"We can never have enough of nature." -Henry David Thoreau
A good example is the time I have spent on my bike on the greenway recently. I have only been biking for two weeks now and I feel so much better. It is not just the exercise that is strengthening me, it is also being immersed in the woods, seeing the wildlife, hearing the birds. My body is beginning to crave and anticipate this time, making it all the more easy to get out there and continue the activity. As I ride, the rhythmic pedaling of my feet puts me into a peaceful state of mind. The soft sounds of nature around me cause my mind to slow its spiraling, stressful thoughts, opening up a new path of thinking. I just read an article earlier today in Health magazine about finding the bliss in your life that described this exact state. The author called it "flow," defining it as being so involved in an activity that you lose track of time. I felt that way as I rode this morning; I was almost surprised when I came back to the place where we had parked the car. I could have kept on going from that point. I actually have come quite a way in just two weeks of riding. My first ride two weeks ago was challenging, with a lot of huffing and puffing to get to the end. I am getting now to the point where I can ride with less effort and spend more time with my thoughts- good for getting more ideas for my blog!
Another article I read described being in nature as "forest bathing." (See links below.) I really appreciate that imagery. It makes me think of being immersed in the forest just as you would be immersed in water in the bathtub. You come out of both activities feeling clean, refreshed, and relaxed. I believe I'll take another dip in the forest tomorrow.
