Newbies in Nature at Taylor-Bray Farm
Reflections by Naturalist & Walk Leader Andrea Higgins
On this beautiful, frosty morning at Taylor-Bray Farm, our Newbies in Nature crew joined me to practice mindfulness in nature to start the day on the right foot. Early morning light kissed the golden grasses of the salt marsh and reflected against the ice crystals clinging to the farm’s flora.
Young parents and their babies, who were snuggled in front slings or backpacks, joined me at the trailhead. We paused for a moment to notice the tremendous beauty of our surroundings. I prompted the group to breathe deeply and step back from the busy rush of parenthood (even if just for an hour). We engaged our senses to listen to birds happily chirping, feel the gentle wind across our faces, and smell the marsh and salty air.
Setting off on our adventure, I invited the group to remain mindful by moving slowly and continually engaging the senses to stay present in the moment. As we moved through the farm and surrounding forested trails, cuties in carriers caressed leaves and tree bark with gentle encouragement from their parents. They cooed over the farm animals and each new sight and sound. It was lovely to witness the joy in each mother’s eyes as she watched her child glance up at the sky or smile at the sound of bird song, then fall sound asleep in a warm and cozy embrace.
