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Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life
'In her book Nature Tonic, journalist and regular Flow contributor Jocelyn de Kwant encourages us to soothe our urbanized souls with a daily dose of ecotherapy. Comprising 365 practical prompts and lengthier meditative notes, it covers themes such as the joy of journaling sensory nature, the zen of forest bathing, the simple pleasures of botanical drawing, and ways to contemplate seasons, time and reconnect with Mother Nature, be you in a city street or a country meadow.' - FLOW Magazine, 2019
'This beautifully illustrated workbook is filled with 365 creative prompts to embrace nature's simple pleasures, encouraging a happier, more thoughtful approach to everyday life.' - Country Homes, 2020
Nature Tonic is a beautiful write-in workbook to help you mindfully connect with nature, wherever you are.
We all know how important a daily dose of nature is to our wellbeing, and here are 365 simple, inspiring activities to bring you closer to the natural wonders of our world. Take a mindful moment to notice the birds in your backyard, doodle spirals inspired by nature, write about your favourite forest walk or paint an imaginary flower. Build a twig tower with your kids, design your dream garden, draw the insects you see around you or look at the night sky and let your thoughts wander.
Jocelyn De Kwant, author of the bestselling Creative Flow, combines creative ideas, mindful awareness and an appreciation of simple living to share the joy of nature in 365 easy ways.
A beautiful, practical journal for a nature moment every day.
'This beautifully illustrated workbook is filled with 365 creative prompts to embrace nature's simple pleasures, encouraging a happier, more thoughtful approach to everyday life.' - Country Homes, 2020
Nature Tonic is a beautiful write-in workbook to help you mindfully connect with nature, wherever you are.
We all know how important a daily dose of nature is to our wellbeing, and here are 365 simple, inspiring activities to bring you closer to the natural wonders of our world. Take a mindful moment to notice the birds in your backyard, doodle spirals inspired by nature, write about your favourite forest walk or paint an imaginary flower. Build a twig tower with your kids, design your dream garden, draw the insects you see around you or look at the night sky and let your thoughts wander.
Jocelyn De Kwant, author of the bestselling Creative Flow, combines creative ideas, mindful awareness and an appreciation of simple living to share the joy of nature in 365 easy ways.
A beautiful, practical journal for a nature moment every day.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
27 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 3, 2019
This is really a lovely mindful workbook. 🌼 Obviously, because I was given an eBook copy to review, I couldn't use it to its' fullest extent. 🎨 However, I still found this book to be full of interesting factoids and charming illustrations. 🎑 The workbook is divided into the following chapters...A NATURAL RHYTHM 🌅
NOCTURNAL NATURE 🌛
URBAN NATURE 🌉
IN THE FOREST 🍁
EARTH’S COLORS 🎨
GROWING 🌱
THE LIFE AQUATIC 🐠
LOOK UP TO THE SKY 🌔
DOWN TO EARTH 🍄
INTO THE FIELDS 🌾
TRAVELING AND TRAMPING ✈
JUST BREATHE 😃
There are 365 different prompts for you to explore. 📝 From color hunts to going for a hike. 🏃 Hug a tree or create an art project. 🎨 Every day there is something different to do that will connect you to Nature. 🍃 Help your creativity. 📷 Keep you mindful and in tune with the planet. 💕
October 1, 2019
Years ago, I would have never picked this book up, not that I hate nature, it’s just life gets in the way of simple natures pleasers, but as I am seeing more of my town taken over by large developers and businesses I am seeing my nature being destroyed and that makes me want to be out there more before it’s all gone and Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life would help anyone out there today at any age to get out and explore before it’s all gone.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to have some nature time with their kids during the summer this workbook would provide a full summer of fun and learning. I know this is a yearlong workbook, but sometimes we just don’t have everyday time to spend when you work 2 or 3 jobs, so one summer would be great to get some nature in.
I would also recommend this book for us older people who use to spend their days outside having fun exploring nature with their dog, as I did when I was a kid. This book will bring back fun memories and will also provide you with a newfound love of what you’ve lost and hopefully make you fight for what we have left.
A year in My Mindful Life is a workbook, I recommend those who are not a creative artist to grab the paperback copy, those that have artist talent, I would recommend the Kindle edition so you could use this workbook and create your own Nature Tonic journal.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to have some nature time with their kids during the summer this workbook would provide a full summer of fun and learning. I know this is a yearlong workbook, but sometimes we just don’t have everyday time to spend when you work 2 or 3 jobs, so one summer would be great to get some nature in.
I would also recommend this book for us older people who use to spend their days outside having fun exploring nature with their dog, as I did when I was a kid. This book will bring back fun memories and will also provide you with a newfound love of what you’ve lost and hopefully make you fight for what we have left.
A year in My Mindful Life is a workbook, I recommend those who are not a creative artist to grab the paperback copy, those that have artist talent, I would recommend the Kindle edition so you could use this workbook and create your own Nature Tonic journal.
October 21, 2019
What a lovely book this is! It’s a nature-themed activity book for grown-ups with a task to do for every day of the year. Plan a garden, string up a pine-cone, create a rainbow, draw your view… every page is adorned with colourful, contemporary-style illustrations. What a great gift this would make!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC.
October 19, 2019
Nature is a huge part of our family's life so I was happy to read a temporary digital ARC of this nature-based journal of sorts. I think perhaps it's better suited for someone who doesn't already love nature and spend time in it. I was expecting a daily to-do and it's not always that. Sometimes you're given a task, like to turn the lights on later than usual to experience the morning light or to find a way to spend time outside or do some bark rubbings. Other times it's more like sharing a fact or deep thought. The illustrations are gorgeous, and it is packed with interesting little tidbits (so that's why birds fly in a V!). It might be a good book to flip through before purchasing, to see if it's what you're looking for. I liked it, but it's not one that I think would be a perfect fit for me or my kiddos.
September 12, 2019
Nature Tonic by Jocelyn de Kwant is a great little book. I loved the prompts and following along. This book will make a great gift for those who are rushed and those who are not. It offers tips and ideas both artsy and hands on for everyone. A new one every day. I wouldn’t do them every day but perhaps one a week. Overall a lovely little book!
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
October 4, 2019
Very cute journal with various kinds of nature illustrations and prompts for writing short entries. Would make a nice gift.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC.
September 11, 2019
Nature tonic is a journal style book with new and fun ways to get in touch with nature as well as yourself. Make that connection between yourself and. Store and become more relaxed and calm.
This book was really interesting the way it was designed and the images were beautiful. I felt it was a mix between science book, self help book and journal.
This book was really interesting the way it was designed and the images were beautiful. I felt it was a mix between science book, self help book and journal.
November 15, 2019
I received a free electronic copy of this self-help book on September 30, 2019, from Netgalley, author Jocelyn De Kant and illustrator Clare Owen, and Leaping Hare Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this excellent work of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest, personal opinion of this work. I am most pleased to share the knowledge imparted in this work to friends and family.
If your idea of sacred lies within the forest or river valley or perhaps just the cloud animals in the crisp blue sky, this book is an affirmation of just that. If you find life harried and at times too frantic, feel pressured on all sides and don't sleep well, you really need Nature Tonic - and a breath of fresh air. This work is one of those books that are fine in digital, but you really need the accompanying art and the workbook pages to orchestrate your dip into an effective tonic of Mother nature to cure what ails you.
pub date September 10, 2019
received September 30, 2019
Leaping Hare Press
Reviewed on November 15, 2019, on Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, Kobo and GooglePlay. Not available on BookBub.
ON Iphone 6 Digital Edition
If your idea of sacred lies within the forest or river valley or perhaps just the cloud animals in the crisp blue sky, this book is an affirmation of just that. If you find life harried and at times too frantic, feel pressured on all sides and don't sleep well, you really need Nature Tonic - and a breath of fresh air. This work is one of those books that are fine in digital, but you really need the accompanying art and the workbook pages to orchestrate your dip into an effective tonic of Mother nature to cure what ails you.
pub date September 10, 2019
received September 30, 2019
Leaping Hare Press
Reviewed on November 15, 2019, on Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, Kobo and GooglePlay. Not available on BookBub.
ON Iphone 6 Digital Edition
September 2, 2019
Being in nature is healing. Studies show that just having a green plant inside can boost mood, productivity and concentration, and reduce stress levels. Yet, at least in the United States, as a nation, we spend more time inside, becoming alienated from nature. Richard Louv, founder of the Children & Nature Network, introduced the concept “nature-deficit disorder” in 2005 to describe this phenomenon.
Jocelyn de Kwant’s Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life is an antidote to this malady. In sections such as “Nocturnal Nature,” “The Life Aquatic,” and “Just Breathe,” Nature Tonic pairs adorable illustrations with prompts that readers can use to reconnect with the natural world. Some of them are simple and require nothing but walking outside; others need more resources, be they time or supplies. De Kwant’s suggestions pair an attention to nature with an attitude of mindfulness.
The book is geared to an adult audience, but some of the prompts are more child-like, though I thought in a delightful way, a way that brings adults into an awareness of body and surroundings. One of the prompts I liked was a color hunt which called upon the reader to find items in nature matching certain colors. This could of course be done with children, too. Other prompts were more childish and didn’t seem to be useful to adults, such as making a picture with sand and glue. It didn’t seem practical, either, as it would probably not hold up on the book’s page, where the reader is instructed to work, though using a separate sheet of paper is an easy solution. In other cases, de Kwant gives particular attention to children’s activities in the case of outdoor camping and keeping kids entertained.
In addition to specific activities, the prompts included interesting facts clearly illustrated about the phases of the moon, types of flowers, varieties of mushrooms, and cloud classifications, as well as yoga and meditation. The electronic copy I read had some garbled text, so I wasn’t clearly able to read or assess all the writing, though, something I’m sure will be corrected in the final version.
I enjoyed the majority of prompts and thought they delivered in terms of promoting mindfulness and awareness of the natural world, and I was delighted with the simple but charming botanical and animal illustrations. If there is a weakness to this book, I think it is the inconsistency in sophistication of the prompts, whereas sometimes they seem to be written for adults and sometimes to children or teenagers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jocelyn de Kwant’s Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life is an antidote to this malady. In sections such as “Nocturnal Nature,” “The Life Aquatic,” and “Just Breathe,” Nature Tonic pairs adorable illustrations with prompts that readers can use to reconnect with the natural world. Some of them are simple and require nothing but walking outside; others need more resources, be they time or supplies. De Kwant’s suggestions pair an attention to nature with an attitude of mindfulness.
The book is geared to an adult audience, but some of the prompts are more child-like, though I thought in a delightful way, a way that brings adults into an awareness of body and surroundings. One of the prompts I liked was a color hunt which called upon the reader to find items in nature matching certain colors. This could of course be done with children, too. Other prompts were more childish and didn’t seem to be useful to adults, such as making a picture with sand and glue. It didn’t seem practical, either, as it would probably not hold up on the book’s page, where the reader is instructed to work, though using a separate sheet of paper is an easy solution. In other cases, de Kwant gives particular attention to children’s activities in the case of outdoor camping and keeping kids entertained.
In addition to specific activities, the prompts included interesting facts clearly illustrated about the phases of the moon, types of flowers, varieties of mushrooms, and cloud classifications, as well as yoga and meditation. The electronic copy I read had some garbled text, so I wasn’t clearly able to read or assess all the writing, though, something I’m sure will be corrected in the final version.
I enjoyed the majority of prompts and thought they delivered in terms of promoting mindfulness and awareness of the natural world, and I was delighted with the simple but charming botanical and animal illustrations. If there is a weakness to this book, I think it is the inconsistency in sophistication of the prompts, whereas sometimes they seem to be written for adults and sometimes to children or teenagers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2019
Nature Tonic, A Year in My Mindful Life, Jocelyn de Kwant
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies , Outdoors & Nature
I've always loved Nature, loved to be outside, enjoying plants, trees and wildlife.
I was interested to read this book, as I think many of us have forgotten just how restorative nature can be. We live in a rushed world, dominated by clocks, timetables, schedules and maybe taking a step back and appreciating what Nature does for us, ruled by her own timetables of night and day, seasons, where each day is a fresh new start can really help us.
Studies have shown how depression is helped by natural light, and I think this book goes that step further, in encouraging us to look around, see whats surrounds us, how it works, how seasons change, even times of day bring variations in nature. Some plants open at night, others during day, and others only in full sun.
There are daily tips, suggestions on what to do each day to encourage the reader to focus on their surroundings. I think that's great, sometimes we're overloaded with advice, see the challenge of adding something new into life as just too much, haven't the time, don't know where to start. All those excuses, where in this little book all we need to do is just take one step, do one thing a day. There's no pressure, its nothing more than simply looking, smelling, thinking.
For example there's a section on trees, suggesting studying different leaves, pick one and identify it, look for baby trees around a mature one, look at bark patterns of different trees and perhaps draw some. Nothing that can't be done in just five minutes if wished, but which can be expanded to take however much time we want to spend on the task.
I think for all of us this book is great at reminding us how nature goes on, year after year, without interference. It reminds us of our roots, our food, whats really important in life. (Tip: Its not just 9am at the office) work will be done and gone, what seems all important now and is causing so much grief and pressure will pass, but Nature is always there. Finding our place, fitting in to the world around us, feeling part of it is humbling but also uplifting, and its that uplift of spirits that so many of us need.
Take a few minutes out of your day to look around at nature for a week, see how much better you feel at the end of it. Then buy this book, and follow the suggestions, it's really worth it, especially if you are depressed and maybe need that little help of the daily tips to get started. In keeping with the simplicity of the text there are numerous simple illustrations that fit perfectly.
Stars: Five, a really helpful book, whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a way to get through the daily grind, and lighten your thoughts and stress.
Arc via Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies , Outdoors & Nature
I've always loved Nature, loved to be outside, enjoying plants, trees and wildlife.
I was interested to read this book, as I think many of us have forgotten just how restorative nature can be. We live in a rushed world, dominated by clocks, timetables, schedules and maybe taking a step back and appreciating what Nature does for us, ruled by her own timetables of night and day, seasons, where each day is a fresh new start can really help us.
Studies have shown how depression is helped by natural light, and I think this book goes that step further, in encouraging us to look around, see whats surrounds us, how it works, how seasons change, even times of day bring variations in nature. Some plants open at night, others during day, and others only in full sun.
There are daily tips, suggestions on what to do each day to encourage the reader to focus on their surroundings. I think that's great, sometimes we're overloaded with advice, see the challenge of adding something new into life as just too much, haven't the time, don't know where to start. All those excuses, where in this little book all we need to do is just take one step, do one thing a day. There's no pressure, its nothing more than simply looking, smelling, thinking.
For example there's a section on trees, suggesting studying different leaves, pick one and identify it, look for baby trees around a mature one, look at bark patterns of different trees and perhaps draw some. Nothing that can't be done in just five minutes if wished, but which can be expanded to take however much time we want to spend on the task.
I think for all of us this book is great at reminding us how nature goes on, year after year, without interference. It reminds us of our roots, our food, whats really important in life. (Tip: Its not just 9am at the office) work will be done and gone, what seems all important now and is causing so much grief and pressure will pass, but Nature is always there. Finding our place, fitting in to the world around us, feeling part of it is humbling but also uplifting, and its that uplift of spirits that so many of us need.
Take a few minutes out of your day to look around at nature for a week, see how much better you feel at the end of it. Then buy this book, and follow the suggestions, it's really worth it, especially if you are depressed and maybe need that little help of the daily tips to get started. In keeping with the simplicity of the text there are numerous simple illustrations that fit perfectly.
Stars: Five, a really helpful book, whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a way to get through the daily grind, and lighten your thoughts and stress.
Arc via Netgalley
October 16, 2019
Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life by Jocelyn de Kwant is full of 365 ways that you can embrace nature and bring your life back into balance. I absolutely love books that have short prompts or exercises that you can start out each day of the year by doing. This book is unlike any nature book that I have had the pleasure of reading because it combines many different ways that you can interact with nature; drawing, journaling, listening, touching, taking in a grand view and so much more.
This book is illustrated by Clare Owen, and these colorful additions to the activities in the book, make this book something special to add your notes and observations to. It is amazing how much these daily touches with the natural world can change your attitude and your focus for the day. I enjoyed going through this book from start to finish, but I believe that if you love the freedom to skip around and find something that speaks to you that day, that would work as well.
Nature Tonic - Learning New things
Some days you learn lessons about nature that you might not have thought about on your own. For example, #36 asks the question "Did you know that trees sleep at night?". Wow! I had no idea, yet she shares research notes that found that in silver birches, the trees branches and leaves can sag up to 4 inches at night and they they return to their upright positions before sunrise. Fascinating! That day I went out for a walk through a local park and found myself taking a very close look at the trees.
Nature Tonic - Activities
Activity #150 has 4 simple colored circles on the page, and you are invited to go on a color hunt and find natural objects that match the colors shown on the page. I bet it's been a long time since you have actively searched out plants, rocks or perhaps even the evening sky with a particular hue in mind. Such a great way to open up your creative eyes and be more mindful about the world around you.
Into the Fields
There are many categories covered in this book, but my favorite section is entitled "Into the Fields". #288 invites you to sit in the long grasses and take a look around. Try to find a spider web that is crafted between the blades of grass. I took my camera out that day, and it was amazed at how quickly a found a web that caught my interest. Such a beautiful design of swoops and lines gently supported on plants at about height of my knee. If I hadn't been looking for it, I might have just walked right by without noticing this little world.
I invite everyone to read Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life and see how it can change your perspective and your mindset. I plan to use this book for many years to come to redo activities and find new examples to enjoy. There are no right or wrong answers in this book, so you can have many different experiences and lessons to learn as you open yourself up to the possibilities.
This book is illustrated by Clare Owen, and these colorful additions to the activities in the book, make this book something special to add your notes and observations to. It is amazing how much these daily touches with the natural world can change your attitude and your focus for the day. I enjoyed going through this book from start to finish, but I believe that if you love the freedom to skip around and find something that speaks to you that day, that would work as well.
Nature Tonic - Learning New things
Some days you learn lessons about nature that you might not have thought about on your own. For example, #36 asks the question "Did you know that trees sleep at night?". Wow! I had no idea, yet she shares research notes that found that in silver birches, the trees branches and leaves can sag up to 4 inches at night and they they return to their upright positions before sunrise. Fascinating! That day I went out for a walk through a local park and found myself taking a very close look at the trees.
Nature Tonic - Activities
Activity #150 has 4 simple colored circles on the page, and you are invited to go on a color hunt and find natural objects that match the colors shown on the page. I bet it's been a long time since you have actively searched out plants, rocks or perhaps even the evening sky with a particular hue in mind. Such a great way to open up your creative eyes and be more mindful about the world around you.
Into the Fields
There are many categories covered in this book, but my favorite section is entitled "Into the Fields". #288 invites you to sit in the long grasses and take a look around. Try to find a spider web that is crafted between the blades of grass. I took my camera out that day, and it was amazed at how quickly a found a web that caught my interest. Such a beautiful design of swoops and lines gently supported on plants at about height of my knee. If I hadn't been looking for it, I might have just walked right by without noticing this little world.
I invite everyone to read Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life and see how it can change your perspective and your mindset. I plan to use this book for many years to come to redo activities and find new examples to enjoy. There are no right or wrong answers in this book, so you can have many different experiences and lessons to learn as you open yourself up to the possibilities.
August 24, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life is a year long journaling guide with 365 mindfulness prompts which actively encourage the reader to slow down and find balance and relax in nature. Due out 10th Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Leaping Hare Press imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a beautifully calming and charmingly presented guide to re-learning awareness of our natural rhythms and re-learning to live more in sync with our natural environment. There are multiple activities to prompt examination and reflection. The days whose exercises I followed diligently and wrote down my reactions and feelings were really good days. The self reflection exercises the author has included gently allow the reader to slow down and experience their existence instead of just rushing exhaustedly from one activity to the next at maximum speed every waking moment. The illustrations, by Clare Owen, are restful and lovely and really enhance the whole message of the book.
Though the book is dealt into 12 chapters with different themes which encompass 365 guided prompts, it's not specifically written serially with seasonal activities. The individual activities could be experienced in any order. Whether the reader follows the prompts in order or not, there are real, proven benefits to slowing down and spending more time interacting with nature. I have no doubt that following the prompts regularly over the course of a year would give measurable positive results.
Beautifully illustrated and calmly and appealingly written, it would make a superlative gift for a journaling (or would be journaling) friend or family member, or oneself. Many meditation guides in my experience are quite full of metaphysical 'woo'. This one is refreshingly practical and 'woo-woo' free.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life is a year long journaling guide with 365 mindfulness prompts which actively encourage the reader to slow down and find balance and relax in nature. Due out 10th Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Leaping Hare Press imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a beautifully calming and charmingly presented guide to re-learning awareness of our natural rhythms and re-learning to live more in sync with our natural environment. There are multiple activities to prompt examination and reflection. The days whose exercises I followed diligently and wrote down my reactions and feelings were really good days. The self reflection exercises the author has included gently allow the reader to slow down and experience their existence instead of just rushing exhaustedly from one activity to the next at maximum speed every waking moment. The illustrations, by Clare Owen, are restful and lovely and really enhance the whole message of the book.
Though the book is dealt into 12 chapters with different themes which encompass 365 guided prompts, it's not specifically written serially with seasonal activities. The individual activities could be experienced in any order. Whether the reader follows the prompts in order or not, there are real, proven benefits to slowing down and spending more time interacting with nature. I have no doubt that following the prompts regularly over the course of a year would give measurable positive results.
Beautifully illustrated and calmly and appealingly written, it would make a superlative gift for a journaling (or would be journaling) friend or family member, or oneself. Many meditation guides in my experience are quite full of metaphysical 'woo'. This one is refreshingly practical and 'woo-woo' free.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 12, 2019
Nature Moments, 365 x tot rust komen in de natuur. Door Jocelyn De Kwant, illustraties van Clare Owen.
Flow Magazine lezen leidt tot fan worden van Jocelyn, wat leidt tot het kopen van haar boek Creative Flow en wat nu (hoera, hoera) heeft geleid tot Nature moments in mijn handen.
Ik geef het toe, ik deed nog niet alle opdrachten uit Creative Flow, en toch maakte mijn hart een sprongetje toen bleek dat Jocelyn een nieuw creatief dagboek uit heeft. Dit keer eentje dat je naar buiten trekt. Omdat we er niet meer omheen kunnen dat de natuur belangrijk is voor ons lichaam, onze geest, ons welzijn tout court.
Net als in haar vorige boek zet Nature moments luikjes in je hoofd open: door de opdrachten, de tips en weetjes én toffe tekeningen van Clare. Het opent creatieve luiken maar ook meditatieve- en zingevingsluiken. Je krijgt zin om er op uit te trekken, zelf met verf en papier aan de slag te gaan en vooral gewoonweg te zijn. Om te leven met open ogen en oren en een huid die wil voelen en aangeraakt worden, door de zon, de wind én de regen.
Je kan hoofdstuk per hoofdstuk afwerken (adem in, adem uit, in het veld, het waterleven,…) , je kan chronologisch te werk gaan of zoals ik op een vrije dag een uurtje uittrekken en ineens een hele rits opdrachten afwerken. Of merken dat je plots met iets helemaal anders bezig bent omdat Jocelyn je op een ander spoor heeft gezet, je heeft doen huppelen en zo een nieuwe bron heeft doen ontspringen…
Nature moments is de ideale stok achter de deur voor mensen die weten dat ze meer natuur nodig hebben in hun leven maar niet goed weten wat en hoe of waarom. Mensen die vol onrust zitten maar energie ontbreken, die wel wat frisse wind in hun stoffige hoofd kunnen gebruiken en die niet bang zijn om hun handen vuil te maken (een beetje, geen zorgen).
Dit is een boek dat huisartsen zouden moeten voorschrijven (volgens mij zou het CM-ziekenfonds het daar helemaal mee eens zijn).
Merci Jocelyn, voor jouw vinger aan mijn pols, je stok achter de deur en je goesting-aanwakkerende enthousiasme. Moge je eigen boeken je tonnen inspiratie bieden om ons leven nog met veel meer moois te verrijken!
Flow Magazine lezen leidt tot fan worden van Jocelyn, wat leidt tot het kopen van haar boek Creative Flow en wat nu (hoera, hoera) heeft geleid tot Nature moments in mijn handen.
Ik geef het toe, ik deed nog niet alle opdrachten uit Creative Flow, en toch maakte mijn hart een sprongetje toen bleek dat Jocelyn een nieuw creatief dagboek uit heeft. Dit keer eentje dat je naar buiten trekt. Omdat we er niet meer omheen kunnen dat de natuur belangrijk is voor ons lichaam, onze geest, ons welzijn tout court.
Net als in haar vorige boek zet Nature moments luikjes in je hoofd open: door de opdrachten, de tips en weetjes én toffe tekeningen van Clare. Het opent creatieve luiken maar ook meditatieve- en zingevingsluiken. Je krijgt zin om er op uit te trekken, zelf met verf en papier aan de slag te gaan en vooral gewoonweg te zijn. Om te leven met open ogen en oren en een huid die wil voelen en aangeraakt worden, door de zon, de wind én de regen.
Je kan hoofdstuk per hoofdstuk afwerken (adem in, adem uit, in het veld, het waterleven,…) , je kan chronologisch te werk gaan of zoals ik op een vrije dag een uurtje uittrekken en ineens een hele rits opdrachten afwerken. Of merken dat je plots met iets helemaal anders bezig bent omdat Jocelyn je op een ander spoor heeft gezet, je heeft doen huppelen en zo een nieuwe bron heeft doen ontspringen…
Nature moments is de ideale stok achter de deur voor mensen die weten dat ze meer natuur nodig hebben in hun leven maar niet goed weten wat en hoe of waarom. Mensen die vol onrust zitten maar energie ontbreken, die wel wat frisse wind in hun stoffige hoofd kunnen gebruiken en die niet bang zijn om hun handen vuil te maken (een beetje, geen zorgen).
Dit is een boek dat huisartsen zouden moeten voorschrijven (volgens mij zou het CM-ziekenfonds het daar helemaal mee eens zijn).
Merci Jocelyn, voor jouw vinger aan mijn pols, je stok achter de deur en je goesting-aanwakkerende enthousiasme. Moge je eigen boeken je tonnen inspiratie bieden om ons leven nog met veel meer moois te verrijken!
October 13, 2019
You can invest yourself in nature, every day a little
Jocelyn de Kwant is the author of "Nature Tonic. A Year in My Mindful Life" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group - Leaping Hare Press divides her book into twelve sections (e.g., A Natural Rhythm, Urban Nature, Earth's Colors). De Kwant has dedicated her life to write about things that make you feel better. For this book de Kwant created 365 prompts for a nature moment a day. Her goal is that the readers meditate, look, learn, or do. To achieve this she has combined mindfulness, creativity, botanical curiosity, and bush craft. Every section starts with a short introduction. The various tasks are numbered from 1 to 365. One does not have to follow the numbering or even finish one section before starting the next one, but one can chose the prompt one wants to concentrate on on a particular day.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. The task by de Kwant and the illustrations by Clare Owen are great and inspiring. The tasks engage the readers to get active. An extensive list of further readings contains books and articles and his a help for those who want to go deeper. This is a great gift for younger and older readers who want to live a mindful life in nature. I would recommend to buy the hard copy and not an ebook since it is more practical since the results of the "meditate, look, learn, and do" can be written directly next to the accomplished tasks. Sadly the book is not spiral-bound or in a flat-laying binding since this would have been more practical if one wants to write on the pages.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#NatureTonic #NetGalley
Jocelyn de Kwant is the author of "Nature Tonic. A Year in My Mindful Life" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group - Leaping Hare Press divides her book into twelve sections (e.g., A Natural Rhythm, Urban Nature, Earth's Colors). De Kwant has dedicated her life to write about things that make you feel better. For this book de Kwant created 365 prompts for a nature moment a day. Her goal is that the readers meditate, look, learn, or do. To achieve this she has combined mindfulness, creativity, botanical curiosity, and bush craft. Every section starts with a short introduction. The various tasks are numbered from 1 to 365. One does not have to follow the numbering or even finish one section before starting the next one, but one can chose the prompt one wants to concentrate on on a particular day.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. The task by de Kwant and the illustrations by Clare Owen are great and inspiring. The tasks engage the readers to get active. An extensive list of further readings contains books and articles and his a help for those who want to go deeper. This is a great gift for younger and older readers who want to live a mindful life in nature. I would recommend to buy the hard copy and not an ebook since it is more practical since the results of the "meditate, look, learn, and do" can be written directly next to the accomplished tasks. Sadly the book is not spiral-bound or in a flat-laying binding since this would have been more practical if one wants to write on the pages.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#NatureTonic #NetGalley
October 21, 2019
I've always loved Nature. It been an age old problem of how to be more like nature. I was very interested to read this book. In our busy techno world I believe that people have forgotten how healing and restorative nature can be. We, as humans, are attached to our schedules. That author poses what about taking a step back and appreciating what nature can do for us. Nature has her own schedule of night and day and her own change of seasons. Each day is a new fresh start The author encourages us to look around to see what nature has for us.
There are daily suggestions from the author on what to do each day to encourage the reader to focus on their surroundings. As citizens of the twenty first century we are sometimes overloaded with advice coming from many different directions. With this book the author suggests that taking one little thing every day will bring things into focus. There is almost nothing in this book that can't be done in just five minutes. The tasks are also flexible if you want to spend more time pursuing them.
As the author reminds us that Nature is always there. Finding our niches in our world is something that we all want to do. This book is a great guide to begin your walk with nature.
Wonderful illustrations and much thoughtfulness.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are daily suggestions from the author on what to do each day to encourage the reader to focus on their surroundings. As citizens of the twenty first century we are sometimes overloaded with advice coming from many different directions. With this book the author suggests that taking one little thing every day will bring things into focus. There is almost nothing in this book that can't be done in just five minutes. The tasks are also flexible if you want to spend more time pursuing them.
As the author reminds us that Nature is always there. Finding our niches in our world is something that we all want to do. This book is a great guide to begin your walk with nature.
Wonderful illustrations and much thoughtfulness.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2019
The author of this book discovered that time in nature truly helped her to feel less stressed and more centered. She subsequently wrote this beautifully illustrated book that lists 365 ways to connect with nature that will help readers to feel calmer and more mindful. The book is divided into sections including Nocturnal Nature, In the Forest, The Life Aquatic, etc.
An example of a daily suggestion:
Suggestion 342
The philosopher Henry David Thoreau believed that,
An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Go out in the early morning for a run or a brisk walk to see the sunrise...Come home refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
I have found that I do feel better when I spend time outside, whether at my local park or botanical garden. This book will encourage me to keep those connections going and may do the same for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
An example of a daily suggestion:
Suggestion 342
The philosopher Henry David Thoreau believed that,
An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Go out in the early morning for a run or a brisk walk to see the sunrise...Come home refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
I have found that I do feel better when I spend time outside, whether at my local park or botanical garden. This book will encourage me to keep those connections going and may do the same for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2019
Full disclosure, I got this as a Netgalley ARC and once I downloaded it and saw it was a workbook of sorts, I scrolled through all of the pages, but I did not read each of the daily activities. Because yes, this is 365 activities to help you focus on and connect with yourself and nature. Each of the pages are really cute with illustrations and fun activities.
This book publishes September 10 and my birthday is the 9th....Guess what I'll be getting myself? One of my goals this year is to be more mindful and I want to be more in touch with nature, so I think this will be a fun 2019-2020 project.
This book publishes September 10 and my birthday is the 9th....Guess what I'll be getting myself? One of my goals this year is to be more mindful and I want to be more in touch with nature, so I think this will be a fun 2019-2020 project.
September 9, 2019
Nature Tonic is a delightful book with activities to truly enjoy the outdoors and have a little bit more enjoyment in your life. The book is charmingly illustrated by still focuses on getting you outside. There activities and lessons that will delight newbies and those who have already been entranced by nature. each project is creative, mindful and educational as well as fun.
I would absolutely give Nature Tonic as a gift to anyone who is interested in getting outside.
I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
I would absolutely give Nature Tonic as a gift to anyone who is interested in getting outside.
I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
September 22, 2019
Nature Tonic is just that!! A real tonic to the fast and furious lives that we all seem to lead these days. Its full of mindful nature tips to do each day.
The book is split into sections and works like a journal. I would advise to get a hard copy as I had the digital edition and couldn't note down my thoughts for each tip.
Worth buying to bring you back to nature.
Thanks to Netgalley and Leaping Hare Press for the Digital ARC Copy.
The book is split into sections and works like a journal. I would advise to get a hard copy as I had the digital edition and couldn't note down my thoughts for each tip.
Worth buying to bring you back to nature.
Thanks to Netgalley and Leaping Hare Press for the Digital ARC Copy.
September 15, 2019
A year's worth of prompts for a nature moment every day. Prompts divided into different sections. Many prompts have bolded text, asking you to draw, write, glue on paper, or whatever on that page. If not wanting to that I think you can do these prompts in a different notebook as a companion. Some visuals to show examples of what the authour mentions. Really good things and prompts to view nature and get back into it.
September 16, 2019
This was brilliant! I loved trying out the activities to get back to nature and enjoy some relaxing time. Nature should be more important to us in our society and it's sad it's not. I want to continue doing these things every chance I get. Being a stay at home mom with a newborn, I tend to end up inside a lot, so getting to do some of these or making myself do some of these will get me out of the house some more.
#Naturetonic #Netgalley
#Naturetonic #Netgalley
September 29, 2019
Nature Tonic is a lovely illustrated book filled with a year's worth of prompts to get the reader to interact with nature. As part of my ongoing wellness journey, I am very interested in the studies that correlate time spent in nature with lowered stress, improved mood and increased creativity.
The author encourages us to do something in nature daily. It can be as simple as watching birds in your yard or walking down a city sidewalk noticing a flower growing in an unexpected place. Some ideas include: listen to the chirp of cicadas, draw a wildflower, take a photo of the sunset, look up at the stars, take your kids on a color scavenger hunt or explore a park in another town. If you can't be outside the author suggests nature recordings and documentaries. Take a few moments each day to "just breathe" in nature.
This book had many good ideas but above all I appreciated the reminder of how important nature is to our well-being. I'm planning to purchase a physical copy of this book for easier use.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The author encourages us to do something in nature daily. It can be as simple as watching birds in your yard or walking down a city sidewalk noticing a flower growing in an unexpected place. Some ideas include: listen to the chirp of cicadas, draw a wildflower, take a photo of the sunset, look up at the stars, take your kids on a color scavenger hunt or explore a park in another town. If you can't be outside the author suggests nature recordings and documentaries. Take a few moments each day to "just breathe" in nature.
This book had many good ideas but above all I appreciated the reminder of how important nature is to our well-being. I'm planning to purchase a physical copy of this book for easier use.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2019
Filled with 365 creative nature prompts, Nature Tonic encourages the reader to get outside and embrace the world around him. This whimsical nature workbook features ideas for thoughtful consideration, nature awareness, and re-centering in a technology driven world. Prompts and meditations provide for noticing the seasons and reconnecting with the natural world.
In a generation fighting nature deficiency, Nature Tonic reminds us to not neglect our need to slow down. Reconnecting with nature is vital in maintaining our physical and mental health. This delightful notebook provides a year full of ways to do just that. Jocelyn De Kwant's Nature Tonic would make a wonderful gift for any student or lover of beauty. Our family will be looking for ways to include it in our nature study this year as well as to remind us of the beauty and wonder around us. I have been thoroughly pleased with this book and can't wait to use it further.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
In a generation fighting nature deficiency, Nature Tonic reminds us to not neglect our need to slow down. Reconnecting with nature is vital in maintaining our physical and mental health. This delightful notebook provides a year full of ways to do just that. Jocelyn De Kwant's Nature Tonic would make a wonderful gift for any student or lover of beauty. Our family will be looking for ways to include it in our nature study this year as well as to remind us of the beauty and wonder around us. I have been thoroughly pleased with this book and can't wait to use it further.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2019
This book is SO CHARMING, and I’ve already put my money where my mouth is and have pre-ordered it. I need this book in my life!
This is like a book of daily affirmations using connections to Nature. Some days have an explanation of something in Nature and then one small, easy task. Hug a tree. Go on a hike. Test your soil. Draw a picture. Some of the days go in a series: collect soil in jars; pour water over the soil; inhale the aroma. Everything is accompanied by the cutest little drawings. There are 365 suggestions that will connect you to Nature and our Earth every day for a year, even if only for less than a minute.
These are 365 days I can’t wait to complete, and to document.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I think this is the first time I’ve immediately gone from an ARC to ordering a hard copy so this cute little book gets five GIANT stars from me.
This is like a book of daily affirmations using connections to Nature. Some days have an explanation of something in Nature and then one small, easy task. Hug a tree. Go on a hike. Test your soil. Draw a picture. Some of the days go in a series: collect soil in jars; pour water over the soil; inhale the aroma. Everything is accompanied by the cutest little drawings. There are 365 suggestions that will connect you to Nature and our Earth every day for a year, even if only for less than a minute.
These are 365 days I can’t wait to complete, and to document.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I think this is the first time I’ve immediately gone from an ARC to ordering a hard copy so this cute little book gets five GIANT stars from me.
September 10, 2019
This book full of nice pictures, mostly of trees and flowers, could be intended as a sort of "Mindfulness in nature" sort of diary. There are a lot of suggestion to "re-calibrate" our mind and body to the natural flow of days and seasons. It may be easier to do if you do not live in a city, but any big Park goes. Interesting and full of tips.
Questo libro pieno di disegni molto carini di alberi e fiori soprattutto, potrebbe essere inteso come una specie di diario dove la Mindfulness incontra la natura. Ci sono una serie di suggerimenti per ricalibrare la nostra mente ed il nostro corpo e tornare a seguire il ritmo circadiano e delle stagioni. Chiaramente é più facile farlo se uno non abita in città, ma a mali estremi va bene anche un parco. Interessante.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Questo libro pieno di disegni molto carini di alberi e fiori soprattutto, potrebbe essere inteso come una specie di diario dove la Mindfulness incontra la natura. Ci sono una serie di suggerimenti per ricalibrare la nostra mente ed il nostro corpo e tornare a seguire il ritmo circadiano e delle stagioni. Chiaramente é più facile farlo se uno non abita in città, ma a mali estremi va bene anche un parco. Interessante.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
September 22, 2019
"The thing with humans is that we systematically underestimate how good nature makes us feel, while at the same time, we overestimate how good we feel when indoors. Scientists call these flaws in our predictions "forecasting errors." The problem is that we base our actions on these flawed forecasting skills. We choose comfort, only for it to make us feel bored in the end."
I picked this book because it has the three things I love: art, mindfulness and nature. One of my goals for 2020 is to be out in nature even more and I thought this book would be the perfect encouragement. I was not disappointed.
This book has 365 bits spread over 12 sections and each bit consists of a fact, an encouragement, an invitation to draw or reflect or go out into the world. The sections range from "in the forest" to "the life aquatic" and "traveling and tramping." It's all about being outdoors in nature in all the ways you can.
I really liked all the information and all the encouragement in this book. I plan to keep it close to remind myself why I am choosing to get off the couch and spend my time outdoors.
thank you to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I picked this book because it has the three things I love: art, mindfulness and nature. One of my goals for 2020 is to be out in nature even more and I thought this book would be the perfect encouragement. I was not disappointed.
This book has 365 bits spread over 12 sections and each bit consists of a fact, an encouragement, an invitation to draw or reflect or go out into the world. The sections range from "in the forest" to "the life aquatic" and "traveling and tramping." It's all about being outdoors in nature in all the ways you can.
I really liked all the information and all the encouragement in this book. I plan to keep it close to remind myself why I am choosing to get off the couch and spend my time outdoors.
thank you to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2019
Nature Tonic is a wonderfully magical book that gives you everything you need to discover, or rediscover, the beauty of nature. The book fills you with inspiration and almost pushes you out the door to go and explore the world around you. Beautiful drawings coupled with great tips and facts make this book an excellent read. It also has a strange calming effect, when you can focus on something so simple as nature, yet so filled with wonder and possibilities. This book is an excellent way to get out of your own head, get rid of some stress, and find the simple things in life enjoyable again.
[I received an ARC from Netgalley. Thank you!]
[I received an ARC from Netgalley. Thank you!]
September 29, 2019
Fantastic book on slowing down and recognizing the beauty all around us. The perfect way to recharge and renew our thoughts and mind by staying connected to nature. I love this book and will refer to it often. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 25, 2019
Nature Tonic got me! I received a digital advanced readers copy for an honest review but, this is one of the books that I want in hard copy. The whimsical illustrations are lovely, it is well written with many small facts about nature meanwhile inspiring the reader to really observe nature. A wonderful combination of mindfulness, creativity and the way it makes us look at nature as a child.
October 4, 2019
Star Rating 3.5
Nature Tonic contains 365 prompts for a nature moment per day including prompts to mediate, look, learn or do, such as listening to the dawn chorus, notice the different plants reacting to the sunlight, trying skimming stones, looking into the distance and much more.
The book is divided into the following chapters:
A natural rhythm
Nocturnal nature
Urban nature
In the forest
Earth's colours
Growing
The life aquatic
Look up to the sky
down to earth
Into the fields
Travelling and tramping
Just breathe
Each prompt is a few lines long, along with a small illustration and some of the prompts have a section for you to write in, such as you describing the agricultural changes in colours and structures during the seasons.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
Nature Tonic contains 365 prompts for a nature moment per day including prompts to mediate, look, learn or do, such as listening to the dawn chorus, notice the different plants reacting to the sunlight, trying skimming stones, looking into the distance and much more.
The book is divided into the following chapters:
A natural rhythm
Nocturnal nature
Urban nature
In the forest
Earth's colours
Growing
The life aquatic
Look up to the sky
down to earth
Into the fields
Travelling and tramping
Just breathe
Each prompt is a few lines long, along with a small illustration and some of the prompts have a section for you to write in, such as you describing the agricultural changes in colours and structures during the seasons.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
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