08-03-26 Mindful Birding
with guest Holly Merker, founder of the Mindful Birding Network and co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Mindful Birding combines observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a practice that incorporates a heightened awareness. Labeling or identifying birds is not the primary focus; rather the intention is slowing down and noticing, using birds as our guides. It’s about presence with curiosity and without judgment. This style of observation invites self-exploration, reciprocity, and an acknowledgment of our physical and emotional responses while within the practice.
A growing body of scientific research shows that deepening our experiences with nature by intentionally slowing down, engaging our senses, and being aware of the present moment, holds a myriad of benefits to overall human wellness. The benefits include reduced anxiety and stress, increased memory and attention, and opportunities for social and community engagement. Additionally, the practice of birding brings educational benefits, citizen science opportunities and conservation engagement, experiences that are increasingly important because of climate change and habitat destruction.
Holly is co-author of two books, including the award-winning Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul. She is co-host and co-producer of the Mindful Birding Podcast, and founder of the Mindful Birding Network. Her work has been featured by British Vogue, AARP, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Psychotherapy Networker Magazine, and numerous other media outlets. A cancer survivor, Holly credits birds with helping restore her health and well-being and now helps others discover the healing potential of engagement with wild birds.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Join the Mindful Birding Network – https://www.themindfulbirdingnetwork.com/
Read more about mindful birding – https://www.themindfulbirdingnetwork.com/mindful-birding
Find Scientific Studies on mindful birding – https://www.themindfulbirdingnetwork.com/scientific-studies
Listen to a Mindful Birding Podcast about nature journaling –https://www.buzzsprout.com/2148646/episodes/17584362
Attract more birds with water! Read about Sustainable Water Features: Bringing Home Gardens to Life by Maya Whitman in Natural Awakenings Magazine https://www.naturalawakeningsboston.com/2026/06/30/573881/sustainable-water-features-bringing-home-gardens-to-life
Explore Story Walking’s “Spiritual & Mystical Reflections” pathway at https://storywalking.com/spiritual-mystical-reflections/
RELATED EPISODES
Nature as Teacher: Stories and Reflections from Nature Journaling, about being mindful of birds as messengers of Spirit, with Wendy Nadherny Fachon https://dreamvisions7radio.com/nature-as-teacher/
Backyard Gardening for Birds, about mindful planting of native species to attract and support birds, with Laura Erickson, Author, 100 Plants to Feed the Birds https://dreamvisions7radio.com/backyard-gardening-for-birds/
Bird Building Collision Monitoring: Migratory Bird Conservation, about mindful citizen science, with Elaine Carlson, Volunteer, Chicago Bird Collision Monitoring https://dreamvisions7radio.com/bird-building-collision-monitoring/
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