What Happens When We Step Outside: #ReyouSummerOutside & The Benefits of Mindfulness in Nature

There’s something unmistakably grounding about stepping outside and feeling the sun on your skin or the wind on your face. But beyond the surface-level relief, nature has a unique way of bringing us back to ourselves—especially when we approach it with intention.

This summer, at Reyou, we’re celebrating that connection through our #ReyouSummerOutside series—a season of in-person events and outdoor-friendly practices designed to help you move, reflect, and reconnect in ways that feel natural.

When Outside Feels Better Than Inside

How do you manage your office workload during the summer months? Aside from a week or two of vacation time, most working professionals continue their office work as normal.

I’ve realized over the years—across roles in the military, corporate offices, and now running Reyou—that I do my best thinking away from my desk.

When I was a military officer in Jamaica, the office buildings on base were all separate. A short walk (or drive) between them gave me just enough time to reset, transition, and think clearly. Later, working in the corporate office of a central governmental organization, I’d intentionally walk to the furthest washroom after phone calls and meetings because the physical movement helped me to decompress and refocus.

These days, like many of you, I work in a hybrid or remote setup. Especially in winter, when it is unbearably cold outside and not worth the time to get layered up, it’s hard to step away. But summer is different. In fact, the most challenging part of work for me in the warm months is convincing myself to sit at my desk at all.

The Benefits of Mindfulness in Nature

Mindfulness is the practice of noticing—your thoughts, your breath, your body, your surroundings. And nothing amplifies that awareness quite like being outdoors and experiencing nature.

Practicing mindfulness in nature enhances mindful awareness by offering gentle, continuous cues, such as the rustling of leaves, warm sunlight, and the sound of birds. These are things we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yet, attending to these gentle, continuous sensory cues draws our attention back to the present, helping us to feel more grounded, calm, and decisive. That’s what makes practices like outdoor meditation, nature walks, and journaling in the park so powerful.

And research backs this up—spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and help regulate mood, energy, and focus.

It’s no wonder so many of us find clarity mid-walk or creativity mid-garden. Our brains and bodies crave pause and pattern breaks—not more desk time.

Stepping Outside with #ReyouSummerOutside

At Reyou, we believe that healing, reflection, and growth don’t always happen in front of a screen. Sometimes, they begin with a deep breath under an open sky or a quiet moment in a park.

That’s why this summer, we’re bringing our most popular online offerings to the outdoors. Join Reyou this summer in Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, MB for:

• Coffee Chat & Art Walk – June 26 at 9.30 AM

• Guided Meditation in the Park – July 24 at 5.30 PM

• Journal Together Outdoors – August 28 at 5.30 PM

  
  

These events are offered free to Reyou Community members and at a cost for guests and non-members. Similar to our online series, these outdoor events will focus on presence and connection, offering participants permission to slow down and take stock of the mindful moments that nature provides.

We also know that not everyone can attend in person, so we’ve created a #ReyouSummerOutside Game Plan for our members—complete with journaling prompts, nature-based practices, and mindful movement you can take with you anywhere with the Reyou Mindfulness App.

Ready to Join Us?

Whether you’re in Winnipeg or across the country, #ReyouSummerOutside is your invitation to take your practice outside. Our events are free for Reyou Community members, with limited spots available for non-members. When you become a member, you’ll also get access to:

• Live monthly journaling and meditation sessions

• A growing library of e-courses and digital toolkits

• Ongoing support for mindfulness, emotional well-being, and life transitions

Learn more about becoming a member →

Join now to get the most out of this season's journaling prompts, mindful movement guides, and self-check-in tools—all designed to help you step away from your screen and into real life.

How do you manage your workload during the summer?

Let us know on Instagram at @reyoumindfulness, or join us for the next outdoor event to discuss it in person. 🌞

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About the Author

Patlee Creary, PhD, is a Workplace Mindfulness and MBSR Facilitator, conflict transformation specialist, writer, educator, and mental health advocate. She helps individuals and teams navigate stress, strengthen resilience, and build meaningful connections through mindfulness, storytelling, and emotional intelligence.

As the founder of Reyou Mindfulness Collective, she creates transformative workshops, retreats, and corporate training programs that turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Learn more at https://www.reyoumindfulness.com/patlee-creary-phd.