How to Capture Nature’s Inspiration Wherever You Are

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I wouldn’t call myself a “great outdoors” person.

The thought of camping creeps me out because I would be paranoid the entire time that a murderer or bear would off me in my sleep. (And if you’ve ever watched I Survived, you know what I’m talking about.)

My “hiking” isn’t the kind that you need specific boots for — just your regular running shoes — and the ideal temperature is about 62 degrees and cloudy. 

All things considered though, I love nature. My Northern California heart grew up in the middle of mountains and fruit orchards and a (somewhat) stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean. Long drives kept me sane and whenever I could feel myself getting anxious or overwhelmed, I knew that being outside would do me good.

Until I moved to the South, I didn’t realize how incredibly spoiled I was to have grown up where I did. It was only after I left that I found myself yearning for the words of Joan Didion and John Muir as they perfectly explained the same places I loved so much.

Because to hear Joan say how “the particular flat expanse of the Central Valley comforts my eye”, takes me back to long drives back and forth between Los Angeles and the North Bay on the 5. Because between the endless orchards and cattle ranches lies the spirit of the West — open ranges and the ability to make whatever it is that you want out of this life. Most trips, I felt like I came up with 5 to 7 new story ideas, and even after 6 hours of driving, it didn’t feel like enough.

As I’ve moved around the country though, it’s been a little harder for me to find that connection and creative inspiration outside. 

But as I’ve settled in Nashville, I’ve found ways to regain that love of nature in a new place, and how to use it as writing inspiration — and here’s how you can do that too.

Find New Sounds

I’m a sucker for familiarity. As much as I love new places and experiences, when it comes to inspiration, I tend to default to what I know will soothe and comfort me — and that has long included the ocean.

The consistency of the waves and the salt sitting in the air felt more like an invitation to wait for the muse to arrive than a rush to be hit with creative genius.

When I lived in L.A., I had a regular route up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu which included a stop at Starbucks in a little market shopping center. I’d often go in the middle of the week to avoid crowds, so it felt like it was my own private beach where I could stay for hours and just be. 

Living in a landlocked state, I’ll be honest, it feels weird. 

I didn’t realize how much I missed the ocean until I found myself always reaching for that sound scape in my Calm app. Over any other nature scene, it was the ocean that made me safe to be creative. 

But I started experimenting with different sound scapes on the app like lakes and fields and was surprised by how peaceful I found them. So, I began new rhythms of being in nature including going to the park in the middle of the summer and listening to the crickets, driving with the windows down on old back roads I didn’t know and opening my windows in the morning to hear the birds chirping.

It’s not the ocean, but it’s another opportunity to find a moment to slow down and just listen. And while I had done all of the above before, the air and energy felt thicker, and it opened up new ideas within me.

Explore the Beaten Path

When you think of “nature”, it’s typically the rough and wild — crashing waves, jagged canyons or overgrown woods. However, nature means everything that is not human made. So technically, you’re experiencing nature as soon as you step outside.

And yes, it can feel different if you’re in a city. But if you’ve ever been to Washington Square Park in Manhattan, you know that even in the middle of the busiest city in the world, you can breathe a bit deeper there. 

Some of my favorite places to find inspiration are botanical gardens and arboretums. For the “nature-light” seekers, it’s an easy option with paved paths, striking scenery, and they often have classes or programs around botany or art. Plus, botanical gardens and arboretums are vital for conserving biodiversity, so supporting your local organizations will not only serve your creativity but the environment as well.

Add Books to Your Reading List

I am a firm believer that reading is one of the best tools for writing inspiration. And the beauty of picking up any book is that it automatically transports you somewhere else. So, even if you can book a plane ticket home or to your ideal writing destination, you can add some books to your reading list.

Not sure where to start? Goodreads is a solid starting point to find some breathtaking nature stories. They even include some of my Northern California favorites, Jack London and John Muir. But they should because they have over 50,000 titles included in their nature selection.

No matter where you are, nature is all around you, but more importantly, it lives inside of you. Everywhere you’ve been and everywhere you hope to go is sitting in your heart and head just waiting for you to tap into it whenever you need. 

And even when you feel so very far from the ocean, it’s just a click on an app away.