Finding the Answers in Nature

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

It has been a bit of a crazy week so this is more of a rambling about my time indoors due to not so nice weather here in Alberta Canada. I am someone who needs time outside to feel mentally healthy.  It helps me breathe and helps me think though things.  Even though it is cold, I do my best everyday to get out for a short period of time on my scooter into the trail system near my house.  I was talking to a friend the other day and told her that I think so much better and more productively when I am outside.  Times when I am forced to stay indoors, I find my thinking spirally and I get stuck and anxious on my thoughts.  I can’t find my way out of the thoughts until I go outside.  Once outdoors, I keep thinking about the same things, but I start to find options as to ways to solve the problems.  If I stay indoors, those answers don’t reveal themselves.  Lucky for me, I have a very large dog, Robson, who loves the outdoors and stares at me to guilt me into going outside even if it is really cold.  I am always happier and less stressed once I have bundled up in my ski pants, hat and mitts and headed out into the cold wilderness.  Then when I come home, I sit by the warm fire and make myself some tea to warm up.

With this winter season upon us, try to find a way to go outside.  If you can’t go outside, try to change your view you are looking at.  If that can’t happen, look at art that is connected to nature, or even better yet, paint something in the environment.  Even a Charlie Brown tree will help.  The picture I included is one I did the other day when I had to stay in to try to connect to my happy place.

Sending you warm thoughts.

Christine