Few sights are more inspiring than rows of trees bursting into flame with the red and gold leaves of fall. Summer is slowly turning into autumn, and soon it will be the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the natural beauty around you.
Pick a day when the weather seems to be begging you to go for a long walk—the air is cool and breezy, the sun is shining, the leaves are beginning to change color. Bring your journal, a pen and a blanket, and set out on a nature journaling adventure.
1. Follow your instincts and walk to a quiet, peaceful place where you can write without too many distractions. You can stay as close as the neighborhood park around the corner or go as far as a day hike on mountain trails, as long as it’s a place where you feel positive and inspired.
2. As you walk, resist the temptation to listen to music and instead allow your mind to become more still and serene with every step. Think of it as a walking meditation, where you become aware of your breathing and the sights, sounds and smells around you. Pay attention to the people you meet and the signs of animals and plants nearby.
3. Find a good spot to sit and begin nature journaling, and spread out your blanket (or find a park bench or bring a folding chair). Make yourself comfortable and write about your thoughts and observations. Here are some prompt ideas to get you started:
• Write about what you see in front of you right now. Record the flora, the fauna, the weather and what you are thinking at the moment.
• Collect a few brightly colored leaves and describe them in vivid detail. Bring the leaves home with you to press or glue into your journal later.
• Write a short story about animals that live in your area hibernating or migrating for the winter. What preparations do they make? What cues tell them that it’s time to go?
• Describe your feelings about autumn. What are your favorite parts about the season (for example: cool weather, Halloween, comfort food) and least favorite parts (for example: shorter days, rain, less fresh produce)?
• Consider what smells you associate with fall and what memories and emotions they bring up. Do you smell wood smoke and immediately think of reading by the fireplace as a child? Or do you remember the smell of hot dogs and popcorn from football games?
Where did you go on your nature journaling outing? What did you write about? Care to share it with us? Please do!
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