Connect with Nature
Nature has always spoken to me, from the time I was a little girl playing in the creek and catching tadpoles. There is something about the fresh air and being outdoors that just makes my heart feel lighter. I am incredibly thankful to live in the gorgeous state of Colorado. It’s no wonder it is among the healthiest states in which to live; our beautiful surroundings beckon us to leave the couch and explore the great outdoors.
A few months ago we moved away from the mountain town of Bailey, where we had lived for two years. I miss it so much, but the isolation from needed services and the 2 hour drive to see my granddaughter tipped the scales to living somewhere closer to civilization. We had moved to Bailey once I had gone through the initial stages of my recovery. I knew that I felt so much better when I was surrounded by nature and away from the noise and crowds. My husband was nearing retirement, so with the bribe of a new pick-up truck, he agreed to live in the mountains.
It felt like paradise to see mountain peaks from every window and to be visited by the local deer each evening. The variety of birds was amazing and I loved that I could sit at my breakfast table with my bird guide and identify the new visitors to my bird feeders. Although less frequently seen, we did have the privilege of hosting the occasional fox or moose.
Our home was just a 5 minute walk to Pike National Forest. I loved to explore the forest, hiking to the nearby stream or the old quartz mine that had been used for radio crystals in World War II. Most of the time I was the only one on the trails. The solitude and serenity were magnificent. In the early days after our move, I was careful to limit my excursions, but as I got stronger, I ventured further out. I felt more at peace in the mountain pine forest than I ever had before.
As I noticed the powerful feeling of healing in the forest, I learned of the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Adherents of this type of immersion in nature were found to have better functioning of their immune systems, better energy levels, lower levels of stress, better moods, and a greater sense of well-being. I certainly found that to be true for myself. I became a certified “tree-hugger”. It sounds totally wacky, I’ll admit, but anyone I’ve convinced to try it with an open mind has had the same experience of an immediate change in how they are feeling. For me, as I hug the tree and relax, I feel a wave of peace and calmness come over me. My husband, when he first tried it, said he felt a surge of strength. It may be just a little nuts, but I don’t care what anyone else thinks about it; I’m going to keep hugging trees!
Since we’ve moved, I now have to drive a few minutes to the forest. I’ve joined a meetup group of women my age called the “Walking Wounded”. When I saw the name, I knew I had found my people! There are a lot of hard-core hikers in Colorado and I admire their dedication and ability to push their limits, but limit-pushing isn’t the best plan for those of us with Functional Neurological Disorder. I’m much more interested in the experience and pleasure of the outdoors than I am in placing unreasonable demands on my body. It’s been so much fun to meet with this group of women every week and hike for an hour or two in the forest near our home. The company of others makes the time fly by, and the connection and support of other people is a welcome additional benefit.
I have a dream that I would love to see become reality. Treatment programs and support for people with Functional Neurological Disorder are rare. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a Camp FND? In my dream camp, we would have accessible trails, a warm water therapy pool, yoga/meditation classes, lots of forest bathing and tree hugging, arts and crafts, therapy animals, informational and motivational talks to help us on our journeys, and most importantly, s’mores! Who wants to sign up?
Until we figure out Camp FND, try to spend some time in nature wherever you live. You might not have a forest in your neighborhood, but a trip to a local park or the beach, some time working in the garden, time in the company of animals- anything that connects you to the larger heartbeat of the universe can be an awesome source of strength and comfort.
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