In turbulent times, finding ways to cultivate inner calm can feel daunting. It's easy to get swept up in the current of schedule and routine as we move through busy days, distracted and distressed. Thankfully, there are ways to invite more ease and clarity, both individually, and with the support of community. For many, spending time outdoors relaxes the nervous system and reminds us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. This workshop will bring mindful awareness to the sense of peace our natural environment provides and invite slow, sustained attention to calm our inner energetic waters. Working alongside Rock Creek, we'll take guidance from the water's movement as we contemplate how our own emotions move and flow within us.
Nature journaling is one method to disrupt the regular current of daily life and access a flow more in sync with the natural rhythms around us. Nature journaling is an ancient practice which combines elements of scientific inquiry, drawing, writing and mindfulness to connect with the wonders of the natural world around us. Tapping into curiosity and deep, sustained attention, participants will use the tools of journaling to practice judgement-free observation using all 5 senses. Through community reflection and sharing, we will build upon the ideas of one another to foster a deeper sense of place, groundedness, and support. Mindful awareness will be practiced through guided meditation and applied within each journaling exercise.
This workshop will be led by seasoned educator and environmental education researcher, Lindi Shepard. Whether you are brand new to the practice of nature journaling or a long-time practitioner, every participant will find new lenses to frame their experience, expand their practice, and reflect on the wonders of the more-than-human world.
Journals and basic writing implements will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies.
In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled for the following week, Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at the same time.
Lindi Shepard is the Teaching Fellowship Director at Words in the Wild, an organization dedicated to improving early literacy through joyful, nature-based experiences. She is working towards a Ph.D. in Education at Johns Hopkins University, where she conducts research on how people learn in and about the natural world at the Social Psychology in Education and the Environment (SPiEE) Lab. Lindi developed a keen interest in the learning sciences as a classroom teacher, inspired by watching children play and co-construct knowledge in community. She is particularly interested in how we learn in collaboration with the more-than-human world, leveraging curiosity and play to build place-based connection and an ethos of collective stewardship. Lindi holds a B.S. in Special Education from the University of Georgia and a M.A. in Cognitive Science in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.