Impact of Green Spaces on Wellbeing and Creativity

Haiku Installation at the Santa Fe Audabon Society.

This one really resonated with me — a great reminder when my brain is overloaded and overwhelmed. Be more like the cricket 🦗

At least a few times a year I feel just stifled and blocked. Creating doesn't hold any interest for me and I just feel closed off. When I feel uncreative or stagnant like this I often turn to nature to calm my spirit and soothe feelings of inadequacy, stress, and overwhelm. The simple feeling of the wind on my skin and the heat of the sun can bring us back into the present moment and help to quiet all the daily stressors of modern life. The more internal work I do to understand myself – the more I see the positive impact of time outdoors. There is something soothing for me about the cadence of insect noises and the feeling of the rustle of leaves in the breeze. It resets my body’s rhythm to a calmer and more balanced sensation. I’m a firm believer that we are not built to spend our lives in an office with flourescent lights, artificial plants, and stale air. I need stimulation and wonder and sensation to feel alive; otherwise im just meerly existing.

Revitalized

No emails finding me here! 🌄

I lived in Chicago for something like 8 years and early on I really missed the vast green spaces I was used to from growing up in west Michigan. Honestly, its one of the reasons I turned my focus to nature as a primary theme of my work. Drawing these animals and scenes allowed me to escape into the forest for a bit and relax my mind amidst the chaos and hustle of the city. Now, Chicago has some really amazing outdoor spaces that I eventually found and loved, but early on I struggled with the constant buzz of stimulation and lack of wide open spaces. I ended up bringing nature to me through drawing since is what I did to find calm and relax. I don’t know that I would be making the wilderness-inspired art if it weren’t for living in a big city.

A Happy Camper

The exhaustion from a day of hiking and exploring feels so different from the exhaustion of my job!

Now I firmly believe that green spaces are beneficial for EVERYONE for mental health and overall wellness — but as an artist I want to touch on how valuable nature can be for our practice. The ever elusive creativity that resides in all of us sometimes feels unattainable; sit at the drawing table and try but just cannot make any progress. Spending even a small amount of time outside can calm your nervous system — and when we feel safe and at peace we are more likely to take creative risks. Taking chances and trying new things is a major part of the creative journey. Just getting past those first few marks and really allowing ourselves to TRY things can really feel great and might even take your art to the next level.

Sketching in Yosemite at Sunset

I chatted with so many campers while drawing on this trip! Each of us in awe of the grandeur and beauty - and each of us inspired in our own ways! 💛 🍂

Spending time in nature can also help you feel a greater sense of community! I know that is a little counterintuitive adventuring away from society. You might feel connected to the other people who spend time outdoors, a bond over interests, but more importantly you begin to feel connected to the world and the greater universe. There is a sense of belonging and delightful insignificance that can come with nature. When I sleep under the stars it helps put into perspective how absolutely tiny I am compared to everything. The world feels bigger - grander, time seems to slow waaaaaay down, and my sense of awe returns in an overwhelming wave (in a good way).

I felt insignificant in the best way!

Seeing massive organisms like old-growth Sequoia are truly breathtaking. It is powerful for me to remember that this is our home. And it will last so much longer than I will exist — that is so reassuring.

If you haven’t spent any time in a green space this month - here is your call to make it a priority! I know not everyone has the same access to wild spaces and it can be very difficult in some cities, especially. But it really is worth it if you can. Studies have shown that even revisiting natural spaces in your memory - like taking a mental walk - can even provide some benefit. So go daydream about some trees! Or plan a weekend hike! Or maybe a nice picnic with a friend!

🌷 Explore some articles and studies here:

🌳The Effect of Nature on Creativity Through Mental Imagery

🌳A Right to Nature: Addressing Disparities in Green Space Access

🌳The Influence of Natural Environments on Creativity

🌳 How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative

🌳Human Benefits of Green Spaces

🌳Green Spaces are a Necessity not an Amenity

🌳Green Spaces in Chicago: Examining the access to green spaces in a segregated city