Trying differently

tiredoftreadingwater

I could feel my mood of the last few days going downhill to some possibly bad places so I decided to get off my butt and do something different. Inspired by reading some great outdoor activity posts at soberisland’s blog I pushed myself to get out and do something outdoorsy.

There’s a lovely country park that’s less than 3 miles from my house and disappointingly, I’ve probably not been more than 3 times in the decade that I’ve lived in the area. I’d wanted to do it earlier in the week but couldn’t summon the motivation to go out in the rain. When the sun appeared yesterday I decided to go for it.

It was absolutely wonderful. I ended up walking almost 4 miles through sunny woodland trails like this:

woodland

It affected me on a really deep, subtle level that I can’t quite define. It was one of those quiet, long, YES! feelings; a remembering of something essential that I hadn’t even realised I’d forgotten. At one point, I found a nice spot to take a rest and breathe in the sunshine and nature:

woodland2

I could feel my mind getting quieter and calmer whilst the damp, earthy smells and sights trickled into some inner void, filling and recharging me. I’m still stunned at the effect it’s had on me, I feel like I’ve had a total reset. I’ve been restful, focused, productive and mellow since yesterday. I’ve resolved to get out and do this at least once a week from now on. My own weekly ‘meeting’ with the healing higher power of nature. I can buy an annual car park pass that will give me access to a number of local woodlands and lakes for about the price of 10 bottles of cheap wine. What a bargain!

The Japanese have been prescribing Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing to their stressed out city dwellers for decades. There seems to be some scientific basis to support it too. Trees release chemicals called phytoncides which are like tree essential oils. Inhaling them apparently has a number of healing benefits for your mood, energy and immune system.

I’m so happy I made myself venture out yesterday, it’s made a whole world of difference. I’m glad I tried something different.

Have a good sober day folks, and if you get the chance, go sniff a tree 😀

27 thoughts on “Trying differently”

  1. mikeykjr March 22, 2017 / 1:02 pm

    Now you have a place you can enjoy to uplift your spirits when you’re not “just right”. I’m a nature lover myself, whether the beach, mountains, desert, etc. I have a plan this year, a promise to myself. New York, the state I live in, has some gorgeous national parks all around me. The plan is to visit at least one a month (when Winter decides to truly end this year). I miss the beauty and peacefulness, yet such is literally around the corner and I don’t take advantage of it. Good for you for taking the initiative to do something different. Sometimes doing something like this is all we need to get out of a slump!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • tiredoftreadingwater March 22, 2017 / 7:56 pm

      That sounds wonderful. The national parks over there look so huge, varied and spectacular. It is such a privilege to have these things close by, I can’t believe how much I neglected those needs in myself. Good luck with your plan, go for it 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. nomore1117 March 22, 2017 / 1:33 pm

    I love this. And great photos. I cycle for this reason. I took it up two years ago and haven’t turned back. Where I live we have “rails to trails” meaning old train tracks were turned into trails for recreational use. Best idea ever! I can get lost with nature for hours. It’s meditative for me.

    Also. Even a quick walk before you start your day can be helpful. I do that as well– as soon as the weather breaks that is… something about it makes the day so much easier

    I hope you keep this up. It looks like you have a beautiful park to explore!!!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    • tiredoftreadingwater March 22, 2017 / 8:04 pm

      One of the local places I plan to check out is also an old railway line, it’s obviously a popular idea. I went out for another walk today which was more urban but I still managed to cut through some town parks and a tree filled cemetery. It does make a big difference to the day. Enjoy your exploring too 🙂 x

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Mark David Goodson March 22, 2017 / 2:41 pm

    Wow, nothing like getting some fresh air, is there?

    I keep telling myself I’m going to take this bike ride on a path that opened up in our neighborhood. Apparently it stretches way down now to the DC waterfront.

    I got to do it! Why wait?

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    • tiredoftreadingwater March 22, 2017 / 8:10 pm

      Go for it, don’t wait any longer 🙂 Anything that ends up by the water sounds wondrrful. I’m still shocked by how therapeutic the woodland was and facepalming at how I could have neglected something that’s so good yet only a 5 minute drive away.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
  5. freefallingintoasoberlife March 22, 2017 / 4:02 pm

    What a beautiful post! Thank you! I love being immersed in a forest-in the energy of trees. It’s like nature’s church to me. How nice it’s so close and available to you!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  6. soberisland March 22, 2017 / 4:09 pm

    Yes! Tree sniffing and hugging, love it. It does make a world of a difference just to get out and about, I’m glad you went.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Paul S March 22, 2017 / 10:17 pm

    I find that nature helps me do a reset every time I am with Her. I never identified as being a nature person, and frankly, I am a wuss when it comes to bugs and things like that! But when I run or walk along the trails and such, I feel peace. I feel more grounded…so I get totally what you say. Glad you found your place!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  8. MrsMac March 23, 2017 / 6:04 pm

    Nature or just being outdoors is really helpful to me too. Sometimes when I feel really antsy or sluggish, taking a walk round the block immediately helps. Spring time is a wonderful time to get out the house regularly as the weather will just continue to get better and better. It’s what kept me going during my first 6months xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • tiredoftreadingwater March 26, 2017 / 9:15 am

      Hi! It’s amazing how much difference a walk makes when we can just get together the momentum to get going. I’m so looking forward to spring and summer this year with my new woodland exploring plans 🙂 x

      Like

      Reply
  9. Untipsyteacher March 23, 2017 / 7:10 pm

    I love getting outside, and find it healing, too!
    That is a lovely park!
    Peace to you today!!
    xoxo
    Wendy

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  10. Hurrahforcoffee March 24, 2017 / 8:35 pm

    Forest bathing, I absolutely love that! It does reset you, I wholeheartedly agree with that. The green of the leaves as well…something about the effect of the colour green on the human psyche. Green is the color of balance, harmony and growth. You’ve inspired me to get out there and go for a long walk. xxx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  12. MilesAwayGrrrl March 27, 2017 / 8:24 pm

    Going for walks in my local park has changed my world! Bad mood = go for walk. Good mood = go for walk. Feeling self pity = go for walk. Feeling grateful = go for walk. We humans forget that it’s natural to be outside feeling and smelling (hehe) the elements and nature!! x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. fromthirtyone June 12, 2017 / 2:56 am

    My higher power shows itself to me easiest in nature, or perhaps that is where communication is strongest. Either way, important stuff! Keep it up!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
      • tiredoftreadingwater June 12, 2017 / 3:48 pm

        Oops hit send accidentally… I have powerful experiences every time I’m in the woods now and go every week for more. Happy nature times to you 🙂

        Like

Leave a comment