Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back
everybody.
Today we're going to be doing adeep dive into something that I
think a lot of people arecurious about, and that's nature
journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
We have some great
material from Lestallion.
It's a website that sellsjournals.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
But they also have
this great blog post with 50
nature journal prompts and we'regoing to be looking at all of
those today and kind of pickingthem apart and really going deep
.
So some of the categories theyhave that I think are really
interesting are exploring theoutdoors, finding balance in
nature, connecting with theearth, even healing through
nature.
So I'm really excited to haveyou here with me to kind of
(00:34):
break down all these prompts andsee what's what.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, I'm really
excited to explore this too.
You know these prompts.
They really encourage us toconnect with nature on so many
different levels, not justvisually but, you know,
emotionally, intellectually andeven spiritually.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Absolutely, and I
think that's what I find so
fascinating about naturejournaling in general is it's
more than just going out andlistening to birds you see or
the trees you see.
It's about really connectingwith nature on that deeper level
.
So let's jump into the firstcategory, exploring the outdoors
, and one of the plumps thatreally jumped out at me was
describing the sounds of natureand how they make you feel.
(01:09):
I went out the other day andtried this and I was like, oh,
I've really been tuning a lotout.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Oh, I know, that's
one of my favorites too, and
it's such a great example of howthese prompts really bring us
into the present moment.
When we're focused on a sound,we're actually engaging in a
form of mindfulness and quietingthat mental chatter and
becoming more aware of what'saround us.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Yeah, it's like
hitting the reset button on your
brain.
Another one that I like in thiscategory is reflecting on your
favorite season and how itaffects your mood.
I think for me, I'm such asummer person.
I just I love being in thesunshine.
It makes me feel alive.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Yeah, and that's such
a great illustration of how
intertwined we are with thenatural world.
You know, even something assimple as the changing seasons
can have such a profound impacton us, like on our emotions, our
energy levels, our creativityeven.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
Absolutely, which
kind of brings us to the next
category, finding balance innature, and there's one here
about learning from how natureadapts to change, you know, like
how trees bend in the windinstead of breaking.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Yeah, and that's a
really powerful lesson in
resilience.
Nature is constantly in flux,yet it always finds a way to
kind of maintain thisequilibrium, you know, like how
a forest fire, something thatseems destructive, you know,
actually clears the way for newgrowth.
And sometimes we need toembrace those periods of
upheaval in our own lives tooand, you know, trust that
(02:29):
they're paving the way forsomething new and beautiful to
emerge.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
That is so deep.
I love that.
It's like nature's giving usthe blueprint for how to
navigate challenges.
Okay, let's move on toconnecting with the earth, and
this one really resonated withme Feeling the earth beneath
your feet and writing about thatconnection.
Have you ever tried that?
I have.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
And it's surprisingly
powerful.
There's actually a growing bodyof research on the benefits of
what they call grounding, whichis essentially having that
direct contact, you know, withthe earth, and studies have
shown that it can reduceinflammation, improve sleep and
even decrease stress.
It's like we're literallyabsorbing the earth's energy.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Yeah, and I've heard
about people walking barefoot on
the grass or even hugging treesto feel more grounded.
Is there like any sciencebehind that?
Speaker 2 (03:13):
There is, it's
thought, that the Earth's
surface has a negativeelectrical charge and when we
come into contact with it, ourbodies absorb these electrons,
which act as antioxidants andhelp to neutralize harmful free
radicals.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
So it's not just like
a woo-woo feel-good thing.
There's actually something toit.
I'm feeling more grindedalready.
What's next All?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
right.
Let's move on to findinginspiration in nature, and
there's a great prompt hereabout how nature sparked
creativity and helps us thinkmore clearly.
Have you ever noticed how,after you spend some time
outdoors, you just feel morecreative?
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Oh, absolutely.
I.
Have you ever noticed how,after you spend some time
outdoors, you just feel morecreative?
Oh, absolutely.
I was reading recently thatBeethoven would take these long
walks in the forest and that'swhere he came up with some of
his most famous melodies.
Do you think there's aconnection between nature and
our subconscious mind?
Speaker 2 (03:56):
I think there's
definitely something about the
vastness and the complexity ofnature that seems to unlock our
own creative potential of naturethat seems to unlock our own
creative potential.
You know, maybe beingsurrounded by this natural
beauty and ingenuity sparks newideas and perspectives within us
.
Or maybe it's just the breakfrom our usual routine and that
influx of fresh air that allowsour minds to wander and explore
(04:18):
new possibilities.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
It's like nature
gives us the space to think
outside the box, literally.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Okay, last category
we're going to look at today is
healing through nature, and oneprompt here asked about how
nature helps us heal from stressand emotional pain.
I think we can all relate tothat.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Absolutely.
We've all experienced thatcalming effect of a walk in the
park or that sense of peace thatwashes over us when we sit by
the ocean.
And now we even have scientificevidence that supports what
we've intuitively known allalong.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Right like the
Japanese practice of forest
bathing, which has been shown tohave some amazing benefits for
mental well-being.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Exactly.
Studies have shown thatspending time in nature can
reduce cortisol levels, lowerblood pressure, even boost our
immune systems.
So it's not just a feeling.
There's a real physiologicalbasis for nature's healing power
healing power.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
This is all so
fascinating.
I feel like we've only justscratched the surface of these
prompts and the incredible waysthat they can help us connect
with nature on this deeper level.
There's so much more to explore.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah, there really is
.
And each one of these promptsis like a little doorway leading
to a whole universe ofdiscovery.
And you know what's great is?
You don't need any fancyequipment or special skills to
get started, you know, just graba notebook and pen, head
outside and let your curiositybe your guide.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
I love that.
No pressure, just pureexploration.
Okay, so we've covered some ofthe broader themes, but I'm
curious to go back to some ofthese specific prompts that kind
of caught my eye.
So, under exploring theoutdoors, there's one that asks
you to choose a single tree anddescribe it in detail.
What do you think the benefitis of that kind of hyper-focused
(05:51):
observation?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Well, it's a
wonderful exercise in
mindfulness and developing adeeper appreciation for the
natural world.
You know, when we take the timeto really observe something, we
start to notice details that wemight have otherwise missed,
like the texture of the bark,the way the branches reach
toward the sky, the subtlevariations in the color of the
leaves.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Like you're seeing
that tree for the first time.
Yeah, even if you've walkedpast it a hundred times before.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Exactly, and that
heightened awareness can carry
over into other areas of ourlives as well.
You know, we become moreattuned to the subtle nuances in
our relationships, the detailsof our work, even the way we
experience our own emotions.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
It's like training
your brain to be more present
and engaged, not just in nature,but in everything.
Okay, let's shift gears over tofinding balance in nature.
There's a prompt that asks whatis one natural process that
resonates with you?
What do you make of that one?
Speaker 2 (06:44):
I think that's a
really beautiful invitation to
see ourselves reflected innature.
You know, whether it's thecycle of the seasons, the ebb
and flow of the tides or the waya plant grows towards the
sunlight.
There are so many metaphors forour own human experience, Right
, yeah, Like take the moon, forexample.
It goes through these phases ofwaxing and waning, just like
our own energy levels, ourcreativity, even our emotions.
(07:06):
There are times when we're fulland radiant and times when we
need to retreat and recharge.
And you know, recognizing thesenatural rhythms can help us
find more balance and acceptancein our lives.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
Yeah, it's like
nature's reminding us that it's
okay to not be on all the time.
There's a natural ebb and flowto everything.
Okay, moving on to connectingwith the earth, there's one
prompt that asks how do younurture your connection with the
earth?
And I feel like, especially inour modern world where we're
constantly bombarded withtechnology, this is such an
important question.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Oh, it's crucial.
We've become so disconnectedfrom the natural world.
You know we spend so much timeindoors, surrounded by concrete
and screens.
But nurturing that connectiondoesn't have to be complicated.
You know, it can be as simpleas taking a few minutes each day
to appreciate the beauty of aflower, or listen to the birds
singing, or just feel the sun onyour skin.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
I love that Little
moments of awareness can make
such a big difference.
What are some other ways thatwe can intentionally bring more
nature into our lives?
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Well, bringing plants
into your home is a wonderful
way to create a sense of peaceand connection.
Even if you don't have a greenthumb, there are plenty of
low-maintenance options outthere, like succulents or snake
plants.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
You can also try
creating a small herb garden on
your windowsill or your balcony.
Those are good ideas, likebringing a little piece of the
outdoors inside.
Okay, let's talk about findinginspiration in nature.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
One prompt that stood
out to me was how does nature
(08:50):
clear your mind and open newpathways for ideas, like
whenever I'm feeling stuck orcreatively, whatever it is being
in nature allows our minds towander and explore new
possibilities.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
It's like hitting the
refresh button on your
creativity.
Okay, last but not least,healing through nature.
There's a prompt here that askshow does nature help you
process emotions and find peace?
We've talked about the sciencebehind nature's healing power,
but I'm curious to hear yourpersonal perspective on this.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Well, for me, nature
is a sanctuary.
It's a place where I can go tofeel safe, held and supported.
And when I'm feelingoverwhelmed or stressed, being
in nature helps me slow down,reconnect with my breath and
find that sense of inner peace.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
It's like nature
provides a container for our
emotions, allowing us to feelthem fully, without judgment.
Whether it's the gentlerustling of leaves or the
rhythmic crashing of waves,there's something inherently
calming and restorative aboutthe natural world.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Yeah, it's a reminder
that we're part of something so
much larger than ourselves,something ancient and wise, and
when we tap into that connection, we access this wellspring of
strength and healing.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
These prompts are
truly incredible.
They've really opened my eyesto the many ways that we can
benefit from connecting withnature, whether it's through
exploring our senses, findingbalance, sparking creativity or
simply finding peace.
It feels like we've been givena whole new toolbox for
navigating life's challenges andfinding more joy and meaning
along the way.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
It is, and the best
part is, this toolbox is always
available to us you know, natureis always there, waiting to be
explored, to share its wisdom,its beauty, its healing power.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
I love that, okay.
Okay, before we wrap up, I haveto ask about this Lestallion
company.
We've been talking about theirprompts but they also sell
journals, right?
Speaker 2 (10:30):
I was browsing their
website.
They're gorgeous.
They specialize in handcraftedleather journals, the kind that
feels almost sacred to write in,you know, like an extension of
the natural world itself.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
I can totally see why
that would appeal to people who
are drawn to nature journaling.
You know, there's somethingabout that tactile experience of
putting pen to paper.
Feeling the texture of theleather, smelling that earthy
scent just adds another layer ofdepth to the whole practice.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Yeah, it's about
creating a ritual, a sacred
space for reflection andconnection, and having a journal
that reflects the beauty anddepth of that experience can
enhance it in a really specialway.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
I'm definitely adding
one of those journals to my
wish list.
In the meantime, I'm alreadythinking about which prompt I
want to explore first.
So many amazing options tochoose from.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Well, there's one
that's been particularly
resonating with me.
It asks you to think about aspecific place in nature that
brings you joy and peace, andthen explore what is it about
that place that draws you in?
How does being there make youfeel?
What senses are awakened?
What memories or emotions doesit evoke?
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Oh, that's beautiful.
It's like an invitation to gobeyond the surface level and
really tap into that deepheartfelt connection we have
with certain places.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
Exactly, and I think
that's a perfect note to leave
our listeners on.
Take some time to reflect onyour own special place in nature
.
What is it about that placethat calls to you?
How does being there nourishyour soul?
Speaker 1 (11:51):
And maybe, just maybe
, grab a notebook and pen and
start exploring those questionsthrough the lens of nature,
journaling reminder that natureis always there for us, yeah,
offering its wisdom, its beautyand its healing power, all we
have to do is open ourselves toit and maybe pick up a pen and
start writing.
Until next time, happyjournaling.