“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately,
to front only the essential facts of life,
and see what it had to teach,
and not,
when I came to die, discover I had not lived ... “ ~ Henry David Thoreau
Walking in the woods or along a lake path is the best ‘me time’. When I’m in nature I notice that I’m more optimistic, calm, happy and ruminate less on life’s hardships and difficulties.
Scientific research may be able to give physiological explanations as to why I experience increased wellbeing from my visits but I’m pragmatic–it’s my test. I want to experience what walking in nature does for me without “knowing” before I do it.
My experiences motivate and drive me outdoors.
My trail is part of the Niagara Peninsula–the Bruce Trail. I don’t walk the whole trail, I couldn’t do it in one day.
It’s hilly terrain, muddy, and slippery under the fallen leaves. There are a few wooden stairs and small bridges over culverts and streams. Sometimes I get a glimpse of surrounding towns and even Lake Ontario.
Being in the woods is reminiscent of my childhood–walking leafy paths in my black bathing suit and blue flip flops, alone. Can you imagine not caring about buzzing mosquitoes or possibly, snakes? I didn’t stop out of fear when I’d hear a snap or a rustle–well, maybe once. I knew it was a sacred place, even at the ripe old age of 10.
It was a place to whisper and not yell out to anyone.
Brushing away iridescent dragon flies or horse flies that buzzed my head didn’t stop my appreciation of water slapping the shore. I loved the way it turned colour in the dappled shade of overhanging trees.
And then there was the smell of cedar. I will never forget the smell of cedar.
After a rain, our backyard fence gives off that same scent and I’m immediately transported to my dock, to that place in the woods and can hear the sounds, feel the breeze, and the warm glow of sun on my skin.
Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright
Photos by @countrygirl with iPhone 5S