The Healing Power of Nature

I’ve always felt a special connection to nature. But it wasn’t until my dad passed away five months ago that I realized just how important that connection was.

Amid the tidal wave of emotion that losing anyone brings with it, I have lost myself. In fact on most days, I feel like I can’t even breathe.

At first, I figured it would just get better. That like other difficult adjustments (having kids, for example), I would eventually get used to life without dad. But I’m starting to realize that my game plan isn’t working.

Life with a full-time job, two young kids and a hubby is just too full for any healing I might need to do. I know some people find all the distraction to be a help. But not me.

I’ve joined a grief support group and one of the things I’ve learned is that you have to find outlets — places you can go or things you can do when you start to feel overwhelmed. For me, that place of healing is nature.

My dad owned a cabin in Yosemite National Park and I’ve spent time there just about every summer since I can remember. The day he died, the first place my mind went was to the cabin. But life didn’t allow me a visit until nearly three months later.

When I got there, I couldn’t believe what was waiting for me: Nature. Trees. The river. The porch my dad and I spent hours reading, eating and chatting on. The blue jays, deer and squirrels all carrying on as if nothing had ever changed.

And, finally: A chance to breathe.

I cried a lot, too, but even that felt better than when I did it at home. When I’m out there enjoying the silence, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the wind on my face, I get it. I take comfort in the continuity and permanence of it all. That places I first visited as a kid with my parents are still there waiting for me to share with mine.

And that life goes on. Nature survives even the toughest of seasons and thrives again. And I will, too.

I’ve spent the past couple of years introducing my oldest son (who’s now almost 5) to the natural world through what I call “nature-inspired” adventures. Some times it’s a trip to an aquarium or the zoo. Other times just time in our backyard.

These adventures used to be about him. Lately, I realize they’re also for me.

My idea for this blog — and for the nature-inspired adventure guides that will soon follow — has been on my to do list for years. Now just seems like the right time to get started.

I hope to provide helpful suggestions, funny anecdotes and above all, honesty, as I find my way through this maze that is my life. I hope you’ll join me on my adventures.