Time: < 30 Minutes

STEP 1: Choose the subject of your focus. If you are or you’re not an artist, then challenge yourself—drawing is similar to journaling as you are interpreting what you see and/or feel and putting it on paper in the form of a picture. Landscape is generally the easiest to start with—it doesn’t move around, and you can be somewhere that is generally comfortable and inviting. Other ideas include architecture, animals, and roads. Whatever you choose, be sure that it leaves you feeling calm or appreciation for the natural world and the area you live in. 

STEP 2: If you don’t normally spend time in your neighborhood or around town, this could be an incredible way to become more familiar with what makes where you live beautiful and unique. Go to the area you’ve chosen and find a comfortable place to sit. Bring a blanket, camping chair, or park your car in a scenic spot and roll down all the windows. Plan on being there for a while. Be sure you’re comfortable and bring snacks, a drink, and whatever tools you need. If you don’t want to draw or paint the scene you’ve selected, bring along a camera or use the camera on your phone to take some pictures and document your experience.

STEP 3: Slow down and observe your surroundings. Notice the movements and the stillness. Take a few moments to get focused and breathe, observing the area. Be aware of where your eyes wander, what is catching your attention, and how it makes you feel. By simply observing and being patient, you will begin to see what is impacting you, which will lead you to the subject of your exercise.

STEP 4: Take out a pencil and paper, be in the moment and start drawing or taking photos.

Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect, just do what feels best to you. Be sure to bring plenty of colors and different drawing materials to expand your creativity or bring a memory card for your camera so you’ll have plenty of space for pictures.

STEP 5: When you return home from your outing, hang your drawing or favorite photograph on a wall in your home to remind yourself of your artistic abilities and the time you spent on it. Feel good about your accomplishment and remind yourself of the beauty of nature around you.