ORIGINALLY POSTED ON 4/9/2024
If you follow me on social media, you know that I often walk the trails near my house with my dog, Toast. Yes, it's a great opportunity to tire out my hyper puppy, but it also allows me to clear my head and be inspired.
The trail walks began before Toast came into my life. A few years back, I used to run half marathons, which gave me a lot of time outside. Then I became injured and quit running. I missed being outside almost every day. Fortunately, there are beautiful nature trails near my home, and I began to incorporate hiking into my weekly routine.
These walks in nature became meditative. I began to notice nature is abundant with creative inspiration. It is full of wonderful shapes, patterns, and a vast array of colors that can be used for your next creative project. After my walks, I found myself more focused, re-energized, and ready to tackle my next creative endeavor. Exposure to nature has become essential to my creativity and mental well being.
Our minds are capable of big ideas, but we are often distracted by digital gadgets and the busyness of urban areas. Stepping out into nature or "open spaces" allows us room to think. These open areas, free of distractions, allow us to engage all of our senses. By utilizing all of our senses, we can enter a more meditative mindset, which is necessary for creative thinking.
One may say, "Well, that is amazing for you, but what if I cannot always get outside or have quick access to nature trails." The amazing thing is nature is around us ALL THE TIME. You can go for a walk in your neighborhood, maybe you have houseplants, or you can simply look out the window and watch the birds sitting in the trees outside.
If you want a change in routine that also has therapeutic benefits, take a moment to enjoy nature. It is creativity's secret sauce. If you want to learn more about how nature affects creativity, I have listed a few articles below that explain more of the science behind that connection. They are a great inspiration to get our there and start enjoying the outdoors again.
Five Proven Ways Spending Time in Nature Inspires Creativity
How Exposure to Nature Influences Creativity
The Influence of Nature on Creativity: How Environment Affects Innovation