What is nature journaling for you? We talk about it all the time but what is it? I have my idea but what does it mean for you? Does the nature journal community have a common vision about what they do and love? These are the questions that made me want to have this conversation. I put out an invitation to the members of the Nature Journal Club on Facebook. The first people to say yes were Lindsay Strout, Amy Schlesser, Tamara Selvig, Gargi Chugh, Jayashree Reddy, and Yvea Moore. This was one of the best live episodes of the Nature Journal Show ever (according to Marley in the post show afterglow).
What is nature journaling?
Here are some answers given by the guests during the show. These guest represent a spectrum of nature journalers. In this conversation we hear from people who have been doing it for many years, people who are teachers, and some people who just got started with nature journaling.
- “The first steps of the scientific method – observing and recording,” says Lindsay.
- “Intentionally looking for things outside that I’ve never noticed before, especially tiny things, and taking joys in those things and trying to get curious about them” says Amy.
- “Noticing amazing details about plants and animals that I would have seen if I hadn’t stopped and focused, and seeing more after doing that,” says Tamara.
- “Falling in love with nature over and over and over again, and using a notebook to enhance the process,” says Yvea.
- “Nature journaling teaches me how to learn and how to approach problems,” says Gargi.
- “I thought that nature journaling was just a hobby but now that I see it is serving a larger purpose, said Jayashree.
The Nature Journal Club Answers the Question
Have you heard of the Nature Journal Club Facebook page? It is the single biggest community of nature journalers! In addition to being the biggest it is also the most international! Therefore I decided to ask the community there how they define nature journaling. I shared many of these answers in the video but I will also post some below.
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“the art of listening, seeing, and responding with total abandon and freshness.” Sue Wright
- “Nature journaling isn’t art and/or essays, it isn’t something you do to perform, it isn’t to show off. Instead it is a way for you to learn to see, to reflect over reality, to practice asking questions without knowing answers. You make the pages for you, not for a teacher. It is a path to grow, to get grounded, to lift yourself up, to find some peace, explore the world, become curious, learn how to learn, and to enjoy any place you are.” Lena Struwe
- “For me, it’s a way of incorporating so many things I was seeking; journaling, mindfulness, connection to nature, creativity, curiosity, spirituality. It’s one practice that checked SO many boxes for me.” Jenny Ellen
- “Combining Art and Science to create Joy.” Traci Deblieck
- “It’s also one of the few learning tools I know of that make artists, writers AND scientists feel comfortable in the experience at the same time.” Kelly Ackerman Dowd
- “Observation and recording nature; as a tool to connect with the natural world and other people” Carmen Kappos
The Nature Journal Show Live Audience Answers the Question
Did you know that you can join the Nature Journal Show lives and premieres? Every Wednesday and sometimes on Sundays you can participate in the chat! Check out the channel here and subscribe so you can participate in the next conversation.
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What about you?
Now that we have heard from so many different people it is time for you to share what nature journaling means to you. Write your answer in the comments below.
You might also be interested in this video where Marley shares some of what he thinks nature journaling is. From the Galapagos!
But what if I’m completely new to nature journaling?
Regardless of your experience, we got you right here. Below are links to some super resources for beginner nature journalers.
