Trinity Trails in Silent Meditation

by Sophie Hunter

For my Park Rx, I chose to go for a 60-minute silent walk with mindful breathing at Trinity Trails in Fort Worth. I spent about an hour there total, focusing on being present, paying attention to my surroundings, and intentionally staying off my phone and trying to not be easily distracted. I wanted to see how spending uninterrupted time outside would affect my stress and overall mood.

What surprised me most was how quickly I started to feel more calm than I felt before going on the walk. After only a short time walking, I noticed my stress level decreasing and my mind feeling less overwhelmed. I also felt more refreshed and mentally clear by the time I finished. I really enjoyed the peaceful environment, especially being near the water and surrounded by nature and people from the community. The hardest part for me was staying off my phone and not getting distracted, which made me realize how often I rely on it during everyday activities.

This experience changed how I think about spending time outdoors because it showed me that I don’t need a lot of time or a special trip to benefit from nature. Local parks can provide relaxation, movement, and a mental reset if I am intentional about being present.

If I were recommending a Park Rx to someone in the community, I would suggest spending 30–60 minutes walking in a local park because it is free, accessible, and helpful for both physical and mental health. Even short periods of time outside can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy.

Nurses can use nature-based prescriptions to support health by encouraging patients to spend time outdoors for stress management, physical activity, and overall wellness. On a larger level, nurses can partner with community organizations and parks to help improve access to safe outdoor spaces, which supports health equity and community well-being.