Getting in touch with the natural world is important no matter
where you are located or what the season. It may be summer in the southern hemisphere, but winter is in full swing here in the north. Just because the weather is chilly doesn’t mean we have to hibernate inside for months at a time.
Take advantage of the changing seasons and use the opportunity to go winter nature journaling (and check out our fall adventure ). Bundle up in lots of warm layers, grab your boots and get enough fresh air to wake up your body and mind.
1. As with any kind of nature journaling, choose a place to go that is peaceful and inspiring. If the temperature is too formidable to be outside for long periods of time, just go for a short walk and write in your journal when you get back inside your warm house. Otherwise, find a comfortable place along the way to sit and write.
2. Pick a time of day that piques your interest. Watch the colored skies at sunrise or sunset, go stargazing at night or observe birds and other wildlife in the afternoon. If you like, you can try the same walk at different times of day and compare your notes. You may be surprised by how varied your experiences are at each time of day.
3. Start by recording all of your observations from your nature walk. What plants and animals did you see? How have the flora and fauna changed from the way they were in the summer? What were the main colors you saw? What sounds did you hear? What did the air smell and feel like? Did you encounter any other people on your walk? What were they doing? Jot down everything you can remember.
4. Now think about your memories of past winters and your feelings toward the season. Did your nature journaling spark any of these emotions? Do you look forward to cozy fires and warm clothes and carols? Do you dread gloomy weather and frosty windshields and holiday shopping? Write about one of your most vivid winter memories and how it affects the way you relate to the season. Describe what happened and why it was memorable.
What did you discover? Share your winter nature journaling experiences in the comments section!
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