Overview

In 2014 John Harvey fulfilled his one-year commitment to sit in the forest once each week for one hour to observe nature. It turned out to be a richly rewarding experience. He learned to more fully see, hear, smell, and feel; he learned much about the natural world-the environment, flora and fauna, the progression of the seasons, and weather; and at the end of the year, he felt physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually rejuvenated. He shared his experiences and discoveries in his book The Stillness of the Living Forest. But as time went on, Harvey realized he had many questions about the connection between time spent in nature and one's health and well-being. As a psychologist, Harvey was eager to learn if others who spent time in nature had experienced outcomes similar to his. He began to read relevant books and research articles and found that the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of spending time in nature are well established. There were also findings pointing to nature's positive impact on feelings of connection, self-knowledge, and personal transformation and spiritual growth. Harvey realized that it was time for a sequel to his book, time to take an all-embracing journey through both contemporary scientific and traditional literary sources to understand how and why time in nature is so beneficial. Nature's Pathways to Mindfulness explores scientific information on the benefits of time spent in nature and the processes and theories that explain these benefits, recounts many of Harvey's personal experiences in nature, and provides step-by-step guidance on how to conduct a nature sitting experience.

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9781962082266

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Reviews

""In Nature's Pathways to Mindfulness, John Harvey describes 'tipping points, ' moments during nature observation when awareness shifts into the present and away from the created world of thoughts and feelings about past and future. With his 'sit spot' approach, Harvey guides us through a developmental process-we settle in, nature resumes its activity, we drop our habitual present and past obsessions, and we turn to the present. Harvey's book is richly supported with scientific evidence, personal experience, and step-by-step guidance and an invaluable resource for those who look to improve their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing and those who seek personal transformation. -Lyle Olson author of The Meditation Process: Raja Yoga ""Nature's Pathways to Mindfulness is a well-researched, thoughtful, and wonderfully written guidebook on how the get the most from nature-wherever we live. He explains that many of us think of nature as only that which is far away, remote, or out in the deep woods where 'real' nature exists. That limiting view stops many from enjoying the wildness that is as close as a deck with a potted plant, a backyard, or a city park. Experiences in nature make us healthier and happier, and Harvey cites the research and draws from his own experiences to validate that conclusion."" -Eric Wade, author of Upstream: In the Alaska Wilderness and Squirrelland: Imagination and the Alaska Red Squirrel ""John Harvey takes us on a journey into the natural beauty and harmony of nature that surrounds us and is, in fact, an essential part of ourselves. Nature's Pathways to Mindfulness is a manual for recognizing the power of nature to restore our physical and mental balance, harmony, and wellness. Perhaps the most important lesson we learn from Harvey is how much a part of nature we are. Through nature's pathways, we begin to experience and maybe know for the first time that we are an integral part of a vast reality that is filled with renewal, beauty, harmony, and goodness."" -Phil Nuernberger, Ph.D., author of Strong and Fearless and Eternal Self ""The deep learning and motivation sparked by Nature's Pathways to Mindfulness arise from the wealth of welcoming paths that John Harvey lays before us. Harvey synthesizes the science behind nature's impressive effects on our wellbeing. He explores a bevy of gateways into mindfulness, from sit spots and forest bathing to guided walks and bird-watching. He enhances each path with intimate and colorful windows into his own sojourns. Harvey's book artfully balances the analytical, the instructive, and the intuitive."" -Katherine Hauswirth, author of The Morning Light, the Lily White: Daily Dips into Nature and Spirit ""John Harvey teaches us not only how to connect to the wonders and awe of the natural world but why these connections are so vital for our personal wellbeing. Whether on the wings of a tern or listening to the mournful song of a pewee or the flutelike song of a wood thrush, Harvey demonstrates how we can find an uplift to boost our mood or support healing of body and mind by simply taking time to notice, reflect, and appreciate the present moment."" -Holly C. Merker, founder of The Mindful Birding Network, coauthor of the award-winning Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and The Power of Birdwatching

Author Information

John Harvey, Ph.D. is a naturalist and consulting psychologist who resides in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania. He is the author of the nature book Stillness of the Living Forest: A Year of Listening and Learning. As a psychologist, John works with children and adults with developmental and acquired challenges of learning and memory. He has a long-standing interest in relaxation training, stress management, and personal development, and is the author of Total Relaxation: Healing Practices for Body, Mind and Spirit; Deep Sleep: Complete Rest for Health, Longevity and Vitality; and a contributing editor for The Quiet Mind: Techniques for Transforming Stress. John obtained his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served for many years as Director of Psychology at Allied Services in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Scranton. John enjoys writing, biking, hiking, kayaking, gardening, bird watching, and supporting conservation projects.

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