It certainly has been a Good Friday for me, so far.
Thanks to the efforts of some great people I trust and the Livestream capabilities that help keep us connected, I started my morning with a source of spiritual nourishment that I so appreciate and value.
Since it’s a special day, I want to spend some time in solitude and take a few moments for self-reflection. Where better than in the forest or by the water?
Woke up thinking about how my life has evolved. Thirty-six years ago on this weekend I was on another road trip and in California. Life was very different for me then and so much has happened since.
I decided to go check out a favourite hiking spot in a village close by — with the intent to compose another article/write a story.
I want to capture/imprint this moment in time and share the insights I gain through the day.
As I’ve recently written about, many local natural areas have been closed off, however, there are still some areas that are not barricaded. Yet? That’s a bit scary!
Right now I imagine many people are having Easter dinner together with family. Then there are those of us that aren’t.
My parents passed away years ago, my older sister is in isolation in another city, my oldest son is on Vancouver Island, and my youngest son is at home playing video games. I’m on my own.
Today I’m not working on my business and have nothing else planned. I feel I need some time off and this is the weekend for it. I’ve been very occupied with my work/endeavours lately to the point of even feeling anxious at times.
It’s more difficult, if not improbable, to physically see friends and family, at this time, during the pandemic and so keeping passionately engaged is a bitter-sweet compensation or coping mechanism.
It’s not any fear that challenges me. I’m not worried about money or this virus.
I accept that my previous business plans are suspended, for now anyways, and am doing what I can with what I have or can get.
My biggest challenge is that there seem to be so many unique opportunities arising. So many things that could/should be done and I want to do them all right now.
That’s causing me anxiety and I need to remind myself to just go with the flow and do only what I can — without invoking stress.
As I’m sure many of us have, I’ve been attending so many Zoom meetings and spoken with countless new people. It’s has been great.
Though it can be very informative, insightful and inspiring, it can also be quite mentally and emotionally draining — I’ve found.
A few years back when I was going through a very traumatic time in my life I needed a refuge — a tranquil place to enjoy some solitude.
At that time, I found that by going hiking at the local natural areas I attained relief and rejuvenation. That’s what I need today.
I just did a big loop around the gorge and came across the bridge. It was only then that I saw my first person on the trails and just now another couple with their dog.
There’s very few people out today, so far anyways. I’m quite sure many people stayed home because we’re asked to self isolate and only go out when it’s absolutely necessary.
To me, I know this outing today is essential to my wellbeing and I firmly believe by ensuring to physical distance, even beyond the 2 metres we are asked to do, it’s better for me to do this than anything else right now.
I just collected a few new rocks for my life forest art sculptures and now I think it’s time to go back to the car and head downtown to have a look around the village.
On my way back to the car, I talked to a couple who gave me permission to share their photo.
We briefly discussed, at a distance of course, how enjoyable and important it is to them/us to be able to come out here.
This is a common consensus with everybody that I’ve talked to for weeks now — out here in nature.
So, I can say with great confidence and conviction that it’s very important that we consider how we can ensure safe access to these areas going forward.
On my way back Guelph I decided to check out several other natural areas. Many are closed and some people are still choosing to go in.
Apparently there are now a new breed nature seeking criminals emerging. What will be the fate of these perpetrators, if caught?
I’ve actually seen police crime scene message tape used. Is this for real?!!
Interesting/concerning to see the make-shift barrier, cardboard signage, and rudimentary notices.
I do understand the concerns and want to be respectful. My question remains, how can we make these areas accessible? There must be a way.
Just stopped at the very end point of Guelph lake on the other side of the highway on a side road to check out an access point that very few people seem to use. No barrier here.
I’m walking through the woods and getting close to the lake. This is an area I’m not very familiar with and I’m smelling campfire. Wonder what’s ahead?
I came across a young couple that were fishing and had caught a bass.
When I got there they were just dousing the fire with lake water and were packing-up to go home.
We chatted for few moments and they too shared their concerns about having continued access to these areas.
I challenge the notion that staying exclusively indoors and relying on the phone and/or virtual/online social interactions are the only ways to remain connected during this calamity.
I’ve heard of some creative ways that people continue to interact safely within their neighbourhoods.
So why not get innovative in the naturals areas as well?
From my experience, those of us that are enjoying the outdoors are like-minded and respectful during these times of physical distancing.
I’m finding that there’s even an enhanced positive energy, especially since there are now even fewer local areas that are not barricaded.
It’s also quite evident that we instinctively appreciate, enjoy, and need these shared moments of safe social interaction in nature, which for us is an essential element of our wellbeing.
Overall it’s been a great day. I’ve momentarily interacted with many amazing people today in the great outdoors and we all intuitively practiced “physical distancing”.
Our conversations have been inspiring and insightful! I feel awesome for it and believe it’s also helped them as much as me. That’s the essence of vibrant community and caring for each other.
In conclusion
I don’t even want to try and imagine what this day would have been like staying at home. Certainly not more fulfilling or healthier if I was “social distancing” and staying indoors — basically alone. That’s a depressing thought and would potentially be detrimental to my wellbeing.
I’m absolutely convinced we need to take a more holistic approach to our wellness, which includes fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and connection to and through nature — especially right now.
