I used to rush to school every morning, barely noticing the natural beauty around me. Not breathing mindfully. I use to do that all the time, prior to school. But now, I’m too focused on getting to class on time, or worrying about deadlines and grades. But lately, I’ve been reminding myself to slow down and appreciate the moments when nature sparks my imagination. To reimmerse myself in my natural state of being, once again. These moments are not only enjoyable, but also valuable for my creative process.
As a design student, I’m always looking for inspiration for my projects. Nature is a great source of ideas, colors, textures, shapes and patterns. Whenever I see something that catches my eye, I take a picture of it or sketch it in my notebook. For example, I’ve used colors from plants and flowers to build out my color palette for school projects. I’ve also experimented with textures and shadows that I’ve observed on my walk.
I’ve always loved nature and have always seen and appreciated these unique details, but school has taught me to seize these moments, to harness them, to inform my creations. By paying attention to nature in this way, I feel more connected to myself and to the world. I also feel more confident and creative in my work. Nature is not only a source of inspiration, but also a source of joy and wonder. That’s why I’m grateful for every moment that nature sparks my imagination.