Be a Force of Nature

For me, the easiest place to find peace and balance is in nature. Whether it’s out on the water, in the middle of the woods, or walking through a garden, the joy is immense.

I’ve been lucky enough to live on a lake in Vermont for the last year, working in outdoor education. So, I obviously spend a lot of time outside, a perk of the job. But on time off, there is always a concerted effort to continue our outdoor exploration. Maybe it’s hiking up to a nearby overlook, canoeing into the middle of a lake during sunset, playing frisbee in the field, or going camping. These moments are the moments I remember. I’m so much more likely to resonate with moments enjoyed in nature than I am with those indoor or technology driven moments.

Summit of Mt. Cube

When I was young, I rebelled against the idea of loving camping and hiking. My parents and sister are very outdoorsy people and I think I wanted to be different. I always said I hated hiking and never wanted to do much camping or backpacking. Mind you, I still did a lot of these things, just acted like I hated it. And now? I don’t think I could live without it. Being outside and enjoying the natural world is the best way to keep a healthy mind and body. A deep breath in nature or an incredible view can cleanse the mind and soul, while the movement to get to that place keeps the blood pumping and muscles happy. It also reminds us how important the natural world is and how much we need to work to protect it.

Though those deep breaths in nature can also destroy people like me with intense pollen allergies... it’s still worth it! I’ll suffer through the itchy eyes and stuffy nose to keep playing outside and communing with the beauty of the world. So be a force of nature, get off the couch, turn off your phone, and go for a hike, a paddle, a swim, toss a frisbee, and enjoy all the world has to share with us.