Following the Movements of Trees: Nature as a Portal to Creative Flow and Somatic Expression : An Experiential Study on EcoPoetry and VocalAesthesis in Natural Environments

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamic relationship between nature, creativity, and embodied artistic practices through the experiential workshop EcoPoetry and VocalAesthesis. Co-facilitated by Panayotis Terzakis (singer and voice coach) and Alexia Kalogeropoulou (poet and researcher), the workshop blends vocal improvisation, somatic movement, and ecological poetry within forest settings. Central to this study is the exploration of how sensory and kinaesthetic immersion in natural environments enhances creative flow, emotional regulation, and ecological awareness. Employing a practice-based methodology involving site-specific performances, reflective journaling, creative writing and movement improvisation, the research reveals that embodied presence in nature not only fosters artistic expression, but also a deeper somatic connection to the environment. The findings suggest significant implications for creative education, arts therapy, and environmental engagement, highlighting nature as a vital catalyst for holistic creative processes in contemporary contexts.