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Curious Observer Workshop
A gathering to spark curiosity & creativity through nature observation, playful sketching and mindfulness.
Tuesday, July 22nd
7:00 - 9:00 pm PST
Virtual - recording available if you can't attend live​​
Observe. Play. Create.
What does the natural world have to teach us?
Curiosity & Creativity Workshop
Learn to observe and record your surroundings with curiosity not judgement and express what you see with playfulness not perfection.
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Harnessing our curiosity can be a way to shift our focus from worry and self-judgment to exploration and creativity. Through a guided meditation to cultivate awareness, an intentional observation exercise, and an introduction to the low pressure art of nature journaling, we will focus our minds, release our attachment to outcomes and embrace the imperfections of life. At the end of the workshop you will have created your first nature journal page!​
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Important Details:
​Date: Tuesday, July 22nd 2025
Time: 7pm PST
Location: on Zoom & recorded
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $40
(scholarships available, please email to request)
Workshop Includes:​
Nature Observation Exercise
Introduction to Nature Journaling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Trauma-informed Guided Meditation
Sharing Circle & Reflections
What We'll Explore Together
Through a guided meditation we will foster the non-judgemental observer, the wise witness, that resides in each one of us. This state of mind can allow us to notice our surroundings, sensations, and thoughts without attaching meaning to them. By engaging with this observer mindset, we can learn to be more compassionate to ourselves and others.​
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While observing the natural world with an open mind, we can cultivate intentional curiosity, increase our connection to nature and unleash our creativity through the practice of nature journaling. Nature journaling is the creative act of observing a natural phenomenon (plant, animal, habitat, etc) and documenting our questions, thoughts, or impressions in a notebook through words, images and even numbers. It’s not about artistic skill—it’s about reconnecting with your senses and learning to notice, explore, and express without judgment.
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My intention is for you to come away from this session feeling centred, inspired and fascinated by the wonders of the natural world. I hope this work will foster a deeper sense of reverence, appreciation and gratitude for all of life on this planet. This workshop is for you if you want to slow down, connect to the moment through the observation of nature, and practice letting go of perfectionism and criticism.
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Open to all. No drawing or nature journaling experience necessary. Being outdoors during the session is not an expectation.
Come prepared to practice a guided meditation, to observe your surroundings with a curious & open mind, and to create a simple sketch. A notebook & pen, pencil crayons or markers, a live plant (optional!) and a hard surface on which to write & draw are recommended. No pressure to share or be on camera. Please note this is not an art class where you will learn to draw, but an exercise in noticing, questioning and documenting the natural world.
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with Lauren Bishop Durkin
Meditation Guide, Accessible Yoga Teacher, Nature Journal Facilitator,
Circle Space Holder, Reiki Practioner​
A mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size - Albert Einstein
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this event be recorded?​
Yes, the workshop will be recorded and shared to all participants afterwards. If you are unable to attend live, the recording is a great way to access the content on your own schedule.
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What do I need to have with me?
To participate in the nature journaling activity you will need some paper and pencil (or pen, pencil crayon, markers). You may wish to have a plant to draw from (but any nature object will do and I'll have an example on zoom for those who don't have access).
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What should I wear?
I recommend wearing comfortable clothes, whatever that means for you. If you choose to participate outside, make sure you dress for the weather to stay warm & dry.
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Where should I be during the session?​​
​Having a calm space will allow you to be fully engaged in the practices. Try to have a comfortable place to sit or lay down for meditation such as couch, chair, meditation cushion or yoga mat. You can be indoors or outdoors for this workshop as long as you can see & hear the zoom call.
Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, retreats and specials!
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Hi I'm Lauren
I am a biologist, a yoga and meditation guide, a space holder and a seeker. A deep love, respect and reverence for nature drives my spiritual path. I feel kinship with all the more-than-human life on this planet and respect the power, beauty and life force energy in living and non-living world.
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My intention is to help you find your own way back to your deepest sense of Self, your connection to spirit, your own Wild True Nature. I offer workshops and retreats for anyone looking for solace, grounding and healing in the energy of nature. Practices of meditation, yoga, nature journaling and forest bathing will allow you to slow down and remind you of your own innate wisdom, power and autonomy.
