Journaling in Nature

Connecting with the natural world is very simple but I suppose if you have never had the opportunity to do so, you may not know where to start. Especially if you are used to a work world mindset where there are rules to follow and expectations to be met. In nature, there are no rules and even with the guidelines I am going to talk about, they can be ignored and you can just do whatever feels right to you. Being in the moment and following your gut is the most appropriate plan to follow. Nature is all around us. We are nature. So slowing down enough to notice the world around you gets you moving in the right direction as far as nature observations are concerned.

Here are some guidelines to help facilitate your connection with the natural world if you so desire to use them:

1) Make an intention to form a relationship with the natural world.

Take steps to form a relationship with the natural world. Having a relationship with nature is different than learning about nature. Relationship refers to being in communication with, a give and take. A desire to learn something through contemplation as nature teaches you things you may not know otherwise. Sitting and reflecting on what you observe while in nature falls into this category. Learning about nature keeps one at a distance and feels hierarchical, putting the human world before the natural world. This includes studying nature such as birdwatching or learning about and hunting for the Northern Lights. Activities such as this do not allow for contemplation or consideration of what nature may be trying to say, yet taking time to contemplate what a bird may be trying to tell you as it sings or how you are feeling while watching the Northern Lights - now that is being in relationship.

2) Make a commitment to connect with nature.

Commitments are better maintained I feel if you understand what you are trying to achieve by taking on a particular activity. Ask yourself what you hope to gain by connecting with nature. Do you want to reduce the stress you feel in your day to day life? Do you feel as though nature can provide you with the answers to questions you have had for a long time regarding how you are living your life? Or do you simply want to sit and see what spending time in the natural world will bring you? Thinking about what you hope to discover while out in nature is simply a starting point to get you going and to keep you continuing. It gives definition to what may feel limitless and overwhelming given the enormity of the natural world. Besides, asking a question and throwing it out to the universe gets the ball rolling and sets in motion the multitude of answers that will soon come your way.

3) Nature speaks in unexpected ways.

Nature speaks using the wisdom of the ancient world. This language is universal to all inhabitants of our planet but unfortunately we as humans have lost the art of both listening to and speaking our native tongue. This means we need to be patient and take time while out in the wilds. Time to relearn what has been lost to us. I find our native language is most readily accessible through metaphors or intuition and we may have to look for connections between what we are observing in nature and our questions. The way the wind may be blowing on a particular day may remind you that a difficulty you are having could soon blow away or the waters of the lake, glassy and smooth when typically choppy may remind you life can work toward calmness despite lots of turbulence. There are so many observations and connections to be made between our world and that of nature. Focus on what you are drawn to in the natural world and be open to the possibilities…

4)  Find a special place to sit in nature alone.

There are two thoughts to this idea. The first being if you go to the same spot each time you are outdoors, you begin to know the place and create an intimacy with the beings whom reside there. Many wonderful observations come forth as you contrast how your spot changes from visit to visit. The second idea is to let go of a destination and go where your heart leads you, to a place that is calling out to you. I have found under these circumstances there may be a lesson just waiting to be discovered, if I simply let the energy of nature guide me.

The other important aspect of this step is to sit in nature alone. Sitting is key as it allows for one to get into a contemplative place. Much will be missed in the act of walking along a path where stopping and sitting allows the world of nature to open up to you. Bring something to sit upon. A garbage bag is easy to pack and is useful even in the cold of winter to help keep you dry. Being alone is imperative too in order to avoid the distractions other people may bring.

5) Keep a journal.

Writing down your observations while outdoors is beneficial in two ways. It allows you to record what you are contemplating and observing at the moment but also lets you reconsider your thoughts at a later point in time to be reevaluated. Sometimes this reevaluation involves revisiting your nature spot to see if new information arises. Other times you may ask questions while out in the wild which need to be addressed another day. The record in your journal holds your place with your thoughts until you can get back out into nature.

When I am nature journaling, I love to engage in a stream of consciousness form of writing which allows whatever may come to come. I believe this allows my mind to get out of the way and for me to tap into the unconscious part of my brain or my heart that I believe is closer to the wild world. I find once I let go in this manner, nature speaks openly and offers many thoughts for me to contemplate.

6) Create a companion guide.

I have found when out in nature sitting in a special place, I may stumble with what nature is desiring to teach me. More than likely this is due to me not fully understanding the language of nature. There is still a distance there I would like to bridge, my idea being to create a guide with resources designed to help me draw closer to nature.

Borrowing the idea of the three realms from the Celts, where they find connections from the sky, earth and water which cover the spiritual, physical and mental aspects of human life, I believe a personalized guide designed with these components in mind would be beneficial and worth compiling for anyone interested in going deeper with their nature connections.