There’s a distinct energy when something begins. Explore IT 3 has launched with that energy in full bloom...literally. With new and returning participants diving in, the collective creative pulse is vibrant and strong. Each day has already offered quiet moments of awe, insight, and connection. This season, it’s not just about what we’re seeing outside,it’s about what we’re uncovering within ourselves.

Explore It 3 is a 30-day creative mindfulness project that invites participants to explore their environment, emotions, and imagination through art, movement, photography, writing, or simple observation. Whether you're a seasoned creative or trying something new, this practice encourages deep presence and reflection.

PS I Love You Day, held every year on the second Friday of February, is more than just a day to wear purple. It is a movement—one that encourages kindness, connection, and mental health awareness. It started in West Islip, New York, in 2010 after a family lost their loved one to suicide. In response, they created a day to remind people that they are loved, valued, and never truly alone.

Over the years, PS I Love You Day has grown into a nationwide event, with schools, businesses, and communities participating by spreading awareness, initiating conversations about mental health, and fostering environments where people feel safe to share their struggles.

In this blog post, I explore the mental health benefits of immersing ourselves in nature, discuss how a reading experience I had connects nature with creating, and share ten art therapy exercises incorporating nature. Nature has an unparalleled ability to ignite the flames of creativity within us. The sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world stimulate our senses, encouraging a state of heightened awareness and receptivity. Here are a few ways in which nature serves as a muse for creativity