Offering workshops to deepen our connection to nature.

Nature walking. Nature journaling. Art Making.

Learning in community.

A “Wild Braid.”

  • A person wearing a brown cap sits on a wooden landing sketching a waterway bordered by trees.
  • Loose watercolor landscape in greens, russets, and yellow
  • A person in a broad brimmed hat stands with a sketchbook in front of a tall grasses sketching.
  • a loose floral painting of yellow flag iris in front of a soft green background, small watercolor palette and water brush top of the frame
  • a sketchbook page of line drawings, mostly squiggles, some of bees, in front of strawberry leaves
  • small sketchbook with line drawings in square frames of the distant landscape, a view finder
  • a collection of small watercolor and line drawings featuring landscapes, birds and trees on small sketchbooks.
  • a small sketchbook with a loose watercolor landscape

Why get out in nature?

Exploring in nature offers a myriad of benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. Whether it is the tranquil surroundings of the woods or the beach at low tide, exploring nature areas can provide relief from the stressors of modern life. As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, our stress levels decrease, and our minds find a sense of calm. Additionally, the natural sights, sounds, and scents stimulate our senses, enhancing our creativity and boosting our mood. Even a brief 10 minute outing can positively impact our physical health. Whether we seek solitude or enjoy the company of loved ones, getting out in nature replenishes our energy, rejuvenates our spirit, and nurtures a deeper connection with the world around us.

Not everyone has easy access to large outdoor or green spaces. However, there are still places where nature can be found, including but not limited to: city parks, our home gardens, parking strip gardens, garden centers, the grocery store, restaurant patios, indoor plants, windowsill gardens, flower arrangements and even cracks in the pavement!

Why learn to draw?

Drawing is not just an form of artistic expression but also a powerful tool for personal growth and development. Drawing improves focus and concentration when we learn to direct our attention towards the details of our subject and tune out distractions. Slowing down to observe and record what we see can bring calm as well as joy, wonder, and awe. For many of us, drawing also puts us in touch with our Inner Critic, which may feel uncomfortable but, if we can allow ourselves to feel curious about this discomfort and apply the practice of self-compassion, we gain self-knowledge and confidence. These skills are transferrable in other areas of our lives.

Why keep a Nature Journal?

My personal definition of Nature Journaling is any practice that connects you with nature and helps you process your sensory experiences, your emotions, and your thoughts related to what you are experiencing and feeling. The most common form is through drawings or writings a notebook or sketchbook but it can be so much more!

A nature journal is also a safe space, a creative space, a space to play, make mistakes and learn from them; a place where we can make visible our connections between ourself and the natural world and, in so doing, better understand our place IN it.

Nature Journaling, like other mindful practices, is an embodiment practice where tuning in to our senses to help us experience the present moment and in so doing, access more relaxation, calm, and ease.

Gratitude and Reciprocity

A Wild Braid is located on the Occupied lands of the Duwamish Tribe and Coast Salish people. In gratitude for their stewardship of this land and the privilege of living and working in such a beautiful place, we give back through Real Rent Duwamish. We also give back through our efforts to minimize our personal impact on our natural environment both locally and globally and by encouraging others to do likewise. If you live and work in what is now called Seattle, WA, please consider participating in Real Rent Duwamish. To sign up or for more information about Real Rent Duwamish please go to https://www.realrentduwamish.org. If you live elsewhere in the world, and if you haven’t already, please consider finding out more about the Indigenous people of your area and how to support them.