As an artist, I feel fortunate to continually reap all the goodies that come out of creative practices. Becoming an art therapist has made this even more clear: sharing quick, beneficial creative practices as self-care for everyone is part of my life’s purpose.
Making art outside with natural materials is easy – and, it’s something everyone can do!
Getting creative outdoors is an immediate “feel better now” activity that gets you in nature and out of your head. Whether you use branches, stones, leaves, wildflowers, pinecones or seashells, art-making with natural materials begins supporting your wellness the minute you breathe in the fresh air. The best part? No “supplies” necessary.
According to a recent report that looked at data involving over 290 million people worldwide, “exposure to green space reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, stress and high blood pressure. “ Time in nature can also add to feelings of overall well-being, improved memory, and a sense of connectedness to higher power.
Nature is so good for us that another much-cited NIH study about being in the hospital found that, “Patients’ length of stay was shorter for those near the window compared with those near a door.” That’s impressive!
Because research on creativity, art-making and art therapy can also improve brain function, mental and physical health, combining creative practices and nature can super-charge the benefits, just like diet and exercise are more effective together.
Creativity “Soulution” #1: Art-Making Outside
- Set an Intention: Setting an intention is a powerful message to your subconscious that you mean business. Think about what you’d like to get out of your time in nature: is it more peace? Feeling more grounded? Improved well-being? It could be as simple as, “I am going to relax.” You can even write your intention down on a small piece of paper and bring it with you.
- Head outside and take a few deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Now, start walking. As you go, start noticing the sounds of your feet as they touch the ground. Your mind may be flooded with thoughts; that’s fine, just keep going, trying not to get caught up in a story. Just try – it may be challenging but nature will help you quiet your mind.
- Expand your visual field. Notice the trees, the colors, anything that catches your eye. Let your imagination come into play as you observe nature. What looks like hair? Legs? Arms? It doesn’t matter what you make; it’s about the creative process, not the artistic result.
- Pause anywhere it makes sense. If you can, sit on the earth or grass. Feel it beneath you. Take in the smells and sights with a few more deep breaths.
- Gather: pick up any close-by materials – stones, pebbles, sticks. Now, back to your imagination: what would you like to “make?” It can be as simple as a smiley face out of pebbles or a heart out of branches. It can be a nest or a person. It should only be what you feel like creating.
- CREATE: Take five minutes or 15 and go for it – no one is watching! Put stones on stones, put leaves in piles by color or shape, pick up a stick and draw your favorite words.
- Indulge: When your creation feels complete, sit back and reflect: How did you feel before you went outside, compared to now? Do you feel less stressed? More peaceful? Relaxed? Notice any of these positive feelings in your body, and allow yourself to “sink into them,” even briefly.
- Recall your intention. Chances are, the intention you set was achieved – at least for now!
- Repeat Daily. Trade in ten minutes of screen time for ten minutes outdoors. Before you know it, your messages to yourself will have much more of an impact than the ones in your mailbox:).
Remember: Creative time is your time: It’s a gift that you deserve!
Namaste,
CHECK OUT MY NEW ENVIRONMENTAL ART GALLERY BY CLICKING HER
Leave A Comment