Choose to be Curious Ep. #307: Curiosity & Nature Journaling, with John Muir Laws
Nov 25, 2025
Join John Muir Laws, a naturalist and educator at the forefront of nature journaling, as he explores the art of observation. He discusses how journaling deepens our connection to nature by slowing us down and enhancing our curiosity. John introduces his practice of 'I notice, I wonder, it reminds me' to fuel creative exploration. He also shares insights on how different forms of expression—drawing, writing, and numbers—can unlock new perspectives. Plus, he offers tips to find beauty and wonder, even in winter's stillness.
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Journal Lost, Attention Gained
- John Muir Laws describes losing his nature journal after an exuberant day sketching cooperative birds at the South Bay.
- He emphasizes that the process of journaling mattered more than the physical notebook, because it drew him into deep attention.
The I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Cycle
- John frames the practice as a trifecta: I notice, I wonder, It reminds me, each prompting different thinking modes.
- This cycle pulls you into a 'gravity well' of a phenomenon and fosters deeper, sustained curiosity.
Use Three Languages In Your Journal
- Try using pictures, words, and numbers together in your nature journal to engage different brain regions.
- Combine drawing, writing, and measurement to reveal patterns and think about observations in multiple ways.
