I am happy to introduce a new offering in the Studio, Natural Explorer. It's a practice that combines spending time in nature, simple mindfulness meditation, and creativity (drawing in my case, of course). I've found it very helpful for my own creative practice, and developed it into a simple process that anyone can do.
Establishing a New Practice
After becoming a mother, I started 2025 feeling like I needed to get back to basics and find my footing as an artist again. I made an intention to make regular explorations in my local nature, experience it mindfully, and document it through my sketchbooks.
Bringing Together the Benefits of Nature, Mindfulness, and Creativity
Research has shown that:
- Nature reduces stress and boosts mental health. A study from the University of Exeter found that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature report significantly better well-being and health compared to those who don’t. (Source: Scientific Reports, 2019)
- Being outdoors enhances creativity and problem-solving. Research shows that walking in nature can increase creative output by up to 60%, as the mental relaxation and reduced sensory demands of natural settings allow the mind to wander and generate novel ideas. (Source: UC Davis Health, 2023 and Stanford University, 2014).
- Mindfulness increases focus and emotional resilience. A Harvard study showed that mindfulness meditation can physically change the brain, increasing gray matter density in areas associated with learning, memory, and emotional regulation. (Source: Harvard Gazette, 2011)
Even dedicating just one day a week to these practices can make a meaningful difference. But knowing isn’t always enough. It can be hard to break free from routines and actually make time for these things. That’s why I wanted to create something simple, beautiful, and—most importantly— fun.
A Simple Four-Step Guide to Natural Creativity
With Natural Explorer, I offer an invitation to reconnect with nature, creativity, and a sense of adventure. You can start exactly where you are. It’s a class, a practice, and a way of seeing the world differently. Through guided prompts, simple explorations, and creative exercises, it helps bring together the practices of mindfulness, creativity, and nature in a way that feels meaningful and joyful.
I explain each step in more detail in our Natural Explorer class, but the basic idea is simple:
- Explore: Make an intention to explore your local nature, whatever piques your interest. It can be a wooded hike, a city park, or even just your backyard garden. Tip: I do personally find that getting to know your native plants can help you feel more grounded and connected to your environment.
- Observe: Practice the skill of mindfulness during your explorations. Stay present, open your awareness, and really notice your experience.
- Reflect: In our age of distraction, treat yourself to time for self-reflection and learn to really listen to yourself in a caring way. This also helps you understand what you are inspired by and drawn to. For me, this is a combination of meditation, writing, and sketching.
- Create: Document your experience in any way that feels expressive or good to you. It can be as simple or advanced as you'd like it to be. For me, it's creating finished drawings and paintings. Enjoy the process!
Sharing My Process
I hope you'll give this practice a chance, and see how you feel after your own adventures! I’ll be sharing my own reflections in our monthly studio letters and in Mimochai Studio.
In the meantime, you are welcome to check out my Studio vlog, which shares how I'm continuing to adapt this practice in 2026.
Happy exploring 💛 -M
