For this week’s practice, we’re going to get a feel for nature — literally! We’re inviting you to explore all the different textures and sensations around you as a way to start waking up to nature with fresh eyes (well, fingers).
So we’re going to keep it pretty simple this week and offer you a game to play by yourself or with a friend :-).
Nature texture treasure hunt
The game involves hunting for different textures in nature. Below is a list of texture words and your task is to find and experience as many of the textures as possible:
Here are some step-by-step instructions to play the game:
Copy down some or all of the texture words from above, or print the image off to take with you when you go outside. Make your way to your preferred green space.
Take a few minutes to sit down, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and tune into your sense of touch when you arrive. Feel your feet on the ground, the air on your skin, and the texture of your clothes.
Open your eyes and pick a texture word from the list. Go explore and see what you can find!
Once you’ve found a good example of the texture, take time to close your eyes and really feel it. What does it feel like on your hand or in your fingers right now? Really tune into the sensations and be curious. Do other words come to mind to describe the sensations as well?
Create some keepsakes of your experience — maybe noting down some words or reflections, gathering objects, making drawings, or taking photos.
Continue looking for other textures using the steps above for as long as you like. Pick a more unusual word for a challenge! Enjoy your treasure hunt.
Alternatively, you might like to pick a single word and use it as inspiration for a creative project — collecting only “spiky” objects, for example, and crafting with them; or taking photos of “rough” objects and making a collage.
Share your experiences with us
Enjoy getting tactile with nature and don’t forget to share any stories, photos, or other creative inspirations that come out of this practice! Happy exploring...
