Words and Writing Inspiration
I’ve noticed a tendency to focus on the art and pictures aspect of nature journaling — most of us value images more than words, especially ones that are nice to look at, because you can understand what you’re seeing right away. But using words and writing is also important, and allows us to observe the world with a different perspective. You don’t have to use correct spelling, grammar, or nice handwriting to jot down stories, ideas, labels, notes, or even poetry in your journal (but you can also care about those things if that makes you feel good!) Below are some resources to hopefully help inspire you to write more in your journal.
“Playing with Words” from International Nature Journaling Week: https://www.naturejournalingweek.com/playing-with-words
More fun ways to approach writing in your journal from Marley Peifer: https://marleypeifer.com/how-to-nature-journal/what-is-your-primary-nature-journaling-language-part-1/
Write your dreams for nature and hope for the future, as explained by Rebecca Rolnik: https://www.rebeccarolnick.com/post/our-dreams-for-nature
Two examples of using our senses to inspire our writing by Melinda Nakagawa (as our senses are the hardest to put into images, words are a big help here!) Sounds: https://www.sparkinnature.com/post/listen-to-nature-sounds-as-a-calming-practice As a mindfulness practice: https://www.sparkinnature.com/post/mindful-nature-mind-full-of-the-moment
Some videos from educators in conversation with John Muir Laws:
