Nature (The Creative Act)
In our fast-paced, adverse, technology-driven world, taking the time to reconnect with nature is more important than ever. The soothing rustle of leaves, the sound of ocean waves, and the vibrant colors of the outdoors have a profound impact on our mental health. In this blog post, I explore the mental health benefits of immersing ourselves in nature, discuss how a reading experience I had connects nature with creating, and share ten art therapy exercises incorporating nature.
Nature has an unparalleled ability to ignite the flames of creativity within us. The sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world stimulate our senses, encouraging a state of heightened awareness and receptivity. Here are a few ways in which nature serves as a muse for creativity:
A Source of Beauty: The sheer beauty of nature, from breathtaking landscapes to intricate details in a single leaf, captivates our aesthetic senses. This visual feast can inspire artists to replicate or reinterpret the natural forms they observe, infusing their creations with the same beauty that surrounds them.
Mindful Observation: Nature demands our attention. When we immerse ourselves in the outdoors, we naturally become more mindful and present. This heightened awareness allows us to observe details we might otherwise overlook. Artists and creators often draw inspiration from these nuanced observations, incorporating them into their work.
Stimulation of the Imagination: Nature provides an endless canvas for the imagination. The rustling of leaves, the dance of sunlight, or the symphony of birdsong can spark imaginative ideas. Writers, musicians, and visual artists often find that the unstructured, ever-changing nature of the outdoors stimulates creative thinking and encourages the exploration of new ideas.
Metaphors for Life: Nature is rich in metaphors, serving as a reflection of the human experience. The changing seasons, the resilience of plants, and the ebb and flow of tides all offer symbolic representations of life's journey. Artists often draw on these natural metaphors to convey profound messages and emotions in their creative expressions.
Therapeutic Effects: I will expand upon this one in the next section, but for now I’ll just note that the calming and therapeutic effects of nature create an optimal mental state for creativity. As stress levels decrease in natural environments, the mind is freed from the constraints of daily pressures, making room for innovative thinking. Many creative breakthroughs occur when individuals allow themselves to unwind and connect with the natural world.
Connection to Something Greater: Nature instills a sense of awe and humility. The vastness of the mountains, the expanse of the ocean, or the intricacy of a spider's web remind us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence. This connection to something greater can inspire a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to the creative dialogue of the world.
Whether it's a painter finding inspiration in the play of light on leaves, a musician capturing the rhythm of waves, or a poet weaving verses inspired by the colors of a sunset, nature's influence on creativity is profound. It acts as a wellspring of inspiration, fostering an environment where ideas flow freely and the creative spirit is nourished.
The Therapeutic Power of Nature
See? I told you I would expand!
Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress levels. The natural environment promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, lowering cortisol levels and alleviating the pressures of everyday life.
Improved Mood: Nature stimulates the release of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Whether it's a walk in the woods or a day at the beach, exposure to natural settings can lift your spirits and enhance your overall mood.
Increased Creativity: Nature has a way of inspiring creativity. The beauty of the outdoors sparks the imagination and encourages innovative thinking. Many great artists and writers have drawn inspiration from the natural world.
Studies have been done to support this observation. One study, "The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature" (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008): This study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that interacting with nature can enhance cognitive function and positively influence mood. The researchers conducted a series of experiments to investigate the impact of nature on cognitive functioning and mood. Participants who took a walk in nature experienced improved cognitive performance and exhibited decreased symptoms of anxiety compared to those who walked in an urban environment.
Another study, "Nature Experience Reduces Rumination and Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex Activation" (Bratman et al., 2015), used neuroimaging techniques to explore the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between nature exposure and mental well-being. The researchers found that participants who engaged in a 90-minute walk in a natural setting showed reduced neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex—a brain region associated with repetitive thought patterns linked to depression. This suggests that nature experiences may help alleviate symptoms of rumination and improve mood.
These studies align with the idea that nature has a measurable impact on our brains, influencing cognitive processes and emotional states. The findings support the notion that incorporating nature into our daily lives can contribute to the reduction of anxiety and enhancement of mood, providing scientific backing to the intuitive understanding that spending time in natural settings is good for our mental health.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Nature, with its boundless beauty, serves as a profound source of inspiration and a teacher of life's essential lessons. Rick Rubin, a legendary producer known for his transformative work in the music industry, explores the concept of creativity in "The Creative Act." Through the lens of "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin, we can appreciate the resemblance between the creative process and the wisdom embedded in the natural world. As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, we gain insights that resonate not only in artistic endeavors but also in the art of living. Drawing parallels between nature and creativity, we can delve into the wisdom that the natural world imparts and the lessons it teaches us.
Impermanence and Change: Nature constantly undergoes cycles of change—seasons come and go, flowers bloom and wither. This impermanence mirrors the creative process. In "The Creative Act," Rubin emphasizes the importance of embracing change and letting go of attachment to outcomes. Nature, with its ever-changing landscape, teaches us the beauty of adaptation and the inevitability of transformation.
Harmony and Balance: The intricate balance within nature is a testament to the delicate interplay of diverse elements. From ecosystems to the delicate dance of sun and rain, nature teaches us about the importance of balance in our own lives. Rubin, in his exploration of creativity, highlights the need for balance in the artistic process—a harmony between intuition and technique, chaos and order.
Unwavering Resilience: Nature endures storms, droughts, and other adversities, showcasing remarkable resilience. Similarly, creative pursuits often encounter obstacles and challenges. Rubin encourages artists to persist through difficulties, acknowledging that resilience is a key component of the creative journey. Nature's ability to bounce back from adversity serves as an inspiring lesson in tenacity.
Authenticity and Uniqueness: Each element of nature possesses its own unique beauty, contributing to the overall tapestry of the environment. "The Creative Act" emphasizes the importance of authenticity in artistic expression. Nature's diversity teaches us to embrace our individuality, recognizing that our uniqueness adds value to the collective beauty of the world.
Silent Wisdom and Presence: Nature communicates without words, offering its wisdom through the rustle of leaves, the babbling of brooks, and the silence of mountains. Rubin's exploration of creativity delves into the power of presence and the ability to listen. Nature teaches us the profound lesson of being present in the moment, attuning ourselves to the silent wisdom that surrounds us.
Art Therapy in Nature
The reason Rubin’s book resonated so much with me is his exploration and understanding creation and nature being the driving force behind life. What helps me feel like life has meaning, even amongst suffering, is the fact that things can regrow, tides will recede, and life will be created. Art therapy is the professional practice of this belief.
The Creative Arts Therapies (music, art, dance & movement, drama) are not just an approach to mental health. Art therapy is the practice of creating something from within ourselves. It is taking our pain, our emotions, our thoughts and our experiences and providing an external outlet for it all. It is something we can utilize as a coping skill, but it is also a way of life. I myself live my life in art. I create because it is the only thing more powerful than destruction. It gives me some sense of control in my life. John Fowles once said, “But novelists write for countless different reasons…. I could fill a book with reasons, and they would all be true, though not true of all. Only one same reason is shared by all of us: we wish to create worlds as real as, but other than the world that is. Or was. This is why we cannot plan. We know a world is an organism, not a machine.”
Now, let's treat ourselves and the world we live in like an organism. All of us are capable of exploring nature and creating. These are some creative arts therapy exercises that harness the therapeutic benefits of nature:
Nature Journaling: Grab a notebook and head outdoors. Observe the details of the natural world around you and document your thoughts, feelings, and sketches. Nature journaling encourages mindfulness and reflection.
Rock Painting: Collect smooth rocks and transform them into miniature masterpieces. Use acrylic paints to create vibrant designs or inspirational messages. This activity not only engages your creativity but also provides a tangible and lasting connection to nature.
Dance in the Wilderness: Find a secluded spot in nature, whether it's a forest clearing, a beach, or a mountainside. Put on your favorite music or embrace the natural sounds around you. Allow your body to move freely and expressively, feeling the connection between your movements and the elements.
Natural Soundscapes and Ambient Music: Blend recorded or live ambient music with the natural sounds around you. Choose music that complements the environment, such as soft instrumental melodies, nature-inspired compositions, or ambient sounds like flowing water or bird songs. This creates a harmonious fusion of human-created and natural sounds.
Leaf Printing: Gather a variety of leaves, apply a thin layer of paint, and press them onto paper or canvas. Experiment with colors and patterns to create unique prints. This art therapy exercise allows you to connect with nature through touch and creativity.
Shadow Tracing: Bring a piece of paper, cardboard, canvas, etc. outside into the sunlight. Find an interesting shadow cast by a tree, plants, etc. and trace it. Notice the speed at which the sunlight changes the shape and angle of the shadows. Once complete, freely draw, paint, collage in the shapes created but your tracings.
Elemental Movement: Embrace the elements as dance partners. Move like the wind, flowing and swirling. Mimic the gentle rhythm of water with fluid movements, and stomp or tread lightly to emulate the earth beneath your feet. Incorporate the warmth of the sun or the coolness of the shade into your dance.
Acoustic Jam Sessions: If you're musically inclined, bring along acoustic instruments like a guitar, flute, or hand drum. Engage in a spontaneous jam session with the sounds of nature as your backdrop. Let your music blend with the rustling leaves, chirping birds, or babbling brooks for a unique and improvised performance.
Sunrise or Sunset Yoga Flow: Combine the meditative aspects of yoga with dance during the magical moments of sunrise or sunset. Flow through sun salutations, stretches, and expressive movements, syncing your body's rhythm with the changing colors of the sky.
Natural Mandalas: Collect fallen leaves, petals, and other natural materials to create intricate mandalas on the ground. This meditative practice promotes a sense of mindfulness and unity with the environment.
Nature serves as a powerful remedy for the stresses of modern life, offering a myriad of mental health benefits. Try out one (or several) of these exercises and see how it impacts your emotional state. By incorporating art therapy exercises with natural materials, we can deepen our connection with the outdoors and cultivate a holistic approach to well-being. So, lace up your shoes, step outside, and let the healing embrace of nature guide you on a journey of self-discovery and mental rejuvenation.
