The Magic of Soul Foraging: Blending Nature and Creativity for Healing

There’s a quiet, unspoken magic to nature that runs so much deeper than its surface beauty, something I’ve always felt connected to. I continue to discovered how deeply nourishing it can be when I blend nature's magic with my creative practice, especially as I navigate the ebbs and flows of grief and loss. My mixed media collage practice has become my way to explore those tender layers of grief—piece by piece, layer by layer—just as I’ve learned to uncover the hidden magic of the woods.

During my time as a teacher at an outdoor education center, I was trained in forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, which is the practice of immersing yourself in nature, letting your senses absorb the forest's sights, sounds, and smells. In this experience, I was introduced to the idea of 'soul foraging', and it resonated deeply with me. It was as if I had been given a whole new way to bring my love for nature into my creative process. This practice has since become a cherished part of my healing journey, guiding my art and helping me reconnect with the world around me.

Soul Foraging: A Simple, Healing Practice

Soul foraging is about picking up little pieces of nature that call to you—a special shell, a uniquely shaped leaf, or a wildflower that catches your eye. These small treasures are like little reminders, grounding us in moments of connection and peace.  It’s as though my soul nudges me to pick up these objects, whispering, “Take this with you; you might need it one day.” It’s a quiet, meditative practice, one that helps me slow down and become present with what’s around me.

For those of us healing from grief or loss, this gentle practice of foraging can offer a sense of grounding. It’s a way to reconnect with nature—and, ultimately, with ourselves. In the same way that a flower or stone becomes a reminder of time spent in nature, mixed media collage can capture a moment in time, layering pieces of our experiences into something beautiful and whole.

Finding Healing Through Foraging for Collage

There’s something special about the act of foraging. It pulls you into a more mindful space, where you start noticing the little details around you—the colours, the shapes, the textures. When life feels heavy, I’ve found that stepping outside and taking a slow walk, foraging for materials, reminds me that there’s beauty all around, no matter how difficult things are.

One day, I was gathering wildflowers while struggling with the heavy weight of my emotions. It wasn’t the flowers themselves that brought comfort, but the act of searching for them. With each one I picked, it felt like I was putting myself back together, slowly remembering that beauty still exists, even in hard moments.

That’s something I love sharing with people in my workshops. I always encourage everyone to take their time gathering materials—whether it’s from nature or from something personal—and weave them into their collages. It’s not about making the perfect piece of art. It’s about capturing those small, healing moments and letting them come together naturally.

A Simple Grounding Technique: 5-4-3-2-1

One grounding technique I love, especially during emotional times, is the 5-4-3-2-1 method. It’s super simple and helps bring you back to the present by focusing on your five senses. It’s been a lifesaver for me when things get overwhelming, and I used to use it with my students as well. Sometimes, just being reminded to pause and notice the world around you is enough to bring a sense of calm.

Bringing Soul Foraging into Your Creative Practice

When I include these found objects in my mixed media collages—leaves, flowers, feathers—it feels like I’m pulling my time in nature into my art. Each piece becomes a reminder of the moments I’ve spent grounding myself, and it all comes together in this slow, meditative process. It’s a way of working through layers of grief, turning them into something that feels beautiful and meaningful.

But soul foraging isn’t just about nature. Sometimes, it’s about looking inward and gathering pieces of ourselves—memories, emotions, experiences—and bringing them into our creative work. In my Art Workshops, I invite participants to do just that. We explore these personal layers through collage, using the process to grieve, reflect, and create something that speaks to where we are in our journey.

Check Out My Latest Video: Simple Steps to Create a Mixed Media Self-Portrait

I recently posted a video on my YouTube channel where I create a mixed media self-portrait using dried flowers. Working with these delicate pieces of nature can add such a lovely touch to your collage, but they can be a bit tricky! Here are a few quick tips to help:

• Make Sure They’re Fully Dried: Pressed or air-dried flowers work best. If they’re still a bit damp, they can brown or mold (which we definitely don’t want!).
• Seal and Protect: Use a medium like matte gel or Mod Podge to both adhere and seal your flowers, so they don’t crumble over time.
• Layer Lightly: Dried flowers are delicate, so be gentle! You might want to snip larger blooms into smaller pieces for easier layering.
• Mix with Other Materials: Combining dried flowers with handmade paper, twine, or other natural textures adds a lot of depth to your work.
• Keep Away from Sunlight: Too much sun can fade your flowers. Display your piece in a shady spot or use UV-protective glass to keep them looking fresh.

There’s something so special about preserving little pieces of nature in your art. When you do it with care, dried flowers can bring a soft, magical quality to your work, helping it bloom in the most beautiful way.

Watch me create with dried flowers in my newest video:  Simple Steps to Create a Mixed Media Self-Portrait | Art Tutorial

Join Me for Healing Through Art

If you’re curious about using collage as a way to heal, I’d love for you to join me in one of my workshops. The Creative Delight Studio Space is for connection, creativity, and healing. Whether you’re working through grief or just looking for a creative outlet, there’s always room for more healing through art.

Remember, whether it’s in art or life, it’s the layers we build that hold the most meaning. Healing takes time, and there’s so much beauty in every little step of the journey.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath, step outside, and let your soul guide you. There’s a whole world waiting to offer you healing and inspiration—one small, beautiful treasure at a time.

Warmly,

Creative Delight Studio