Imagine two versions of you. Both versions of you are living through an unprecedented pandemic. Both versions of you are living in an imperfect, often scary and disturbing world, on a personal as well as a global level. See one version of you walking down a path.

A walk outside can feel like a respite, a place to breathe and regroup… and if we’re open to it, what we experience outdoors can invite learning and insight that we can carry with us back into our human communities.

The other day I went wading at the edge of the ocean. Just knee-deep in the water, I felt invigorated by the cold and the surprisingly strong pull of the waves. At one point, I looked up and saw an otter pop up out of the surf just a few feet in front of me. Otter looked right at me… and I waved hello.

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed… but in a good way? Last spring, I got to take my mom on a road trip to celebrate her 70th birthday, and the high point of our trip was visiting the Tule Elk Reserve in Point Reyes National Seashore. As we traveled potholed roads through the middle of nowhere toward the edge of a continent, I was on the edge of my seat. I was so excited to see elk, but I kept trying to manage my expectations. Maybe we wouldn’t see any elk and that would be just fine.

Let me tell you a story. It began back in August, when I started reading the literature for my Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide training. One of the books that I read first was “What the Robin Knows” by Jon Young. Here I learned so much about bird behavior, like how crows “mob” larger birds like hawks.

“I recently had a magical experience. While being guided through a 10-minute “Outdoor Refresher” mindfulness meditation, I was able to see with fresh eyes, and became completely enchanted by the world around me. It felt as if my senses had been reawakened, and my childlike awe rekindled.” (by Myra Goodman)

The other day I made a strange, but now beloved purchase: I bought a long-handled “grabber.” I had never imagined myself needing a tool like this… and yet I’ve found myself wanting this for a few months now. It all began with a Sit Spot…

For a lot of us, being outside equals moving – walking, hiking, running, swimming, biking. I love these activities, AND from that go, go go, hike, hike, hike, walk, walk, walk, I have begun to really sloooooooow down.

Ever since I was very young I’ve loved being outside. But I don't think I ever understood the power and necessity of the medicine of the outdoors until I was heartsick.

The other day I was sitting out by the lake near my apartment in the early morning. In the low light before sunrise, I can only see the silhouettes of the birds that pass by. Mallard goes by, wings flapping very quickly. Seagull soars over. Later Great Blue Heron moves across my field of vision, in a straight graceful line, unhurried. It came to me that, living by this lake for seven years… I know them. I recognize my neighbors.

In a couple of days, I depart for adventure -- camping with my husband, and my first backpacking trip with a friend. It is hard to describe how excited I am. Extremely. And, because this is California in addition to anticipating stunning locales, I am also tracking wildfires and air quality, feeling and releasing anxiety.

Being in nature refreshes our whole being. Have you ever gotten a teaching from nature? Maybe it's to be rooted and calm like a tree, to flow like water. I invite us to slow down and pay attention in order to really absorb all the goodness of nature.