A Drawing Retreat with Birds
Seven Days of Prompts for Weary Souls
We live in a noisy, troubled world. Change comes fast, stress presses in, and even our thoughts chatter relentlessly. It’s exhausting.
But what if drawing could become a sanctuary — a place to rest, breathe, and return to stillness?
It can. Neuroscience tells us that when we focus our attention on a single task, the busy mind quiets. Some people find this through exercise or breathwork. I’ve discovered that drawing offers the same kind of refuge.
Birds are ready guides, always nearby to help us connect more deeply with the wonder and awe of the natural world.
When I draw, my eyes and hand fall into conversation. The words in my mind grow still, and I feel anchored in the present moment. Add birds as the subject and something magical happens.
Birds are everywhere — even in cities — living complex, wondrous lives alongside our own. They are ready guides, always nearby to help us connect more deeply with the wonder and awe of the natural world. So what better subjects to pair with drawing and experiencing the peace of being more fully present?
These prompts are an invitation to practice drawing birds in a new way. Each day, you’ll sketch a single bird. You’ll need only simple materials and a few minutes. The goal isn’t perfect art but rather to enjoy a practice of attention, wonder, and quiet.
Alongside each drawing prompt, you’ll find a short reflection question. Use it if you wish, to put words to your experience. I’ll also provide photo references, though you’re welcome to choose others. Take the prompts in order or at your own pace and rhythm.
Let’s begin.
Seven Days of Prompts
Day One: Air
Begin by noticing your breath. The same air that lifts the bird’s wings is filling your lungs. When you’re ready, sketch the bird simply without concern for details. Let your eyes rest on the bird more often than the page. When you pause, return to your breath. What feels different now compared to when you started?
