Every Memorial Day weekend for the past decade, my husband and I gather with his college friends at our family farm near Pinehurst, North Carolina. We are all busy with corporate jobs or running our own businesses, raising children and caring for elderly parents. And yet, one weekend each year, we take time out from our other commitments and responsibilities to come together and enjoy the benefits of fun, friends and fellowship.
Last weekend, I got my first taste of the lazy summer days ahead. We ate fresh berries and barbecue, we played lots of games (cornhole, lawn Jenga, Frisbee golf, cards), the guys enjoyed their favorite beverages and the kids got to play in the rain, get muddy and chase butterflies, frogs and turtles! (We also had a big birthday party for four of the guys who turned 50 this year!)
One of my favorite things to do on the farm is walk. It sound so simple, yet walking among the stately pine trees and observing nature in all of its glory has an incredible way of nourishing the mind, body and spirit. Nature is orderly and balanced and spending time in nature helps all of the worries and cares of day-to-day responsibilities melt away. (We all need to spend way more time in nature than we actually do, don’t you think?)
Above is one of my favorite pictures from the entire weekend… my husband (in the straw hat) and his college roommate walking in the woods. They’ve been friends for more than 30 years and walking and talking is such a great way to be truly present and reconnect after living half way across the country from one another.
Walking is great for stress relief, getting the endorphins flowing, burning calories and clearing your head… but there is something special about taking a rambling walk in nature that is especially soothing to the soul. Slow down and stop to notice nature’s treasures and you’ll be delighted with what you find! (Look below to see what I found on one of my walks at the farm this weekend!)
Revitalizing Action: When you are stressed out, feeling overwhelmed or having a bad day, take yourself out for a revitalizing walk and simply notice what happens. (And if you have a doggie in your home, take him/her with you for an extra mood enhancer!) Chances are good your head will clear up, your mood will brighten and you’ll notice that your problems melt away… at least for a little bit… and when you return from your walk, you’ll be ready to tackle your projects with a new perspective and renewed energy! Email me and tell me about your walk. I’d love to hear what you discover!
Here’s to walking!
Elizabeth