If you want to connect to nature and find joy in the simple little things, try these 10 proven observation techniques

Avatar by Paul Brian | January 16, 2025, 12:06 pm

We don’t need much to feel fulfilled and whole. 

It’s the simple things and wordless experiences that feed our soul. 

The only thing needed is a bit of patience and allowing awareness to grow in nature as it surrounds us. 

Here are some excellent observation techniques for connecting more deeply with the natural world and experiencing more fulfillment and joy from the simple things. 

1) Walk mindfully

Mindful walking is a wonderful technique for increasing your observational capacity and connecting with nature

It’s as simple as taking a slow, deliberate walk in nature. 

Pay attention to each step, the sensations under your feet, and the sounds around you. 

Notice the rhythm of your breath and immerse yourself in the present moment.

You’ll begin to feel a deep sense of communion with the natural world around you.

2) Try birdwatching

Birdwatching is another excellent activity for becoming an even keener observer in nature. 

Carry a pair of binoculars and take a look at the various bird species around you. 

Take note of their colors, sizes, and unique behaviors. Look them up in a bird book or even do a reverse Google Image search to check out what kind of bird they are! 

Bird watching can be a meditative and joyful experience.

Here’s how to do a reverse image search:

YouTube video

3) Keep a nature journal

Keep a nature journal to document your observations. 

You can sketch and write about some of the birds you see, as well as what you feel and observe in your walks and outdoor ventures

Sketch the plants, animals, or landscapes you encounter. 

Write down your thoughts, feelings, and any insights you gain from your natural experiences.

You’ll find that your observational acumen and reflections on nature keep sharpening and becoming even more fulfilling.

4) Do cloud gazing

Cloud gazing is more than just a childhood activity. 

It can be a lifelong way to connect with the experience of being outdoors and getting in touch with yourself. 

Lie down on a comfortable spot and gaze at the sky. 

Watch the clouds move and morph into different shapes. 

Allow your imagination to roam freely as you find joy in the simple artistry of the sky.

5) Construct cairns

Cairns are a lovely way to become more conscious in nature and indicate a milestone. 

They were made by older cultures to mark distances and locations with vistas or special significance. 

Making a small cairn is simple: you just balance rocks, stacking stones on top of each other.

This activity encourages focus, patience, and an appreciation for the balance found in nature.

YouTube video

6) Do nature photography

Photography is another excellent way to become an even keener observer of nature.

Capture the beauty of the natural world through photography. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and perspectives. 

The act of framing a shot can make you more attuned to your surroundings and help you pick up on details and subtleties of nature that you may have previously overlooked. 

As legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams said:

“There are worlds of experience beyond the world of the aggressive man, beyond history, and beyond science. 

The moods and qualities of nature and the revelations of great art are equally difficult to define; we can grasp them only in the depths of our perceptive spirit.”

7) Do a nature meditation

Nature can be an excellent place to sit and meditate. It may be beside a babbling brook or just on a park bench. 

As long as there’s nature around you, it’s a nice way to feel connected to what’s going on and the rhythms of the natural world. 

Find a comfortable spot in nature and sit quietly. 

Close your eyes and tune into the sounds, smells, and sensations around you. 

This simple meditation technique helps you connect with your environment on a deeper level.

8) Shadow watching

Shadow watching is a great exercise for becoming more aware in nature and appreciating the changes of light throughout the day. 

To do this activity, simply stay in one spot for awhile and observe how shadows change throughout the day. 

Pay attention to the subtle movements and shapes they create.  This can be a fascinating way to connect with the passing of time.

It’s a wonderful mindfulness exercise as well.

9) Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts aren’t just for toddlers and kids. 

They can be a lot of fun for adults, too. 

Start by creating a list of natural items to find in your surroundings. 

It could be specific plants, rocks, or even wildlife that you’re trying to spot. 

This interactive activity adds an element of playfulness to your nature observations.

You’ll start to develop very keen observational skills and get to know every type of pinecone and wildflower.

10) The five senses exercise

Calm your breathing and focus on your senses. As you spend time outdoors, let it enter into your every pore.

Feel the textures of leaves, listen to the rustling of branches, inhale the scents of flowers, and immerse yourself in the sensations of nature.

Name one perception from each of your five senses, trying to appreciate the details and subtle aspects of each.

What do you smell? What do you hear? 

You’ll feel much more present in nature and enlivened. You’ll also feel more connected to yourself as well. 

Connecting and observing

Try these techniques with a sense of curiosity and openness. 

Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and let the wonder and joy of nature sink into you. 

Nature is an interactive experience just waiting to be entered; you can immerse yourself in it during any season as long as you dress appropriately. 

Nothing can ever replace the beauty and truth contained in nature, and connecting to it is how we also can reconnect and deepen our connection with ourselves. 

You don’t need to be anything other than who you are. Just let the sun, wind, rain, snow and clouds go by and connect with your natural and eternal heritage.