How Spending Time in Nature Makes Us More Creative

Creativity is often a word we associate with self-described artists or poets. However, the word creativity simply means the use of the imagination or original ideas. At our cores, we are all creative beings, as we come from a planet that is endlessly creative. When we look to Mother Nature as the source of life and the original creative energy, it’s easy to see how getting back to nature can remind us of our own true essence as creative, generative, imaginative beings. Revolutionary fashion designer and icon Alexander McQueen was wise to say that, “There is no better designer than nature.” A deep look at nature’s vast palette of vivid colors, changing seasons, dynamic weather patterns, and intricate textures and patterns reveals the genius of nature herself. Here are a few ways that nature boost our creative impulse and returns us to our highest selves.

Spending time outdoors allows our brains to rest. If our brains our constantly inundated with text messages, calendar appointments, work, and hectic thought patterns, we can’t make the space for relaxation and creative thought.

Nature encourages us to notice the little things. We live in a fast-paced society that doesn’t encourage noticing details or pausing to reflect on something as seemingly simple as a spider web or blade of grass. When we notice things we don’t usually take the time to see, our brains change for the better.

When we spend time in nature, we’re getting back to the creative source. Nature is the original creative source, constantly regenerating and creative life. When we immerse ourselves in the wilderness or any kind of natural element, we get back to that source from whence we came. This reminds us of our innate creative potential. Balzac wrote, “What is art, but nature concentrated?” Get back to the concentrated source.

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