Nature journaling - the Practice

Using words, pictures and numbers, these journal pages describe a place, a time of day, weather and hold a memory of my observations. Looking and recording that moment in mindful observation.

Sharing this Mindful practice

TO OBSERVE AND LEARN

Utilizing the skills and directives from John Muir Laws and the Wildwonder Foundation, I am developing my own practice as well as sharing the ideas and insights with others through community sketch groups and events, stepping into the roll of ambassador for this Nature Journaling practice. Journaling deepens our observations, thinking, and memory. Journal entries that include words, pictures, and numbers lead the journaler to think in different ways and make a complete record of what they see.

• An Analog practice. (The physical action of writing cements memories better than tapping keys does. Stepping away from our daily screen is good for everyone.

• Drawing leads to close, careful observation and improved memory.

• When we draw, we must look again and again at the least familiar parts of a subject, paying careful attention to structures and shapes. This leads us to notice biologically significant details, such as the angle of stems on a branch or the shape of a bird’s beak, features we could easily miss in a written account alone.

• Using numbers helps us make different kinds of observations and reveals significant patterns. This process of quantifying observations will lead us to questions we wouldn’t have thought to ask.

Combining writing, drawing, and numbers on a journal page creates a dynamic and rich learning experience. The mindfulness and focused journal entries give structure to observation and help form lasting memories. Observations of plants in the community garden, birds on a pond, or icicles dangling from the eaves form the foundation of learning and appreciating the beauty and awe of our natural world. According to Psychology Today research has found that appreciating beauty can help heal anxiety and depression. Experiencing awe can reduce inflammation and the risk of many diseases. Experiencing beauty can increase one's sense of hope.

Contact me if you would like to have me to facilitate your group into a Nature Journaling Adventure.