Creativity is one of the most treasured aspects of being human and yet it is easy to deny ourselves the joy of being creative with so many distractions and the busy-ness of modern day lives. Spending time in Nature is immeasurably beneficial to our health so why not take the opportunity to get creative?

Have you noticed that when we take the time to get closer to Nautre and submerge ourselves in the beauty of our natural world, we immediately feel more at ease, more in tune with ourselves and more refreshed. It reminds me of the book title 'far from the maddening crowd' where we can find peace for a while and let go the stresses and strains of the day.

It is no coincidence that we produce our best art when we feel balanced and calm in body, mind and spirit. The more we free our minds from restless thoughts and allow our bodies to relax, the more creative we are able to be. Being in Nature is a wonderful way to restore our attention as we take in the natural sights and sounds around us. It provides the opportunity to let our minds wander, allowing creative ideas to flow.

One of my favourite things to start doing at the end of the Summer season is to collect things from Nature for my tall glass collection jar. It's a great incentive to go out on a blustery day and hone your attention by keeping a look out for things that have fallen or been discarded as the long days and sunshine start to wain. Here are some ideas:

• Leaves & Flowers
• Pine Cones & Acorn Shells
• Feathers & Eggshells
• Branches & Twigs
• Berries and Rose Hips
• Lichen and Moss
• Seashells and Pebbles

Another great way to spend time in Nature is to create a work of art from Nature itself. This comes with a proviso NOT to damage anything, of course. Use what has fallen or is about to fall and leave no trace. Take a phtograph and return your artwork to Nature before you leave. Here are some ideas:

• Create spiral patterns with leaves and stones
• Build a pyramid or statue with flat stones and pebbles
• Design a miniature garden using the tiniest artifacts you can find
• Make a bridge for ants and other tiny creatures
• Make a miniature stoneage hut with a roof made of ferns
• Paint a picture on the beach with driftwood, shells and pebbles
• Make a wildflower bouquet secured with twisted vines
• Collect flowers, leaves and seeds for pressing at home in a heavy book

I hope the above ideas inspire you to get creative the next time you are out and about in Nature. It's a wonderful way to add purpose to time spent outdoors, to focus the mind and create something to capture in a photograph or, if small enough, to take home for keeping.

The outside world of Nature is for everyone to enjoy so go to it and happy creating!

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf