The benefits of being in the natural world are enormous. Stop and smell the roses with us as we explore what it means to mindfulness in nature journal.
How do you mindfulness nature journal?
When you mindful nature journal you combine mindfulness and more importantly, the natural world (two of our favourite things). In other words, by using your observational skills and creativity you can become more mindful. Additionally, you can even use numbers and pictures to journal. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Ground yourself. Bring yourself into the present moment and notice. Simple. Firstly, start by asking yourself some simple questions, for instance:
- What do I notice?
- How do I perceive the energy in this place?
- What can I hear?
- Am I reminded of other experiences or memories by what I notice?
- Can I see patterns in the natural world?
“The beauty of mindfulness journalling in nature is that you can do it anywhere. In your garden, favourite park, looking at the sky in a city or sitting next to an ancient tree.”
Gill Thackray, Mindful Rewilding Founder
The Neuroscience of Meditation
Over the last decade there have been a plethora of studies into the neuroscience of meditation. Consequently, we’ve discovered there are huge mental and physical benefits to mindfulness in nature. Moreover, Harvard Studies found that mindfulness changes our neural networks. As a result, when we meditate, our brain is able to make new connections. That’s known as neuroplasticity. So, that means that you can rewire your brain whilst you’re out in nature. We think that’s pretty awesome.
The Benefits of Mindful Nature Journalling
We know from our own experience that nature heals. She’s an incredible teacher, however, that’s just us. Science is also in on the secret. For instance, empirical evidence shows that when science meets mindfulness in nature, incredible things happen. During these studies, it has been repeatedly shown that mindfulness in nature is good for us. Further, these physical and psychological benefits include:
- Improved wellbeing
- Better sleep
- Developing a growth mindset
- Connection with the planet
- Decreased depression and anxiety
- Improved focus and memory
- Lastly, more sustainable behaviour & awareness of climate change
How to Mindful Nature Journal
Certainly, nature journalling renews and replenishes you. It nourishes your soul. It’s great for your brain, your body and the planet. What’s more, there’s solid data behind those mindful journal benefits. We love mindful journalling in nature so much that we want to share our Free Lake District Themed Mindfulness in Nature Journal so you can begin your mindfulness in nature journey straight away.
We’ve combined our favourite things, mindfulness in the Lakes, ecopsychology and nature journalling and wrapped them up in a big ball of mindful journal love. Just for you. Visit our free mindfulness in nature resources and find your calm!
Discover more about mindfulness in nature on our mindfulness in nature courses or get in touch to see how we can work together