Introductory Materials
Invitation
This is the video I sent out to invite people to the live version of the course. Though the live version has concluded, it’s still a good overview of what you’ll be taking on if you decide to dive in.
Orientation Session
This is a recording of the first meeting of the live course. It’s slightly edited, mostly for participant privacy.
It includes some exercises that prepare you for the rest of the course. If you’ve decided to dive in, start here. You’ll find an outline below.
Orientation Session Outline
1. Polaris and your Compass
where to find Polaris for this course
original seeing
contact with nature
integration with daily life
building your compass
reference experiences
EMF sensations
away ——> toward
2. Suggested Infrastructure
noticing
tallies
evening reviews
making space
exercises
making time
field notes
reflections
week 4 quests
weekly reviews
polaris logs
3. Adjusting Your Seat
adjusting noticing
noting options
review options
space options
adjusting exercises
giving yourself permission
Advice From Alums
On the last day of the course, I asked my fellow naturalists, “What advice would you give to past-you who's about to start this course, if you could send your message back in a time machine?” Here are a few of their responses.
Time management and structure:
“Set aside particular times to do some nature study, rather than just hoping for availability sometime before the next meeting.”
“Do the exercises early in the week.”
“Make some kind of container for the exercises, rather than just sliding casually into and out of them. Do a little bow, brush it off, close the book, whatever.”
“Don't try to multitask even commuting with the exercises; using your whole attention is kind of the point.”
Slow and steady wins the race:
“Take it easy, low pressure. Try to find fun ways to fit the course into life.”
“Keep the daily journal!!!”
“Go out alone. Figure out what makes an outing an adventure or not an adventure. Do this every day. Have a plan for where and when I'll go out tomorrow.”
“Draw a plant every day. It doesn’t have to be a good drawing.”
“Don't fret over the possible outcomes from the activities. Relax and let curiosity take you wherever.”
Other notes:
“Follow through with the exercises, you'll be amazed by what you can find out.”
“Do more collaboration with a fellow person taking the course (or not taking the course).”
“Take lots of pictures and videos even of things that aren't relevant to your current assignments and just happen to catch your curiosity.”
“Always carry a pencil paper to note things down.”