Wellbeing | Walking in Nature
In looking backwards, I’m so grateful this break in nature happened before everything turned topsy turvy. My husband and I spent a few hours hiking up snowy paths in the Gatineau Hills, enjoying the sun on our skin, feeling the cold wind, repeating over and over again “How amazing is this? We need to do this more often!”
You see, we both love nature: forests, mountains, fields, rivers, and animals, and whenever we talk of our hopes and dreams, so much centres around the connection we feel to the natural world. In the past decade we both have been fully committed to pursuing our careers and growing our beautiful family. We are so proud of each other’s accomplishments, of our incredible children, and the life we all have together along with our little dog. Our favourite things to do all together involve being in nature, but we don’t do it nearly enough. We both decided to change that and to absorb as much of the good vibes from the walk as possible to carry home with us.
On this walk, I listened to dried leaves rustling in the wind, and watched drops of water melted under facades of ice covering huge glacial boulders. I took photos of moss and lichen growing in the freezing cold on solid rock and was reminded of nature’s ability to persevere in the toughest of environments. I sat (and even did yoga) on some very nice big rocks and was grounded in a way I haven’t been in years.
Gratitude doesn’t begin to cover the feeling I get when I think back to that day. It was two days before our city starting locking things down in an effort to flatten the curve of the novel coronavirus. I know I wouldn’t have handled all the panic, fear of the unknown, and unease that swirled around for the next few weeks very well had we not taken that break. It was a challenge enough to stay calm and centred for the kids as it was! Here are some of the things I have been thinking of during this time that I noticed on the walk:
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Stopping to absorb a present moment goes a long way in preventing the build up of stress. Even stating what you see, feel, or hear helps to refresh and create a moment of pause before continuing on with the day.
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Nature is powerful and resilient. The moss on boulders, trees firmly rooted in cliff faces, and powerful waterfalls all remind us that where there is a will, there is a way. We, as humans, are a part of nature, and we will persevere and find a way. Respecting the natural world is something we can all take to heart as best we can.
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The importance of carving out a little personal space for oneself can’t be underestimated. While sometimes it seems like there isn’t enough time, it often renews ones energy and motivation. Checking in with yourself at least once a day and if possible, doing something you enjoy works wonders in improving wellbeing. Whether it’s taking a walk, exercising, creating something, talking to a friend, playing with your kids or pets, watching a movie, organizing a closet, meditating, or reading a good book. Whatever it is, simply regrouping with something that means something personal to you is wonderful.
One thing is certain, my husband and I will be continuing to make nature walks a priority for our wellbeing. While we are mostly home other than to walk our dog now, soon this phase of life will shift. Even mini walks in the neighbourhood have me looking up and around more. Watching birds, enjoying the sight of growing flowers, listening to trees sighing in the wind, and being present in enjoying time with my dog and family are all things that I brought back with me from the hike.
Written by Claire
Photography by Claire and Peter
