The Mind Body Ecology Institute
About The Mind Body Ecology Institute
The Mind Body Ecology Institute gives people a place to slow down and reconnect, through nature-based mindfulness, eco retreats, resilience workshops, and meditation trainings. Its work is built around a simple but grounding idea: when people feel more connected to nature and to one another, they are better able to care for their own well-being and for the world around them. For donors, that means supporting programs that make room for belonging, resilience, and environmental stewardship in the same conversation.
What sets the institute apart is the way it moves between online circles, hybrid learning, and immersive retreats without losing its core focus on interdependence. Its offerings are shaped by Western science and humanities alongside Indigenous and contemplative wisdom, which gives the work a wide lens and a very specific center: helping people live with more connection, responsibility, and care.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Nature-based mindfulness programs
Programs that use mindfulness and contemplative practice to help people reconnect with nature, community, and self.
Immersive eco retreats
In-person retreats that combine nature, community building, meditation, and somatic practices.
Resilience workshops
Workshops focused on emotional resilience, belonging, and environmental stewardship.
Meditation trainings
Training offerings that teach meditation and nature-based contemplative practices.
Experiential learning
Interactive learning experiences that weave discussion, reflection, movement, and nature-centered practice.
Circle of Community in Connection
A monthly online gathering for meditation, community, and heartfelt reflection.
Healing with Nature Certification Program
A 12-month certification program on healing the physiology and psychology of trauma with nature.
Ecology of Resilience
A three-day eco retreat rooted in eco mindfulness, somatic movement, song, and music.
Ecology of Flourishing
A 10-day, 9-night retreat in Costa Rica focused on reconnecting with nature, community, and self.
Costa Rica eco retreat program
An eco retreat program in Costa Rica that centers interdependence, community, and ecological flourishing.
Ecology of Self
A 6-day, 5-night retreat focused on deepening relationship with Mother Earth and community.
Ecology of Belonging
An online program exploring belonging, interdependence, and regenerative sustainability.
Remembering Our Interconnected Nature
A hybrid online program exploring separation, interconnection, and embodied belonging.
Love & Mourning
A weekend retreat using Work That Reconnects practices, ritual, and nature connection to process ecological grief.
Coming Back to Life, Together
An online Work That Reconnects spiral gathering focused on resilience, heartbreak, and collective action.
Gaia’s Garden
An online workshop on personal and planetary flourishing grounded in Earth Charter principles.
Discovering the Voices of Nature
A workshop that uses nature-based mindfulness, sound healing, and non-human personas.
Awe, Reverence, Resilience
An online exploration of awe, reverence, and authenticity in relation to nature.
Animals, Land, and Flourishing
An online program exploring human and non-human animal well-being, kinship, and ethical responsibility.
Eco Resilience Workshop
An 8-module training for K-12 educators and counselors in nature-based resilience practices and experiential learning.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To help people reconnect with nature, community, and self to cultivate flourishing while promoting wise and responsible environmental stewardship.
Who they serve
People interested in nature-based mindfulness, eco wellness, resilience, and environmental education, including adults 21+, healing professionals, and K-12 teachers and counselors.
Their impact
- 91% developed skills to better support mental health
- 100% feel more connected to nature
- 91% feel more self-compassion
- 100% feel a wider sense of community and belonging
- 95% experience significant improvements in mental health and emotional resilience
- 100% feel more compassion for nature and other people
How your donation helps
- Scholarships for retreats and workshops for people with limited financial means
- Accessible meditation retreats
- Training programs
- Eco education opportunities
Our story
The Mind Body Ecology Institute was founded in 2022 as a community-led educational nonprofit in Fort Worth. It was started by Sarah Sampson, CHOKE, Blake Hestir, and Alex Julie, with work centered on nature-based mindfulness, eco retreats, and environmental education.
Need help?
How someone in need can access The Mind Body Ecology Institute’s services.
Participants can register through individual program pages and receive Zoom links or event details by email. Some offerings note financial support or scholarships, and questions can be sent to info@mbei.org.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Our flourishing future begins within and with nature.
There is no human flourishing without Mother Earth flourishing.
Flourishing begins within and with nature!
MBEI’s program is exceptional, and it has had a profound impact on my life.
Events
Circle of Community in Connection
MonthlyA monthly online gathering for meditation, community, and heartfelt reflection.
Healing with Nature Certification Program
12-month programA 12-month certification training on healing the physiology and psychology of trauma with nature.
Ecology of Flourishing
Annual / seasonal retreatA 10-day, 9-night eco retreat in Costa Rica focused on interdependence, belonging, and stewardship.
Ecology of Resilience
Periodic retreatA three-day eco retreat rooted in eco mindfulness, somatic movement, and song and music.
Eco Resilience Workshop
Coming 2026An 8-module training for K-12 educators and counselors in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Mind Body Ecology Institute has shared.
Current needs
- Scholarship support for participants with limited financial means
- Support to keep meditation retreats, training programs, and eco education accessible
Volunteer opportunities
- Yogi jobs at retreats, such as chopping vegetables and cleaning dishes
Recognition & press
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can join the programs?
Many of the offerings are open to anyone. Some are designed for specific groups, including K-12 teachers and counselors, healing professionals, and adults 21+ who are interested in inner growth and environmental responsibility.
Are there online programs available?
Yes. The institute offers online and hybrid programs through Zoom, including circles, workshops, and multi-week learning series.
Is financial support available for some offerings?
Yes. Several programs mention scholarships or financial support, and participants can email info@mbei.org with requests.
What kinds of practices are included in the programs?
Programs may include meditation, nature-based mindfulness, somatic movement, storytelling, community circles, journaling, art, ritual, and land-based practice.
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