Over two thousand years ago, Aristotle proclaimed that “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Something of the marvelous. This phrase evokes wonder, joy, and excitement. Something of the marvelous. With just a few words, Aristotle explicated that one can find beauty and infinite wonders by spending time looking closely at nature. What’s more, all that you need to find something of the marvelous is to take a keen eye outside.
Let’s capture the experience
But how do you capture this wonder, joy, and excitement? How can you disconnect from the industrial world and reconnect to the natural world? How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and knowledge of a place we love? Field journaling is a type of journaling that consists of recording observations made while in nature.
In this post, we are going to learn the art of field journaling, including:
- What field journaling is and why it’s important.
- The 4 main elements to include in a field journal entry.
- Tips, tools, and habits of mind to help you get started field journaling.
What is field journaling?
Journaling is one of the best ways to facilitate attentiveness and create deeper connections to yourself and the natural world. Field journaling is a type of journaling that consists of recording observations made while in nature. The purpose is to cultivate knowledge and understanding of a wild or natural place.
A peek into natural history
This type of journaling formed the foundation of the discipline of natural history. Much of our contemporary ecological knowledge was derived from field journals penned by early explorers. Lewis and Clark, Charles Darwin, John Muir, and others kept journals. These explorers looked at the surrounding beauty of the places they visited and recorded their observations. They used journaling to intentionally focus on the details. Journaling was also a way to understand the ecology around them. In journal pages patterns emerge, and cultivate an understanding of the relationships binding species together.
What to put your entries
In field journals you should include descriptive notes, sketches of plants, animals, and rock formations. Some older field journals contained small collections of pressed plants. These entries will create indelible memories and records of what you have seen at that time and in that place. Remember, field journals or field notes or field books serve as primary sources of scientific observations and discovery. But more importantly, field journaling expands your awareness so you are not just looking at things. Instead, you will see the wonders of life all around you and learn how you are connected to the natural world.
Why should you field journal?
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” ~Albert Einstein
Learn to Dwell
In order to look deeper into nature, you need to learn to dwell. My dad taught me how to dwell. To dwell means to remain for a time and to keep the attention directed to, and to us that meant to be present and observant while outdoors. Today, being present in any place can be a real challenge.
Remember when you were a kid…
You are well aware of today’s distractions. Streaming, notifications, and technological dopamine waiting for release with a touch of our fingertips. When I was young, this was not the case, and the outdoors is where we went for joy and excitement. Even if you are just out in the yard!
I remember pushing the plastic mower behind my Dad’s swathe, he made sure to draw my attention to the wild things; birds, lizards, spiders, worms…building my early knowledge of the web of life occurring just beyond the porch. If I sat for a spell, remained present for a time, I would be rewarded with a visit from a lizard, squirrel, or bird. Oh what joy it was to have a wildlife sighting and learn the details of the animal and observe its behavior! Although I did not know this at the time, I was becoming a naturalist, a student of nature.
Connect with Nature
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic Americans sought refuge from the crowds, the stress, and the isolation outdoors. Spending time in nature is healing. Research shows that people who regularly spend time outdoors have reduced stress and anxiety and longer life expectancy. This effect can be amplified by cultivating a deeper connection to a place through field journaling. But, how do you connect to nature?
Connection requires knowing and understanding
You can start by simply taking a leisurely walk along a local nature trail. This time will never be wasted, because it can build knowledge of the plants and animals builds connection. You get curious about what you see on the trail, and learn more about them. In fact, I have found when I field journal I go home and learn more about the things I wrote about. Then I am able to strengthen my relationship with a place and often I gain a deeper understanding of myself.
Capture the Experience
Experiences in nature rejuvenate us. Fortunately, you will carry those feelings as long as you can recall moments from the trail. A field journal prompts you to capture these moments in words and sketches, helping the brain to more easily access the memories and refresh those feelings of peace and joy created from spending time outside.
4 Elements of a Field Journal Entry
Over the centuries, the structure of field journals have become as unique as the diarist, but they all tend to contain the same four elements:
- Date, Time and Location
- Like any journal or diary, a field journal is a record of the present and should include a date. But unlike other journals or diaries, a field journal should also include the time because it provides a snapshot of nature during the window of time you are dwelling in that place.
- Be detailed about the location. Start big by including the state or region then zoom in on a more specific location. Include the name of the trail and mile marker or other prominent landmark.
- Weather
- Seasonal and changing weather conditions create vastly different outdoor experiences. You should include notes about the percentage cloud cover, precipitation, wind direction and speed, and temperature.
- Observations
- Use all the senses to observe the natural world. Your eyesight can be limited along a dense forest trail. But, birds and other animals may be making sounds that can help you recognize who is enjoying the forest along with you. Also, smells are abundant in nature and vary from season to season and can add delight to your outdoor experience. Please take a note of caution against touching and tasting. There are plants and animals that utilize toxins for protection, be aware of those before you venture out.
- Sketches
- Sketch a flower, bird nest, rock formation, or other things you might find intriguing will bring the journal entry to life. By taking the time to note the details of something, an intimacy is created and from there your relationship and connection to nature strengthens. You do not have to be an artist to sketch in a field journal, these entries are for you and the more you sketch the more details you will find!
Tips
There are no rules and no expectations for field journaling other than to dwell in an outdoor space; be present and observant. It is helpful to include as many of your senses as is safely possible, what can you see, hear, or smell? Take time to sit in one spot focusing on these senses, even if it is only for five minutes new experiences will emerge.
Journal reflection
Lastly, include some reflections about your experience. Here are a few questions to consider as you get started:
- What did you notice that surprised you?
- What would you like to learn more about?
- How were you feeling while spending time in this place?
- When were you most at peace or happy?
- What are some things you would like to share with others?
Tools
The most important tools in field journaling are your senses! If you are so inspired there are a few tools that can supplement those senses and help you learn more about the landscape, plants, and animals you encounter:
- Field Journal and Pen
- Field glasses or binoculars
- Field Guides
- Hand lens
- Paints or Colored Pencils
Start a Field Journal Today!
Field journaling helps develop connection to the natural world by providing a space to capture the beauty that is all around! The benefits of spending time outdoors are many, and field journaling can deepen those benefits and your connection with the natural world.
Check out my guided field journals!
Get started on your first field journal with this Guided Field Journal designed to help you become a student of nature. Don’t forget the kids! Children can field journal too! This Explorer Field Journal is designed with kids in mind. Field journaling helps children slow down, take time to notice details, and learn to record information while encouraging them to learn more! We can all find something of the marvelous in nature, all you have to do is look.
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