Journalling in nature is a powerful tool for experiencing mindfulness in the natural world. We explore how mindful journalling in nature can dial down stress and help you reconnect with the pulse of the planet. Grab a pen and your notebook. We’re going to get creative with mindfulness in nature.
The studies “point in one direction: Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive function.”
Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter
What is Journalling in Nature?
Journalling in nature is all about being creative. Importantly, there are no rules because, your nature journal is yours. To clarify, you don’t need to share it with anyone so you won’t need to self censor. Forget rigid ideas about what your journal should look like. Most importantly, this is your opportunity to be still and connect with nature. For example, you might decide that you want to sketch. Or, for instance, you may spontaneously start to doodle. It could be you feel drawn to create a poem. Perhaps you’ll simply record your observations. Slow down and feel the natural rhythm of the earth. Open yourself up to the creative flow of the universe and see what happens.
Journalling in Nature?
But where in nature? Nature is everywhere. You don’t need to climb to the top of a mountain but you can if you want to. For our purposes, nature can be a park, any green-space, or for example, opening a window and feeling the breeze on your face. However, if that’s not an option, go for digital nature and watch one of the many videos of the natural world. Moreover, take a look at our Mindfulness in Nature Videos for inspiration.
The Benefits of Journalling in Nature
Studies have demonstrated that being disconnected from the natural world can have a negative impact on our health. Mindful journalling, connecting with the earth gives us an opportunity to redress the balance. Researchers have found that when you journal in the great outdoors, you’ll notice:
- Improved wellbeing
- Reduced stress
- Increased focus
- Better mood
- Decreased depression and anxiety
- Mindfulness practise
- Lowered cortisol
- An opportunity for digital detox
How to journal
Keep it simple. All you need is a pen, a notebook. In addition, a bottle of water always comes in handy to stay hydrated. Above all, journalling is there to decrease your stress, not add to it. So, when your mind is cluttered, for instance, you can create order in your world by journalling. The numerous benefits of being in the natural world add an extra layer to that calm. Exhale and begin. Connect with the sacredness of the world around you.
Go with the Flow
Go with the flow. It doesn’t need to be structured. Start where you are. If you feel like writing your observations down, do that. If you want to sketch a tree, or leaves, allow your ideas to flow freely. You’re in control. Importantly, use nature as your muse and follow her cue.
Connect to your Senses
Connect to all of your senses. For instance, what can you see? Focus on the sounds around you. Are you able to touch grass or tree bark? After that, is there a taste in the air or, consequently, for example, an aroma on the wind?
Notice Subtle Energies
What energies do you notice? Do you detect an ancient energy, for instance? Is there a sense of renewal, rebirth or growth here in this place? In the same vein, do you notice a sense of pace here? Similarly, does your sense of time change, for example, it seems to slow down. What are the energetics, for example, of this space?
Creative Prompts
Free form is great, however, sometimes we all need a prompt. If you like the idea of working with writing prompts, here are some examples of our favourites.
- This place is serene because…
- If that tree could talk it would say…
- The energy in this place is sacred because…
To sum up, journalling can be done anywhere, anytime. All you need is a pen, a notebook and your innate curiosity about the natural world. We love mindful journalling in nature so much that we’ve created the Free Lake District Themed Mindfulness in Nature Journal so you can get started right away. That’s right, we’ve combined our favourite things, mindfulness in the Lakes, ecopsychology and nature journalling and wrapped them up in a big ball of mindufl journalling love. Head on over to our free mindfulness in nature resources and create some zen!
Discover more about mindfulness in nature on our mindfulness in nature courses or get in touch to see how we can work together
