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The Creative Connection with Nature

Creative connection with nature 
Note: the following post summarizes some ideas from the book, Deep Creativity by Deborah Anne Quibell, Jennifer Leigh Selig, Dennis Patrick Slattery.

In the realm of artistic endeavors, nature serves as a wellspring of inspiration, stimulating the creative faculties within us all. For example, many creative writers, find solace and renewed imagination in the natural world, a domain that beckons them beyond the written word to embrace photography.

Equipped with her camera, a photographer discovers that her perception of the world undergoes a transformation. Colors become more vibrant, shapes more captivating, and light more enchanting. Nature’s wonders unfold before her lens, unfurling a tapestry of awe-inspiring phenomena.

Yet, her engagement with nature transcends the role of a mere observer. It prompts her to recognize her own intrinsic connection to the surrounding world. By channeling her creativity through nature, she fortifies her bond with the Earth and all its manifestations.

The underlying message resonates clearly: Nature possesses an extraordinary power to incite and nurture creativity.

A writer, too, can encounter similar revelations amidst nature’s embrace. Seated upon a log within a forest, he becomes entranced by a spider’s web adorning a nearby bush. As he fixated on its delicate intricacies, he momentarily shifts his perspective, causing the web to vanish abruptly.

Though the web’s disappearance was but a mirage, it struck the writer with a profound realization. Just as poetry uncovers hidden truths in plain sight, so too does the web’s transient presence expose the existence of unnoticed wonders. Occasionally, it requires a creative lens to render the invisible visible.

Nature’s marvels often prove elusive, surpassing even the ephemeral nature of a spider’s web. Another writer embarked on an underwater adventure in the Virgin Islands, yearning for a fleeting encounter with sea turtles. Throughout her expedition, her heart yearned for an intimate moment with these majestic creatures. As hope waned, serendipity smiled upon her, presenting her with the coveted encounter.

Swimming alongside the sea turtle, she perceived a profound wisdom in its measured and deliberate movements. The privilege of observing its tranquil journey left her awestruck, inspiring her to adopt a similar composure when navigating life’s turbulent currents.

She recognized a mutual reciprocity in her bond with the sea turtle. She felt compelled to harness her creative gift to honor the natural world’s resplendence, acting as its advocate and protector.

Reflecting upon these encounters, one might ponder their own connection to the natural realm and how it intertwines with personal creativity. Do we acknowledge our animalistic nature, acknowledging our place within the intricate web of existence? And how do we express our reverence for nature’s grandeur through creative pursuits?

To find solace in nature is to experience a profound kinship with the Earth. It is to gaze upon a starlit sky and feel a sense of wonder coursing through our veins. To listen to the rustle of leaves and harmonize with the melodies of the forest. It is to witness the cycles of life, both gentle and fierce, and find inspiration in their eternal dance.

When we immerse ourselves in nature’s embrace, our senses awaken, and our imagination flourishes. A simple walk in the woods can unravel a narrative waiting to be written, a melody longing to be composed, or a painting yearning to be rendered. Nature’s bounty becomes a boundless palette, awaiting the touch of our creative hands.

In these moments, as we draw from the wellspring of inspiration bestowed upon us by nature, let us also recognize the reciprocal relationship we share. Just as we derive creativity from nature, it falls upon us to utilize our creative prowess to protect and celebrate its unrivaled beauty.

For it is through our creative expressions that we pay homage to nature’s magnificence, crafting tributes that transcend words and actions. We become ambassadors of the Earth, wielding our artistic abilities to raise awareness, kindle reverence, and inspire stewardship among our fellow human beings.

So, let us forge an unbreakable bond with nature, allowing it to permeate our souls and invigorate our creative endeavors. Through the lens of a camera, the stroke of a brush, or the whisper of a pen, let us celebrate the majesty of the natural world and embrace our role as its creative custodians.

In this union of artistry and nature, we shall find ourselves not only creators but also beneficiaries. For it is in the arms of nature that our spirits flourish, and our creative souls find everlasting nourishment.

Want More? Read Deep Creativity today!
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writing

Places in Nature that Inspire Great Poetry

Writing great poetry in nature

Nature can be a great source of inspiration for poetry writing. Here are some places in nature that may inspire great poetry:

  1. The beach: The beach is a peaceful and tranquil place that is perfect for inspiration. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand between your toes, and the sight of the vast horizon can all inspire beautiful poetry.
  2. The mountains: The majesty and grandeur of the mountains can be a great source of inspiration for poetry. The crisp, fresh air and the stunning views can help you tap into your creativity and find inspiration for your writing.
  3. The forest: The tranquility and serenity of the forest can be a great place to find inspiration for your poetry. The sounds of the birds and the rustling of the leaves can help set the mood for your writing.
  4. The desert: The vast, open spaces of the desert can be a great source of inspiration for poetry. The stark, rugged landscape and the silence of the desert can help you focus and find inspiration for your writing.
  5. The garden: A beautiful garden can be a great place to find inspiration for your poetry. The colorful flowers, the fragrant scents, and the peaceful atmosphere can all inspire beautiful poetry.

No matter where you go in nature, there is always the potential for inspiration. Keep an open mind and pay attention to your surroundings – you never know when an idea for a poem might strike.

A Poem from the Beach

Crab on beach

The wave crashes quickly,

Pounding into the sand.

The lone crab scurries from the rushing water,

He moves sideways, in search of safety.

The water pulls him,

And he tumbles back to sea.

A wave crashes upon the beach.

He crawls over the sand.

The waves roar louder than ever.

He tries to escape.

His life is short and will soon be done.

His shell cracks,

And he becomes food for the next wave.

The crab scurries away,

Bearing the weight of fate.

A wave crashes,

Crushing his fragile shell.

He scrambles to find safety,

But there is none to be found.

His fate is sealed.

His time is up.

A Poem from the Mountains

High up on the snowy peak,

A lone climber approaches the summit.

He has been climbing the mountain for days,

Focused on one simple goal.

His pace is unwavering,

And he shows no sign of slowing.

As he reaches the top of the mountain,

He stops and looks around.

He notices a figure at his side,

A small, little girl with blonde hair.

She has been following him all the way up the mountain,

Not speaking a word, but never once complaining.

The little girl is looking at him with pleading eyes,

Her cheeks are red, she is shivering with cold.

He can see her lips trembling,

And her fingers are already turning blue.

Her feet are bare, and so is her head,

Her clothes are torn and covered in dust.

The little girl has no coat to keep out the cold,

But the climber takes pity on her and gives her his own.

He wraps the little girl in his coat,

She hides her face inside and holds him tight.

She keeps her eyes on him all the way home,

She does not stop crying even when they are finally safe.

The climber knows that she must be hungry and exhausted,

So he takes the little girl to a nearby diner and buys her a hot meal.

When the waitress asks the little girl what happened,

The little girl shows her the cut on her arm,

It’s from where she was bitten by a large insect,

But that was not her only injury; the little girl also has a wound on her leg.

She says that the climber saved her life.

He tells the waitress that he found her lying by the side of the road,

And he is taking her back to her family.

The waitress says that she must be very brave to be traveling alone through such treacherous terrain.

A Poem from the Forest

Walking the the forest

The forest is deep and dark,

When night approaches it becomes deeper and darker still.

A twisty path disappears into the shadow of the trees,

What mysteries does it hold?

This time I’m going to find out.

The forest is a place where creatures dwell,

Let’s go there together!

I’ve had a premonition that I will make a friend,

Let’s go there together!

A child who loves to play,

A woman who’s full of life.

The forest is the place where the two of us can be,

Let’s go there together!

A new world is born with each day.

A Poem from the Desert

the wind blows through the date trees

& they are bending, bending.

the palms shake like little flags.

the sand is soft & wet like a blanket

& it gets into everything.

i think it has to do with the wind,

but i am not sure.

& it is hard for me to remember

that i was once a person.

that i had a life

& that i am dead

& this is not my life.

& when i say ‘dead,’

i mean it literally.

A Poem from the Garden

 i picked an azalea flower

 that was as big as my face,

 it smelled like perfume

 and i had to keep my mouth shut

 because my mother said

 i wasn’t allowed to speak

 while she was being fitted for a corset.

 she was very fat.

 and then

 i took her picture

 and told her it would make her feel good

 and she got mad

 and told me to take her picture and stop making fun of her.

Categories
Blog games

The Beauty of Nature

Flowers on the Hillside

Here are a few thoughts and essays, celebrating the beauty of nature and expressed through paintings inspired by Minecraft.

Poetry and Nature

Poetry about nature is inspiring, beautiful and serene. A poet can find inspiration in almost anything from nature: a clear blue sky, a babbling brook, or a rugged mountain landscape. With nature as the subject, the words can flow onto the page.

Nature poetry may be used in poetry contests or published in magazines or books. A nature poem may be written in prose or verse form. Poems that are written in a poetic style tend to be more dramatic in their tone and subject. Poetry about nature is an excellent way to convey the beauty of the Earth and to express your feelings. When writing about nature, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use descriptive language.
  • Write in a lively, conversational tone.
  • Avoid using too many technical terms and scientific words.

A Story of Gwendolyn the Fair

Here is a short story of Gwendolyn the Fair, inspired by my travels through the natural beauty of Minecraft.

Gwendolyn on the hillside with flowers.
Gwendolyn the Fair on a hillside of flowers

Gwendolyn the Fair was a beautiful maiden who lived alone in nature. She loved all living things, and liked to spend time outdoors observing plants and animals in their natural habitat.

She would spend countless hours in the hills, by the river, or walking through lush meadows. She would always take the time to appreciate a bee in flight, or the subtle colors of flowers and plants. And more than anything, she loved the majesty of the trees.

She would sit on a tree stump for hours, just watching them grow and grow. She never needed to be told what to do, or how to do it. She just knew. She had an innate sense of the natural world, and a deep connection with it. One day, as Gwendolyn was sitting under a tree, a huge, black bird flew down and landed on her shoulder. “Hello,” he said. Gwendolyn smiled. “Hello,” she replied. “I have been looking for you for some time now,” said the bird. “I am the King of the Birds, and I want you to be my Queen.” Gwendolyn nodded. “If that is what you want, then of course I will be your queen,” she replied. The King of the Birds smiled, and then spread his wings and took flight. “I am so proud of you,” he called back.

Gwendolyn smiled to herself. She had no intention of becoming a queen of the birds, but she liked to humor the animals.

Gwendolyn enjoying sunset by her village hut.
Gwendolyn the Fair enjoying the sunset by her home in the village

Later, Gwendolyn made her way back to her small, humble village. She tended to the flowers outside of her quaint little hut and enjoyed speaking with her fellow villagers.

Then, one day, a stranger approached her, saying that he was a traveler. “I have been wandering through these parts for many years,” he told her. “And I am always looking for a new adventure. Could I join you in your hut? I would love to hear about your adventures.” Gwendolyn looked at him. “I don’t think I’d like that very much,” she replied. “But it is nice of you to ask.” “Thank you,” said the stranger. “So what kind of adventures do you have?” asked Gwendolyn. “Well, I’ve been up and down the river,” he said. “I’ve traveled all around the kingdom. I’ve gone to the east and the west, and seen the lands beyond the mountains. But my favorite places are here, by the sea. And I have heard stories about your kingdom.” Gwendolyn smiled. “I am so glad you like my kingdom,” she said. “What kind of stories?” asked Gwendolyn. “Well, I’ve heard stories of a strange creature who lives in the deep sea. They say that when he rises to the surface, he can change into a beautiful young woman.” “That sounds like a very nice story,” said Gwendolyn. “Tell me more.” “I’ve also heard stories of a giant bird that comes out of the trees at night,” he continued. “And it always lands on someone’s shoulder and says, ‘Hello.’ “Gwendolyn laughed. “That sounds like a funny story. But if you really want to hear a story, I have one for you.” Gwendolyn took a deep breath. Then she told the stranger about the King of the Birds. “Wow,” said the stranger. “That sounds like a wonderful story.” “But what do you think about my kingdom?” asked Gwendolyn.

“It is very beautiful,” said the stranger. “I think it is very nice here. And I would love to stay for a while.” Gwendolyn smiled. “Then it is settled,” she said. “You can stay in my hut for as long as you like.” Gwendolyn was a happy young woman who lived in a beautiful kingdom. She loved her village and enjoyed spending time with her fellow villagers. She had been traveling around the kingdom for many years, and was always looking for new adventures. One day, she came upon a strange creature. “Hello,” said the stranger. “What are you doing here?” asked Gwendolyn. “I am a traveler,” he replied. “I am always on the lookout for new adventures. I heard about your kingdom and I want to visit it someday.” “Oh, that sounds fun,” said Gwendolyn. “I love meeting people and talking about adventures.”

Cavorting with Chickens
Cavorting with chickens