Fun In a Forrest
“I have never really found any joy in venturing out into nature; what could possibly be interesting about it, really? Nothing about it is convenient for someone like me, and let’s be honest, I can’t play my favorite game without reliable, fast internet! And don’t even get me started on the bugs, YUCK! They’re like tiny, flying ninjas out to ruin my day.”
Do you know someone like that? Perhaps you find yourself resonating with the sentiments expressed in this quote. Either way, having fun in a forest certainly isn’t for everyone; it's more suited for those adventurous souls who relish a hands-on experience, treasure the chance to breathe in the crisp, fresh air, and appreciate the solitude or the delightful company of close friends and family. It's an opportunity to behold sights and experiences that many others will never get the chance to enjoy. Personally, I cherish my hiking trips for the thrill of witnessing things that no one else might ever have the privilege to see (though I’m still on the hunt for Bigfoot).
I was camping out one morning by the river and awoke to see the most amazing sunrise. Opening my tent, I noticed how foggy it was (not just hazy eyes from the night before). As I was setting up for breakfast and a much-needed cup of coffee, I looked up toward the tree tops and saw the first peek of sunlight coming through the fog. The sunbeams through the leaves, rode the misty air as they danced to the ground. In awe of this beautiful event, I completely forgot to take a picture, but the experience was more than enough to leave a lasting impression in my mind.
Perhaps it’s moments like this that make nature so wonderful.
If waking up to something this breathtaking doesn’t excite you, then please do us all a favor and stay home. The rest of us will gladly venture out to enjoy the high points of life while soaking in the beauty of nature, all out on the trail! And let’s not forget the added bonus of being in much better physical shape along the way.
Maybe the beauty of nature isn’t for everyone, but I’d bet a good pair of boots that those same people are the ones who are “too busy”. They make excuses for not going out as often (I myself have been guilty of this for many years). So, what is keeping you from going outside more, or even camping for a night or two? My excuses for not getting out more include, but not limited to, Work hours (6 days a week), catching up on home chores (on my only day off), only being able to spend 4 hours a day enjoying life (or getting caught up on projects from last year), prior commitments to others (in between getting caught up), Feeling exhausted (from catching up, helping others, and only having a fraction of time for myself). Sound familiar?
Maybe getting into nature is exactly what you (and I) need to escape the mundane routines and tiresome responsibilities for a while. There is an undeniable magic in simply sitting quietly and listening to the various animal sounds while tuning everything else out that is weighing you down. So, take the time to plan an escape, maybe only once a week to start with, and limit it to just an hour max to get the hang of truly relaxing and genuinely enjoying life. Once you realize the revitalizing effects on your psyche and your health, you will begin to see the many benefits of “unplugging” from society, even if only for a moment each day, and start to understand that work isn’t all there is to living. And perhaps, just maybe, you will find yourself wanting to seek out what it genuinely means to really live!
“So how do I have fun in a forest”?
“I’m so glad you asked”!
After you get used to having some free time (or as I call it, Really Living), you will want to expand your territory and find new things to see, smell, and touch. That’s where the forest is handy! It doesn’t need to be miles away (although for some, it can be). If you can see a tree that you can walk and sit under, if it has a trail nearby, then you are in nature! And the farther away from cities, towns and neighbors you get, the higher the quality of relaxation you may receive. Relaxing in nature feels “unnatural” to some who haven’t been able to get out for a while. Don’t let that deter you from enjoying life, just take it slowly and in moderation to get a good start for your living experience!
Now that you are finding out how awesome nature is, slow down even more to see “the details” along the trail. Look, there is a snail on that mossy tree trunk. Oh, listen to the water gently flowing over the creek stones and cascading into a pool where it flows slowly to its next destination. Listen to the scattering of leaves, was it a squirrel, deer, or another woodland creature? Smell the air, there is a calming effect from being on a woodland trail and breathing in less pollutants. Walk several paces and look around again. This time you are on the overlook of a small valley. How far can you see to the next hilltop? What new sounds can you hear that are near and far? What new scents can you smell in the air? It is up to you to find the answers.
Fun in a forest means several things to many people. Practice “leave no trace”, respect others out in nature as well and you will soon be enjoying a new “community” of people whom you would have never met otherwise. Fun in a forest has more to do with the peacefulness of it all. Not as much enjoyment if you are carrying a cell phone, radio, or other external noise device. Reflect on your life, not all at once, just look back on the previous day, week, or month. How can you improve your quality of life? Can you work less, live on less, impress those you can’t tolerate less, buy less “junk” and start purchasing more long lasting and functional items? Living on and for less is a major mind and lifestyle shift for many Americans. It can be done; the road less traveled will be easier when walking with what is only necessary! Fun in a forest is a mindset more than anything else. It is reflection of oneself and the choices that have been made over the years of life (not to be confused with years of living). So, get outside, enjoy the sunlight on your skin (please have some clothes on), walk on a dirt trail, smell the fresh air, drink from the well of life and enjoy every moment. You will then be Truly Living!
