more joyful sense of belonging in the world.

Thank you Cornell University press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Through a collection of personal stories, meditations and poems, Mindful by Nature offers the reader a way to see herself as part of nature. The authors' methods of connecting to nature are designed to work well whether one is living in an urban or more rural setting. This slim volume is written so that the reader can read a short chapter at a time and incorporate the recommendations for connecting with nature into one's daily life.

I appreciated this book's simplicity. Nothing about the meditations or excerises required me to gather supplies or engage in complex planning. For the most part, I could simply walk out my front door and follow the chapter's suggestions for way in which I could better observe the nature near my home and observe changes in my environment over time.

Mindful by Nature is a valuable additionn to those books that help us understand both our environment and ourselves.