By: Danny W. Pettry ii
You don’t have to sit cross-legged on a mountain to be mindful. Mindfulness is noticing the moment — whether it’s guiding clients through a nature walk or washing dishes after dinner.
One recreation therapist shared how her group used “Mindful Music Moments.” Each participant listened closely to a song, noticing how it made them feel. The exercise opened deep conversations about emotions and triggers — and taught presence.
Mindfulness rewires our brains to respond, not react. It can be woven into recreation: stretching before sports, breathing before art, pausing before play.
Practice what you teach: Take 30 seconds before your next session. Feel your feet on the ground. Inhale, exhale, notice.
💡 Learn more about therapeutic mindfulness techniques:
Check out our Mindfulness CEU courses at Rec Therapy Today.