Nature is the queen of listening. When we enter the natural world, we are shown how to become more mindful and grounded people. Truly engaging in the world means learning to listen and observe. When we do this, we become more regulated, present, and engaged. In this article, we will explore some ideas you can try to practice your nature observation skills.
7 Nature Observation Practices
Below are my favorite nature observation practices. I have had many opportunities to learn different ways to observe the natural world. I am a farmer, homesteader, permaculturist, herbalist, artist, poet, mystic, and seer. In all of my practices, listening and watching the world is a foundational practice. So, here are my favorite ways to practice mindfulness in nature.
Sensory Awareness
When observing nature, it’s important to use our senses. If you’re sitting and observing the world, try engaging all of your senses.
- What can you see? How much light is there? Are there shadows? What is the furthest object on the horizon? Where in the sky is the sun? If it’s night, how many stars can you see? Is the moon out?
- What can you smell? Is the air cool or warm in your lungs? Is it dry or humid? Can you smell the spring flowers, the summer rains, the crisp fall air, or the winter frost? Maybe your neighbors are cooking, can you smell their food?
- What can you hear? Is it silent where you are? Or maybe you’re in the city and you can hear the highway? Are there birds singing? Is the wind howling or ruffling the leaves on the trees?
- What can you feel? Can you feel the clothes on your skin? Can you feel the earth below your feet? What is the temperature outside? Is the sun beating on your skin? What does that feel like? Is there wind? Can you feel it on your face?
Finding a Sit Spot
When in nature observation, it helps to have a spot you continuously return to. Nature is always evolving. As each season comes and goes, so do many elements of the natural world. When we find a spot to continuously go to, we give ourselves the opportunity to observe the hundreds of changes that occur in that spot over the course of the year. It allows us to observe not just in three dimensions, but in four. To do this, pick a spot that’s easy to access and that is comfortable for you. Then, maybe daily, weekly, or monthly, return to that spot. Each time you arrive, ask yourself the questions above and notice the changes in the plant and animal life around you.
Journaling
When we are making observations, especially if we are making them over long periods of time, it helps to write our observations down. Whether in your notes app or in a physical journal, the observations we write down allow us to see patterns over time. Journaling is especially useful when we have a sit spot we keep coming back to. This journal makes it easier to observe nature over time.
Drawing and Painting
Art teaches us how to really see the world. Before taking my first botanical illustration class in college, I didn’t realize how much of the world I was overlooking. During that class, I began to see details in the world that I had never seen before. I began noticing shapes, shadows, texture, light, movement, angles, and so much more. Nature observation with pencils and paint welcomes us to notice a world of wonderful detail.
Walking Meditations
For some people, sitting still is difficult to do. As someone with ADHD and Autism, I understand this deeply! But meditation doesn’t have to be stuck in one place. Meditation means becoming intentionally aware. Therefore, one of my favorite meditations is a walking meditation through the woods. When doing these walking meditations, I like to begin by doing an internal check-in. How am I feeling? Where is there tension or pain in my body? Where does my body feel soft? What is on my mind? Then, I use sensory cues to direct my awareness and I begin the walk. You can use the sensory questions above to help you out here. Then, at the end of the walk, I do another body check-in. What has changed in me? What has stayed the same?
Traditional Skills
Learning traditional skills is a great way to become intimate with the natural world. When learning to live in and become part of nature, a whole new set of observations open up to you. Some ideas for traditional skills you can learn include tracking, hunting, foraging, wild crafting, medicine making, basketry, fishing, birding, camping, wilderness survival, canoeing, backpacking, archery, cooking with fire, and so much more.
Field Guides
By using field guides, you are directed to observe things around you that you may otherwise miss. Perhaps you love the sound of a forest full of singing birds. By using a field guide to birds, you could begin to notice the subtle differences between species and their songs. Or perhaps you live in the city and find it difficult to find nature. By using a field guide to help you identify urban plants, you could learn to see how persistent nature is, even in the heart of a city.
Summary: Nature Observation
There are many ways we can learn to become more mindful and observant people. One of those ways is to observe the natural world. There are also many ways we can practice nature observation, including practicing sensory awareness, finding a sit spot, journaling, drawing and painting, meditating, learning traditional skills, using field guides, and so much more.
What are your favorite ways to be mindful in nature? Write it in the comments, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by and happy observations!
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