Unfolding to Unpack Experiences Through Nature journaling: Arts-based Duoethnography of Two Early Career Academics

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Abstract

This paper explores nature journaling as a humanizing method of arts-based duoethnography that encourages reflection, support, and creativity for two international early career academics in the United States. Through nature journaling, we unfolded our lived experiences to unpack difficult issues and heavy, mixed emotions that we encountered in our early career academic journeys. We specifically found that the use of art coupled with exploration of places created breathing spaces for us, built new connections between us, and oriented us to approach our difficult issues through new perspectives. We argue that nature journaling holds the potential to foster healthy, sustainable reflection and mitigate the isolating aspects of international early career academic life.

Authors

• Yun-chen Yen, Pennsylvania State University

• Pin-Hsuan Tseng, Pennsylvania State University