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Sandy cliffs of red rock tower up on either side of me. The sky is a deep, deep blue. My heart beats a fast rhythm, my breath coming in small pants, as we make our way down the dusty trail.
Another scene…. I shiver, rubbing my hands, as we wait for the fire to heat up our chilly, chilly tent. It’s August, but up in northern Maine, August nights are COLD. Our breakfast of pancakes heats up over the wood stove.
And another scene….I’m making my way down a rocky path, the baby strapped securely into my Ergobaby carrier. Ahead of me, the other kids run through the piles of vividly colored fall foliage, talking and laughing and pointing out their discoveries.
I’m an outdoor adventure enthusiast. My idea of a good vacation? A few nights in a tent in a remote location, a good hike and an exploration of unusual hidden gems in the vicinity.
If all of humanity spent more time adventuring outdoors, I think, the world would be a healthier, happier place.
Fresh air. Sunshine. Grass and trees. Is there anyone, really, who can say those things don’t bring out a better version of themselves?
And that’s just from sitting outdoors. But adventuring? Discovering new things, taking steps into new and unexplored places?
It wakes up the mind and the soul. It forces you to FOCUS on the moment. It helps you see things differently.
That’s why, when I’m stuck on a thorny work dilemma - if I just can’t come up with the right angle or think of the perfect word - I’ll try to go outdoors. Even if I can’t take a physical adventure on a random workday, I let my mind “travel” on a mental adventure.
And I’m never disappointed. A new dimension always opens up.
If you’re experiencing a work dilemma, give this a try. Let yourself experience new things, while gorging on the incredible gifts of nature. Let the dilemma sit at the corner of your brain - don't push it away, but don't focus on it either.
You’ll be surprised at the results.
"I have come forth to this hill at sunset to see the forms of the mountains in the horizon—to behold and commune with something grander than man." - Henry David Thoreau