Nature-Based Contemplation for Spiritual Well-Being: A Pilot Study Exploring Acceptability and Potential Benefits

A pilot study of a nature-based contemplation intervention combining mindful awareness with contemplative practice in natural settings found short-term improvements in spiritual well-being that were not maintained at follow-up. Emotional well-being showed sustained gains across all time points, while nature connectedness and social well-being showed delayed effects emerging only at one month. Participants reported moderate to high satisfaction, but qualitative analysis revealed implementation challenges, particularly with the contemplative component. The authors conclude the intervention is acceptable with promising short-term effects but requires refinement to improve long-term sustainability.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Spiritual well-being, characterized by enhanced feelings of connection with self, others, nature, and the transcendent, significantly contributes to mental health and provides unique benefits that extend beyond other dimensions of well-being, such as emotional or physical well-being. This study explored the acceptability and potential benefits of an innovative nature-based contemplation intervention integrating mindful awareness with contemplative practice to promote spiritual well-being. Method A mixed-methods, single-arm pilot study recruited 41 Dutch adults who completed ten 30-min sessions over 2 weeks. Each session involved guided mindful awareness and contemplative practice in natural settings. Quantitative assessments were conducted at baseline, at post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups and were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Qualitative interviews explored participant experiences through thematic analysis. Results Spiritual well-being showed significant immediate improvements ( g = 0.22–0.31) that were not maintained at follow-ups. Emotional well-being demonstrated sustained significant improvements across all time points. Nature connectedness ( g = 0.38) and social well-being ( g = 0.40) exhibited delayed effects emerging only at 1-month follow-up. Participants reported moderate to high satisfaction with the intervention, though qualitative analysis revealed implementation challenges, particularly with the contemplative component, alongside benefits including enhanced calm, increased awareness, and deeper nature connection. Conclusions Nature-based contemplation represents an acceptable intervention with promising short-term effects on multiple well-being dimensions. However, further refinement is needed to optimize sustainability and long-term effectiveness in promoting spiritual well-being, particularly simplifying contemplative instructions and enhancing session variety. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.