The more we observe nature, the more there is the possibility of seeing things we’ve never seen before.”
Bhuwan Thapaliya, poet
This is the time of year I get antsy. I am not necessarily referring to the critters that sometimes find their way into my home, though they keep me on my toes. But it is when the days are longer and warmer, the trees and flowers are blossoming, and the birds awaken me in the early morning. My impulse is to run naked in the garden. For my husband’s sake, I don’t. The outside does seem to call out to me, and I desire to answer its call.
It is now May, and we are deep into spring. Daffodils and tulips have come and gone. The final frost swept through. And those are indicators that it is time to plant seeds that will grow into milkweed, zinnias, calendulas, coreopsis, cosmos and more, ultimately creating color in my yard for many weeks while attracting the bees and butterflies.
I learned a long time ago that digging in the dirt with my bare hands positively affects my mental health. It is restorative to the body to touch clean soil and since most of my seeds are so tiny they would disappear on a glove, I find it rather refreshing to place them on my skin before dropping them in the ground.
Being immersed in creation stimulates our creativity. Often following a morning of gardening, my writing flows better.
How does nature nurture our creativity and our writing?
What nature does for our mental health
When we’re outside, breathing in fresh air, listening to the birds singing, observing the flowers and trees, these actions are reducing stress and giving us mental clarity. The negative thoughts begin to have less space in our minds, opening the door, so to speak, for a calm and open mindset.
The natural environment improves our well-being and our mood. When negative thoughts are reduced, as stated, we give our creative brains ample opportunity to absorb the sights and sounds and incorporate these into our work.
It was not until last year that I tested this theory, mainly to improve my physical stamina, and mental health. Walking a few days a week in the park allowed me space to observe my surroundings more. I wasn’t distracted by my computer or phone. I could process more creative information and produced my best ideas during those walks. My sleep improved and as an insomniac, it was sorely needed. The sunlight, the fresh air and the flora and fauna all helped boost my well-being. My mood was certainly enriched.
What nature does for our creativity
In an article in Psychology Today, the author quotes cognitive psychologist Ruth Ann Atchley who says that we are beset by a host of mental distractions and threats. “They sap our resources to do the fun thinking and cognition humans are capable of—things like creativity…Nature is a place where our mind can rest, relax, and let down those threat responses.”
The article continues by stating: “In short, nature excites our creative impulses. Nature propels us into imaginative frames of mind and dynamic ways of approaching the world.”
Watching a honeybee dance upon the lavender, or a Variegated Fritillary butterfly flitting about the Sweet William, can create images and stories for our next poem or story. We are awed by their movements, their colors, the scents from the flowers, and are now stimulated with ideas.
“Information in nature stimulates ideas,” states The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the research article “The influence of natural environments on creativity.” The article also explained: “Past research has shown that natural environments, or environments with natural elements, enhance creative performance more than urban environments.”
What nature does for our physical health
I think we can agree that rest is the cure for exhaustion. When our bodies are tired, our minds shut down. When our brains cease to function, creatively at least, writing becomes a painful chore.
Napping is good and I have many friends who ritually follow through with this time. But nature also gives us rest. A leisurely walk through the park or our gardens can help slow our bodies down. We are more reflective, contemplative, and free of unnatural distractions like our electronics, enabling us to observe more.
This same NIH research article indicated that, “After a short rest, thoughts may flow freely in the subconscious without being restricted by general logic, generating new ideas more efficiently.”
When our physical, mental and emotional health and well-being are given priority, our productivity increases. We are then giving ourselves room for creative expression.
There is no need to wait for the outdoors to beckon you. Go for a walk, with or without the dog. Leave your phone behind or in your pocket with the sounds off. Saunter through the garden. Run your hand atop the flowers and feel their softness. Study the insects and watch their movements. Listen to a bird’s song.
The next time you feel dragged down, or hit the proverbial wall of creativity, see what the outdoors will do for your stimulation.
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