Nature Heals - Wildish Brand Ambassador
I spent last weekend soaking up every last bit of summer and all of the mountain vibes in Greenville, South Carolina. While there's no doubt I'm the world's biggest fan of weekend getaways and exploring new places, this trip to the mountains was also about healing.
Standing atop Table Rock Mountain just outside of Greenville, SC. It was a rugged 3.6 miles to the top, but this view was worth every ounce of sweat!
When I'm in the mountains (or in the outdoors) hearing myself think, feeling grounded and washing away a stressful week are all things that come more easily. For me, getting outside and into nature is one of the best medicines I know of and I find myself craving quiet moments in the outdoors more and more these days.
I've started calling it my forest therapy. Whether it's the fresh air or sounds of nature, I'm always soothed within moments of getting into the woods. I'm able to think more clearly and feel less external pressure to be anything or anyone but who I truly am. There's no need for me to be "on." And speaking of on. . . my phone, while it may not be turned off, often loses service giving me a much needed break from technology. Not only do I not have to be on top of my game, I can also be unreachable, which truly can be a nice feeling sometimes.
The view of Table Rock from outside the visitors center at Table Rock State Park.
I consider spending time in nature a part of my spiritual practice and a key part of my overall health and well-being. The feeling of serenity and calm that I feel in my soul when I'm outdoors is similar to the peace I feel when meditating. Everything in nature is made up of a pureness that I just can't find in my day-to-day life. There is nothing artificial about being surrounded by this beautiful universe, there are no crowds, and no need to navigate unusual or uncomfortable territory. I feel a wholeness and a connection I don't get anywhere else, one where I am in balance and in touch with my truest self.
With that connection comes a greater awareness for the world around me. Daily we are bombarded by email notifications, ringing phones, social media updates, television, conversations. . . the list goes on and on. Our minds move from one task to the next much faster than we know. It always blows my mind a the end of the day to think about the ridiculous number of decisions I've made in the last 16 hours, the number of conversations I've had and the number of different topics I've forced my brain to focus on. Yes, this is somewhat unavoidable, but I've found living at this pace has its drawbacks and impacts on our awareness. When I'm in nature I gain a hyper-vigilance to the world around me that I seem to lack on a regular basis. I notice the colors, sounds, and smells that surround me more easily. I can focus my attention on the here and now and lose my attachment to "what's next." Paying attention in this way comes so naturally to me when I'm surrounded by Mother Nature and it reminds me of the importance of being present.
Last, but not least, I am a more positive person the more time I spend in nature. We are all made up of vibrations (a.k.a quantum physics) and those vibrations are constantly changing in response to our environment. Studies have shown that we simply vibrate at a higher frequency when surrounded by nature. When we vibrate at a higher frequency, the more positive energy we put out into the world around us. I'm all about the positivity and doing anything that will bring more light into my life.
When I say nature heals, I truly believe it and for that reason make it a point to get out there into the wild as often as possible. When we're connected to nature, we hold all the power of nature.
Take time this weekend to get outdoors, let go and grow your connection with Mama Nature! Trust me, she won't do you wrong!
P.S. I've recently teamed up with the company Wildish to bring my fellow nature lovers discounts and giveaways on sweet adventure gear! The best thing about Mother Nature is that she meets us where we are and there's truly something for everyone to do outside. Wildish is all about keeping things real and relaxed and growing those positive, chill vibes that we all feel when in nature. We don't have to be extreme and hike Mt Everest to enjoy the outdoors. . .we can just be wild-ish! Stay tuned for discounts and giveaways in the coming months!
Light, Love & the Highest Vibes,
Lon
