Put Your Boots On - Go For a Hike

Over the years I've found that my closet has become crowded with multiple pairs of hiking boots.  Unlike most females I know who have a closet full of nice, fancy shoes, I have a closet full of hiking boots, trail runners and other outdoor related footwear.

What does this say about me?  To me it says I'm a person who likes to be outdoors.  And I'm glad to be that person.

Enjoying Nature while backpacking in the Bridger Teton National Forest

Every time I look in my closet I see potential.  Wearing hiking boots means I'm going to be outside, taking a hike, spending time with my dogs, family and/or friends.  It means seeing nature, watching the changing seasons, listening to the birds and just breathing in the deep smells of mother earth.  It means I'm relaxing and letting nature heal my soul.  

So go put your boots on and go for a hike.  And enjoy the Healing Powers of Nature.

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks"  John Muir

Healing Powers of Nature

In a world like we live in today, I have found that escaping on weekends and going into the woods is the greatest way to heal a tired mind and body.

Over the last two years and summers, I've found myself drifting at every possible moment away from the city and away from the connections we've all become so dependent upon in our every day lives.  To leave behind the wireless connections and become unplugged and become at peace with nature is the best healing power I can think of.

Nature has a way of making us slow down and look at the world with our mind and our senses.  Our mind takes in what is around us and makes us aware of what is going on while making us contemplate our every day existences.  Our senses take in the beauty of the sky, forest, meadows and more while listening to the hustle and bustle of the earth moving and the animals making a survival.

Finding peace with nature begins with exploring nature

So if you ever feel stressed, keep in mind one of John Muir's great quotes:

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away once in a while and climb a mount or spend a week in the woods.  Wash your spirit clean."

I like to take John Muir's advice because he is right.  Nature has great healing powers that we all can use.