Spring Awakening: The Awe of Mother Nature

A Mindful Celebration of Earth, Community, and Renewal

On Wednesday, April 23, a warm and heartful group gathered for “Spring Awakening: The Awe of Mother Nature”, a special virtual community event hosted by mindfulness instructor Sarah Gouveia at the Mindfulness and Health Institute (MHI). Held just after Earth Day and deep into the bloom of Spring, the evening was a celebration of the natural world, of new beginnings, and of the quiet, steady rhythms that connect us all.

The gathering began with a warm welcome, grounding us in both season and intention. As the days grow longer and the colors of Spring return to our landscapes, we paused to acknowledge that we, too, are part of nature’s great cycle. Just as the trees bud and the flowers bloom, we are reminded that we can always begin again; each breath a return, each moment an opportunity to start fresh.

We reflected on the beauty of this idea through a brief mindfulness practice, anchoring our awareness in the breath and body, noticing the simple miracle that we are breathing, alive, and here. Just as nature unfolds without judgment, so too can we meet our lives with gentleness and care.

The heart of the evening unfolded when each person was invited to share something that inspired awe in them about the natural world. Some brought poems, others photographs or personal stories. Some simply listened. There was no pressure, just a shared space to witness and be witnessed.

It was deeply moving to hear voices from around the world reflect on the awe found in everyday moments, including the wonder of a child discovering the changing world, the way a familiar walking path can feel both constant and ever-changing, or the simple joy of warm sun, fragrant blossoms, and the presence of a loved one. These shares were reminders of how deeply interconnected we are, not only with nature, but with each other.

This offering to our community is contributed by Jennifer OConnor:

I often refer to this quote by Rachel Carson in times of hardship as a reminder to take a moment to take a breath and connect with nature.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

I admire Rachel Carson's strength and dedication towards advocating for the environment. She was an American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist whose sea trilogy and book Silent Spring are credited with advancing marine conservation and the global environmental movement.

We then transitioned into a closing practice: a mountain meditation. Guided imagery helped us embody the strength, stillness, and quiet resilience of a mountain, rooted and steady amid all kinds of weather and change. As we sat together, breathing, imagining the sun rising and setting, the stars emerging, the seasons flowing, we shared in the community of mindfulness.

Before we said goodbye, participants typed a single word in the chat to describe how they were feeling in that moment. Words like “peaceful,” “connected,” “grateful,” and “inspired” echoed the spirit of the evening.

As we closed, there was a simple invitation: Keep listening. To the breath. To each other. To the teachings of Mother Earth.

If you weren’t able to attend the event but would still like to share your thoughts or contribute to the community, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to complete this form or comment below to share any reflections, stories, or anything else about nature that has inspired you. We’d love to hear from you!