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Last summer I was walking down the main camp road past Oasis and a cool wind blew in and aroused my senses as the refreshing cool air hit my arms and face. With it came the scent of white pine and fresh cut grass. Life was good! A few minutes later cold rain fell and it startled my senses, unsettling me. Negative thoughts invaded my head space. Five more minutes and I would have been under shelter.
Nature has a way of altering our plans. This is when it occurred to me that our climate- controlled houses, airconditioned work places, and auto start on our cars make it so we live in neutral - never having to be too hot, or too cold for that matter, and certainly never wet. Yet, to combat anxiety and depression we are to startle our senses by biting on ginger, smelling lavender oil, and placing our hands in ice water. Nature provides these delights and distresses for all of our senses. It is a natural balm for our emotional regulation.
So let’s all get out in nature even in the winter! Go for a walk near your home and embrace the cold while dreaming of summer days to come. Days filled with the smells of summer rain, the taste of wild blueberries, and the feel of cool lake water.
-Cheryl
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