Slow down, let go and connect to flow: The simple practice of Outdoor Art

Fall always reminds me of the simple and powerful practice of Outdoor Art. Though you can practice it all year in various ways, in Fall it seems the Earth is inviting us to slow down, reconnect, delight in beauty and let go of what we no longer need. 

Outdoor Art is a lovely way to celebrate the season. Specifically the practice allows us to:

Calm both mind and body. Being outdoors and creating something with your hands is the perfect combination to help you slow down, be mindful of your surroundings and reconnect.

Boost creativity and play. The act of using one type of material and transforming it into something else is the basis of all creativity. It teaches both children and adults to use their imagination and utilize what resources they have available to them.

Promote living green. When you create Outdoor Art you honor and nurture your connection with the earth. It's a perfect opportunity to engage your kids in a conversation of respect and kindness to the planet. 

Encourage connection. Leaving beautiful creations in public spaces invites your entire community to think and feel differently about their environment and remind all of us that we are not alone! 

Practice surrender and letting go. Leaves blow away, stones shift, everything created outside is exposed to people, animals, weather and seasons. Returning to your creation and witnessing how it's changed - or disappeared entirely - is a  wonderful way to practice surrender, let go and tap into divine flow.

As you can see, creating Outdoor Art is fun and beneficial for all ages. So next time you are outside, take a moment to stop, connect to your surroundings and create something beautiful. 

If you are uncertain of how or where to begin, then follow these simple steps:

1. Find a space outdoors. This can be in your backyard, in a park, along the sidewalk, or even on your front porch.  

2. Gather natural materials that catch your attention. My personal rule with this is that it has to already be dead, I do not pull leaves off of trees, I take those that have already fallen. This is just a way to continue to honor nature. Possible materials can include leaves, rocks, twigs, branches, etc.

3. Choose or clear a space for your creation. If you are doing this along a sidewalk or on a beach, for instance, there can be litter. This is another beautiful opportunity to honor nature by removing the trash that is in your vicinity. Some work spaces you may not immediately think of are on top of large rocks or along the edge of a railing.  

4. Create. You can create actual objects or just decorate the space with the natural materials.  

5. Leave it for others to enjoy. If you are creating in a public area or even in your own backyard, leaving the creation for others to enjoy is a magical part of the process. 

I would absolutely love to hear about your process and perhaps even see what you create! Send me a private message or leave a comment below. If you post your picture on Instagram tag me @kelseyfoxbennettboyd!

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Much love,

Kelsey