I am a long-time nature lover. Nothing beats the vanilla scent of Jeffrey Pines. Nothing compares to the millions of stars that can be seen when you are far away from the abrasive city lights. Clean air - it’s a good thing!
I think my favorite part of being in nature, far away from the city, is the chance to disconnect and reconnect. Specifically, disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with myself. I know there are some people who are saying “WHOA! Why would I want to disconnect? I need wi-fi, I need to check my e.mails, I need to be connected!” And, yes it is common practice to always be connected these days, and that checking your e.mail may be important if there is a pressing matter that needs to be addressed. However, it is equally, if not more important, to be able to put down your cell phone or tablet, and just be.
Disconnecting from technology can be a saving grace. Screen time often plagues our days, between looking at computer screens, tablets, or checking text messages on our phones. Younger generations are taking it a step further with handheld video gaming devices that further connect us. At the same time as connecting us, we are disconnecting from the world around us. How many people offer considerable amounts of face time (not FaceTime) - actually one-on-one, face-to-face connections with persons IN PERSON? It is a rarity.
I care about the time that I spend away from technology, away from the busy hustle-and-bustle of the city, away from constantly feeling like I need to be doing something. When at our core, we are meant to just be. That’s why we are called human beings (more on this topic later).
Take a hike. Listen to the ocean waves. Gaze up at the stars. Consider yourself as a small part of something that is far bigger than you are. Be mindful of who you are, where you are, what you see, smell, hear or feel. Mindfulness practices can be incorporated into daily routines between dance practices and dinner dates. However, they are most greatly appreciated when the landscape of your surroundings is an uninterrupted terrain of nature.
Take a hike to awaken your love of nature. Listen to the ocean waves and you breathe deeply with the rhythm. Gaze up at the millions and millions of stars that you can see when you are far from the city lights and can’t even begin to keep track of all of them. Often times, we find ourselves constantly going, and moving, and doing, rather than taking the much needed time to just be. Be in the moment, be in nature, be in your own mind to recognize your needs.
You might find that what you need most is a walk in the park - literally.
