Embracing Autumn in Nature-Informed Outdoor Art Therapy!
Hello dear readers! It’s me: The Outdoor Art Therapist! Happy first day of fall! As we welcome this beautiful season, I want to reflect on how the changing seasons can enrich our outdoor therapy practice.
“To everything, turn, turn turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn... A time to gain, a time to lose...A time to rain, a time of sow”
The Shift in Energy and Mood
With the arrival of autumn, we experience a shift not just in nature, but within ourselves. I fondly remember my older brother’s high school graduation song, The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!” This season evokes nostalgia and deep reflection. As the temperatures cool and vibrant foliage appears here in Maryland, many of us may notice a change in our energy and mood, inviting us to explore themes of transformation and letting go.
Autumn offers a wonderful opportunity to create intentional art or writing that reflects our feelings about this transition. Whether it's a piece inspired by the changing leaves or a poem about releasing past experiences, these creative expressions can be profoundly therapeutic.
Look Around You
Fall introduces a new sensory experience. The colors of leaves, the crisp air carrying the scent of fallen foliage, and the earthy aroma of the harvest create a rich backdrop for our sessions. During outdoor therapy, we can gather natural materials like leaves and twigs to create art that celebrates this season, each piece reflecting our inner experiences.
Themes of Change and Letting Go
Just as trees shed their leaves, autumn encourages us to reflect on what we want to release in our own lives. Consider creating art or writing about negative thoughts, past experiences, or unhelpful patterns you’d like to let go of. Engaging in this process can provide clarity and emotional relief!
Mindfulness in Nature
Autumn invites us to slow down and be present. In our busy world, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-care. Next time you’re outside, take a moment to connect with your surroundings. What do you see, hear, and smell? Mindfulness practices enhance our self-awareness and promote emotional regulation, whether you’re enjoying a quiet walk or sitting in a park.
Creative Art Ideas for Fall
Here are a few simple and enjoyable activities you can try this autumn, whether you’re participating in art therapy here at Labyrinth Art and Wellness or exploring on your own:
Leaf Printing: Gather fallen leaves and use them to create beautiful prints on paper or fabric. Choose leaves with interesting shapes and textures. Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply paint to one side of the leaf. Press the painted leaf onto your paper or fabric and gently press down. Carefully lift the leaf to reveal the print. Experiment with different colors and arrangements!
Nature Collages: Nature collages are a fantastic way to express your emotions using natural materials! Leaves, twigs, flowers, seeds, glue, scissors, and a sturdy piece of paper or canvas. Collect various natural materials during a walk. Pay attention to different textures and colors. Arrange your materials on the paper or canvas in a way that feels meaningful to you. Once satisfied with your arrangement, glue everything down!
Journaling in Nature: Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection, and doing it in a natural setting enhances the experience. Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably, surrounded by nature. Take a moment to breathe deeply and observe your surroundings. Notice the colors, sounds, and scents of fall! Write about your thoughts and feelings, or sketch what you see. Allow your creativity to flow freely, without worrying about perfection.
Nature Mandalas: Creating mandalas with natural materials can be a calming and centering activity. Find a flat surface outdoors (or indoors if the weather is not ideal) where you can create your mandala. Start by placing a central item (like a stone) and work outward, arranging your materials in a circular pattern. Take your time and be mindful of the process. There’s no right or wrong way- just let your inner artist guide you! Once finished, sit with your mandala and or take a picture with it, before returning the nature pieces back where you found them!
Picture This in Nature: Photography can be a wonderful way to capture the beauty of fall and reflect on your feelings! Take a walk outside and observe your surroundings. Look for interesting angles, colors, and patterns in nature. Capture images that resonate with you. These could be close-ups of leaves, wide shots of landscapes, or anything that catches your eye. Afterward, create a digital or physical collage of your favorite photos!
