Last month I visited Montana for six glorious days. It was in the high 70s during the day and high 50s at night with a refreshing lack of humidity. After a steamy summer in Northwest Florida, I wanted to stay longer. I discovered I really like being outside when it’s easy. Upon my return, I learned that it’s worth spending time in Nature, even when it’s hard.
We instinctively knew this when we were kids. We would happily scamper into the grass when our moms yelled, “Go play outside” in response to the 14th “Mom, whyyyy?” in an hour. But for most of us, the power of nature fades as we gallop toward adulthood. And that’s a shame, because Nature can lend so much simple comfort in the complex chaos of adulting.
In Montana, nature opened me to a true sense of comfort that’s as much a part of me as my tender heart. The mountains reminded me that there is no beginning and end to this natural comfort. It pulses around me in waves of love and beauty. Nature shows us that comfort is not a destination. It’s a remembrance of a time before we realized there was anything BUT comfort as a natural state, before we filled our days with likes and check-ins.
Since returning from Montana, I’m waking up at sunrise, so I can meditate outside with my feet on the earth. It’s worth it, because it sets my brain up for a day of clear decision-making. I don’t need to seek external comfort to fill an internal emptiness. My comfort comes through a natural membrane of peace straight to an inner knowing of how it feels to be full.
How will you find comfort in nature this week? Schedule some “play outside” time and notice the difference in your day. Write your plan on the Big Board at Girl Power Station, or drop me a line at terrif@findyourpride.org!
XO
Terri
