I thought I was pretty relaxed, chill, easy-going and relaxed on a normal day-to-day basis. That was until I returned this week from my first weeklong vacation since prior to the pandemic. I was feeling completely drugged by nature's effects. Nature is a restorative drug.
I spent six nights whitewater rafting down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with a group of 26 total strangers. We floated hundreds of miles over those days, set up our tents in a new spot each night only to pack them away for the next stretch of river and that night's stop.
Each night, I slept along the rushing riverbank under a sky that looked like someone threw glitter up there. I purposely removed myself from the larger group of families who are now lifelong friends. I yearned for the solitude and peace that only nature can provide.
I’m home now and honestly feel drugged from my time spent away in nature.
Drugged and grounded in a way I haven’t felt in years.
I’ve always known that nature can be the most restorative place to return to. Apparently, I had honestly forgotten just how true it is.
You don’t have to go on a river trip or even leave your neighborhood. Just take five or ten minutes out of your day each and every day to purposely insert nature into your day.
Take time to return to nature ANY chance you get. Remove yourself from the distractions and racket of daily life and return to yourself. Nature is a restorative drug.
Perhaps consider joining us for a weekend retreat set in the majestic Red Rock Mountains of Sedona this year. Hike the beautiful mountains, hang out by the pool, and take a long walk. Just leave it all behind and restore yourself to wholeness simply by reconnecting with nature and all her beauty.
