Forest bathing, biophilia, and nature immersion are terms we hear about often when considering the therapeutic benefits of nature. But what if connecting to nature was a creative and scientific outlet too?
Connecting with nature via nature journaling is nothing new, but it’s gaining popularity. Since COVID, adults and children alike are spending more time in their gardens and surrounding environments. Here, the practices of observing, immersing and documenting are not only scientific research but an avenue to draw, paint, and write about.
Definition: Nature journaling is collecting and organising your observations, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook using words and pictures. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin. A lack of artistic skills and access to nature shouldn’t be barriers either. These skills can be learned by anyone, and you can develop them with deliberate practice. From charcoal and pencil drawings to the use of watercolour painting, collages, pressings, and more.
Nature journaling is a healthy pursuit, combining both mental stimulation and physical activity. It allows time for quiet contemplation, meditation, and mindfulness of your surroundings, providing a much-needed break from our technology-filled world. To start, all you need is a small pencil case and a visual art diary. Just start drawing what you see and look closely at what you’re looking at. Simple.
