Beauty & Nature: Notice What Is Still Here
What Made You Stop and Look?
Our third invitation is different.
Instead of beginning with a problem, begin with beauty.
Create a zine documenting something beautiful or something that connects you with nature.
During the VELA workshop, we described this as noticing the “wow” effect: those moments when something catches our attention and, even briefly, invites us to stop.
A flower growing beside a sidewalk.
The changing color of leaves.
Rain against a window.
The sky before sunset.
A familiar tree.
The sound of birds.
The ocean.
A child’s drawing.
Someone’s smile.
A cup of tea in a quiet room.
Beauty does not have to be extraordinary.
Sometimes the practice is simply noticing what is already here.
Create a Beauty & Nature Zine
For several days, pay attention to what catches your eye.
Take photographs if you want.
Collect leaves or small natural objects when appropriate.
Write down colors, sounds, smells, or sensations you notice.
Record moments that make you stop.
Then ask:
Why did I notice this?
What did I feel?
What does this remind me of?
What beauty is still available to me, even when life is difficult?
Your zine might become a tiny collection of moments you do not want to lose.
And remember: the four zine categories do not have to remain separate. During our VELA discussion, we emphasized that this is a creative practice. A zine about nature might also contain information, memories, identity, or community stories.
Let the categories inspire you, not restrict you.
Look Again
Today, wherever you are, look around.
Find one thing that you consider beautiful.
Pause long enough to actually see it.
That can be the first page of your zine.
About This Exercise
This creative exercise was introduced by Dr. Joe Mageary during VELA Well-being’s seminar, “Reflections on Identity: Working Towards Community Based Resilience,” as an art therapy-inspired approach to exploring identity, supporting emotional expression and healing, and fostering community resilience.