Escape to the Wild
July 17, 2008 |
Each day, we wake up to the wrath of our alarm clocks, stumble around the house half asleep, attempt to use the coffee maker for something more than counter décor, then haul ass out the door to the car. On the way, we honk at other cars, narrowly avoiding a traffic incident, while gasping on highway fumes. When we arrive at the office, we make a beeline to our cubes at 9:06, hoping everyone will think we’ve been sitting there since 8:50, intensely emerged in our work. We reluctantly show up to meetings, deal with office politics, get yelled at by our boss, and then repeat the drive home. We eat a half-assed dinner and plunk down onto the couch where we stare at the television all night until we go cross-eyed. And for some folks, that’s a good day
If you’re stuck-like-Chuck in the monotony of daily city life, you may need to head out of town for a weekend retreat. This doesn’t have to be an expensive stay at an elaborate spa. It’s simple to utilize nature to unwind. The time has come when you need to escape society and live primitively for a couple of days. Find a fairly quiet location no more than a four-hour drive away. The less time you spend in the car, the better. Although, you also want to feel like you’ve left town, so a minimum of a half hour distance from home is probably best.
Your ideal location should be centered in a natural environment, and may offer activities such as a hiking trail, canoing, or bike riding. If they offer tent or cabin camping, even better. If not, stay close-by in a quiet inn. The objective is to get away from noise pollution, air pollution, and to surround yourself with everything that is the opposite of city life. This means forgetting about all modern electronic devices (unless in the case of an emergency, duh). Research some state parks and campgrounds to learn what is within driving distance.
Plan your trip carefully to assure you are prepared with basic necessities such as bug spray, sunscreen, band-aids, lighter/matches, comfortable clothes, nutritious food, and lots of water. This is self-pampering, and it’s fair to assume that no one will be there to supply these things as they would in a four-star hotel. Whatever level of ruggedness you want to take this to is entirely up to you. But you also don’t want to wind up like Christopher McCandless from the movie Into the Wild.
Once you’ve reached your destination, turn up your senses. See, smell, hear, touch, and taste. Don’t pet the wild bears or eat the poison berries, but engage and connect your body, mind, and soul with your surroundings.
Body Focus
Practice activities such as yoga, stretching, jogging, hiking, canoing, or swimming. While you do these things, pay attention to each of your senses. FEEL your surroundings. Bring awareness to what you are seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, and tasting.
Mind Focus
Read, write, draw, or paint about nature. Use your senses to describe your experiences, such as an incredible view, an observation of wildlife, the stars at night that you never get to see from the city, or the sound of the rain. Observe the trees and foliage that surround you. Find innovative ways to utilize nature in your experiences. An obvious example would be to find wood to build a fire and cook your dinner.
Soul Focus
Meditate, be still, and practice deep, slow breathing. Be aware of the clean air you breathe, as it fills your body and reaches your soul. Appreciate the simple acts that you must do for survival. Acknowledge the part that each of your senses plays, and its effects on your soul.
Be Sure to Avoid
Avoid the use of modern-day communication devices and electronic gadgets, such as: cell phones, computers, video games, digital cameras, tv’s, and the car. Even though you’ll probably need your car to reach your destination, spend as little time as possible driving around. Also avoid shopping, alcohol/drugs, or taking your kids along with you. Find a babysitter for the weekend! If you travel with another person, communicate to them the purpose of this retreat and what you want out of it. Let them know that this is vital for your health, and invite them to join you in your mission for a weekend retreat.
Conclusion
If you make the most out of your retreat, you could possibly return better rested than you would after a two week vacation. Just remember that this retreat is about escaping the monotony and bustle of city life, and let nature take hold of your body, mind, and soul.
For some possible locations, please visit http://www.reserveamerica.com/?topTabIndex=Home. Go to http://www.ecofloridamag.com/askeditor.htm for Florida-specific advice. For more inspiration, check out the movie Into the Wild.
Modern Serenity values your personal experiences. Please add your stories, thoughts, and additional suggestions to offer others considering a nature retreat.
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