When we think of nature journaling, the first things that usually come to mind are colourful nature sketches and watercolour paintings. There is another important area of nature journaling that is, perhaps, a little neglected: The written word.

Writing takes many different forms in a nature journal. We can use it to label sketches, take notes about something we notice or describe a scene. It is possible, also, to use the written word to turn inward a little and reflect on our own thoughts and feelings, the things that move us and how time spent in nature can change the story of our lives. There are many benefits to this form of reflective writing, the most significant being that we learn more about our inner lives and increase the connection with ourselves and with our world.

For those not familiar with the process, reflective and creative writing may feel intimidating at first. Just like it is important not to let fears about art prevent us from creating sketches in our journal, it is important not to feel scared to be creative with words. Poems don’t have to rhyme! Words don’t have to make sense to other people! It is our inner journey which is important here, and the process of reflecting and writing our feelings is always an exercise in connection and growth. Try to let go of self-judgment and criticism and let your inner life flow onto the page through the written word.

Some ways to incorporate reflective and creative writing in your nature journal:

• Create a poem from your sensory observations.

• Use simile and metaphor to view common things in a new way.

• Think about a childhood memory of being in nature. Write about what this experience meant to you.

• Try transforming factual nature journaling observations into a poem.

• Reflect on the way you feel emotionally when you are in nature.

• Try using the common journaling prompts of “I notice…I wonder…It reminds me of…” in response to the feelings and thoughts inside of you instead of something external.

• Sit in nature and centre yourself in the present moment. Use stream-of-consciousness writing to fill a page in your journal. Write whatever comes to your mind, without judgment or self censorship.

• Use a sit-spot to connect with a particular place in nature regularly. Visit this place over a period of time and write about your experience here. Some people keep the same sit-spot for decades!

Poetry

Reading a poem is like taking a glimpse into the mind and heart of another person. The power of this is that when a poem speaks to our own personal experience it can make us understand that we are not alone in the things we think and feel. Writing poetry can a joy filled activity. If you need some creative inspiration, take a look at the Poetry section of the Books & Inspiration page. To get started, here is a poem by Emilie Lygren:

FOR THE GRANDMOTHER TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO PLANT SEEDS

IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN 

“Just a little bit, they only
need to go down an inch,
make a small hole, use your pinkie,
put the seeds in,
gently, gently.”

Elders pass on practice with invocation of earth under fingernails
It doesn’t matter so much if the rows are straight
so long as we remember ourselves.

We can spend a day like this, or a life,
let afternoons pass under
shifting light and swollen clouds.

Plants need no permission, only our exhale,
sunbeams, a thin veil of rain.

How many more hopeful acts do we have left?

After a thousand tragedies,
sleepless nights staring up at the rafters,
the ground beneath
is waiting to begin again,
the seeds will still be true.

Emilie Lygren is an author, facilitator and poet for whom the written word plays and important part in nature connection. She is the co-author (along with John Muir Laws) of the recently released book ‘How to Teach Nature Journaling’. She gives regular workshops for educators on outdoor science education and nature journaling. You can find more about Emilie and her work on her website emilielygren.com.

Nature writing

There is a long tradition of writing about nature, from the early nature writers like Henry David Thoreau and John Muir, who saw nature as a refuge and place of rest, to modern authors such as Britain’s Robert MacFarlane, who has made a career of writing books about landscape, nature and place. Reading nature writing can help you tune into the landscape around you and may give you inspiration to create more long-form written entries into your nature journal. Here are a few nature writers that you may enjoy: