7th June 2021

Mindset Matters

Today we are going to explore the idea of the fixed vs growth mindset, how to stay motivated and how to give feedback to ourselves and others that will help everyone to progress and grow as nature journalers. This is going to be inspiring!

Workshops

There will be two workshops today to talk about the nature journaling mindset.
Click the links below to learn more about each workshop.

Nature journaling prompts and ideas

• Curiosity - One of the main elements of the nature journaling mindset is curiosity. Following chains of curiosity about nature will lead you to discover an unfathomable number of wondrous things about our world! Curiosity is something that can be cultivated. Start by looking at something you think you already know well, like an apple. Then challenge yourself to ask three questions about the apple that you’ve never asked yourself before. Perhaps you might wonder about the thickness of the skin compared with the flesh. Measure and compare them! Perhaps you might ask yourself why there is x number of seeds. Test whether your next apple has the same number. Do different species of apple have different numbers of seeds? See where your curiosity leads you.
  
  

• Process not product - Nature journaling is an activity that helps you to connect with nature and learn more about the world. It is all about the process of learning and connecting, not the outcome of producing a ‘pretty picture’. Remember to focus on the process and try not get worried about the end product. Let your journals be a place to learn.
  
  

• Growth mindset - You get good at what you practice! When you start to get a lot of ‘pencil miles’ behind you, you will begin to notice that you are able to quickly and accurately capture what you see in nature. If you’re a beginner, remember that art is not a talent, but a skill. Practice, practice, practice!
  
  

• Stretch - When you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone (even just a little bit), lean into an aspect of nature journaling that isn’t part of your normal routine. You might focus on using numbers in your journal in a new way, or challenge yourself to write a nature poem each day for a week. Have fun and watch yourself grow through the process!
  
  

• Connect and share - Sharing journal pages with others is one of the richest part of our nature journaling experience. Through this process you’re able to see and experience nature through the eyes of another person. Also, when you look at the nature journal pages of others, you will invariably find new ideas and techniques that you can harvest and use in your own future journal pages. Take some time to share and exchange journal pages with others. The International Nature Journaling Week Facebook Group is a great place to do this!

• Mindful connection - Connecting with our world through mindfulness brings incredible healing and calming benefits to the body and mind. If you want to connect to nature through mindfulness, start by sitting quietly and bring your attention to each of the senses in turn. Notice what you see and either sketch or write about it in your journal. Then notice what you hear. Capture this in your nature journal too. Then do the same for what you can touch, smell and taste (if appropriate). This mindful awareness practice can become a part of your day as a way to practice self-care.

Learn more