There is so much that can be done during a visit to some wild or semi-wild place. The possibilities include nature study, practicing mindfulness or forest bathing, and nature journaling. The sub-pages below offer some information about these activities as well as some tips for a safe and enjoyable visit that leaves the place healthy and undisturbed.

One thing that happened as my interests and love of nature continued is that I became interested in mindfulness. It was a way of slowing down, pausing from the intellectual side of the study and searching, and becoming more aware of how we experience these wonderful places. See the “Mindfulness” sub-page for more information.

As part of nature study, I had already learned to take field notes, but the more time I spent practicing mindfulness in nature, the more I would also include nature journaling. Being a writer, much of what goes into my journal is writing, but I include drawings some of the time. Some of the books on nature journaling emphasize drawing, and everyone finds the mix of writing and drawing that works best for them. The sub-page on nature journaling will give more ideas and examples.