Why Patterns in Nature and Art Calm the Mind

October 21, 2025

As an artist, I've been drawn to nature-inspired patterns for a long time. They frequently appear in my paintings, offering a feeling of restoration and positive energy.

What is it about patterns that intrigue us and calm the mind? As it turns out, there's plenty of research on this topic.

Nature's Repeating Rhythms

Repeating patterns that occur at different scales in nature are called fractals. In The Nature Fix, nanoparticle physicist Richard Taylor explains "Your visual system is in some way hardwired to understand fractals."

This makes sense since the human body is made of fractals, from the branching of blood vessels to the structure of the lungs and the movement of the eye's retina.

Fractals are everywhere in nature, from the leaves of a fern or the branching of trees to ripples in the water.

Research on Fractals and Stress Reduction

Amazingly, research shows that viewing fractal patterns can help reduce stress by up to 60%. According to Taylor, the stress reduction is a result of the fractal structure of the eye matching the image that is being viewed.

From a scientific perspective, this is why connecting with nature is often recommended to help us feel more grounded and relaxed. Since we evolved in these natural environments and our visual processing is in harmony with them, we tend to feel at ease in them.

In contrast to natural environments, overly complex settings like a busy city intersection can signal stress because there is so much information for our brains to absorb and process all at once.

According to researchers, fractal patterns contribute to mental clarity in a number of different ways:

Improved Focus

Simply engaging with these patterns for a short while helps your brain enter a state of calm, clearing mental clutter and improving focus.

Helps Rest and Restore

Since the visual processing of the external environment matches that of our internal environment, there is a sense of harmony. The order and simplicity of nature's patterns work in alignment with the brain's restorative system, giving the brain a break from information overload and the challenges of modern life.

Promotes Mindfulness and Creative Flow

Viewing rhythmic patterns in nature provides a calming effect and helps the brain sustain focus and let go of distractions. Even briefly observing patterns outdoors, in art, or even on a screen is considered a form of mindfulness. It relaxes the brain and promotes a flow state and creative thinking, as well as emotional balance.

This makes it all the more important to take a moment and enjoy the patterns you see in your day-to-day environments. Seek them out for a moment of reflection and ease if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. What patterns are calling to you today?

Author: Katie Weaver

Featured artwork available here:

References:

Very Big Brain: How Studying Patterns in Nature Improves Mental Clarity and Focus. October 11, 2024. www.verybigbrain.com

Williams, Florence (2017) The Nature Fix.

Richard Taylor: Fractals in Psychology and Art, University of Oregon Blog February 3, 2016.

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