The Practice of Nature Journaling

"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." — Simone Weil. Nature journaling is a practice of paying attention. It deepens our connection to the world and trains our eyes to see beauty in the details.

More Than Art

You do not need to be an artist to nature journal. The goal isn't to make a pretty picture; the goal is to observe. It is a dialogue between you and the subject.

Getting Started

Tools: All you need is a notebook and a pencil. Watercolors or colored pencils are optional fun additions.

The Core Routine:

1. I Notice: Write down what you see. "I notice the leaves are serrated at the edges." "I notice the moss is brighter on the north side."
2. I Wonder: Ask questions. "I wonder why this flower is closed right now?" "I wonder what eats these berries?"
3. It Reminds Me Of: Make connections. "This bark reminds me of a topographic map." "The smell of this soil reminds me of my grandmother's garden."

Benefits of the Practice

Nature journaling forces us to slow down. It turns a walk into an expedition. It creates a record of the seasons and your relationship with your local landscape. Over time, you will find you know the names of your plant neighbors, you recognize the bird calls, and you feel more at home in the world.