Nature's Magic

What is it about nature? There’s something out there, unseen, undiscovered, calling to us. It’s something that heals each of us in a unique way. Is it the raw beauty, wildlife in its native world, the distance from noise and civilization, the uncertainty of what’s around the corner, or the quality of the air we breathe in? Whatever magic nature holds, it happens to be one of the best natural remedies to avoid or prevent burnout.

This particular trip I took to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado happened to come at a perfect time. I’m one of those people who doesn’t know when to stop when it comes to work, and I’ll push myself to the point of exhaustion – or eventual burnout. Yet five days in the middle of RMNP seemed to wipe the slate clean, but why and how?.

What special magic does nature possess that heals us workaholics?

Perhaps it’s the gratitude. Sometimes when we get so sucked in to our worlds – work, relationships, or adulting in general – we forget to stop and smell the roses. We’re so focused on getting to the next list item that we skip the five second “Thank You” to whomever or whatever deserved it. Yet when you’ve ascended a steep rock trail to reach to the top of a waterfall, you’re in no rush whatsoever. You take those moments to breathe it in, let it soak into your body as a whole, and you can just be awestruck for a while. Realizing how lucky we are to be alive and living in such a beautiful world, with beautiful people in it. Each plant, view, and memory is just one more reason to be grateful.

Alberta Falls

Or maybe it’s the mindfulness. I’m still deciding if I think it’s a strength or a weakness that “I can multi-task” in the workplace. There are arguments both for and against. Your best and safest option in nature though is to be present, truly in the moment. The limit of multi-tasking is working all of your senses at once. You listen for the breeze through the trees and grass, water of the creeks or waterfalls, or an animal stalking from behind; you watch for the views enfolding around you, the plant and wildlife species, or the roots, rocks or puddles awaiting you and your ankles; you feel the way your body is reacting to the weight of your bag, the steep ascent and descent, the way your heart is working with or without the optimal supply of oxygen; you smell the pine trees and the meadow grass; and you taste that much needed water and eventually the infamous PB&J. Regardless of which sense, hiking through nature calls for mindfulness and just being right there.

Mills Lake

Let’s not forget the seductress herself: adrenaline. Some people have no appetite for risk and danger, good for them. I know my parents wish I fell into that bucket. If you’ve ever done cryotherapy or a juice cleanse, you’ll know why I’m comparing adrenaline to either of them. There’s this clarity that comes with it. You gain unrivaled focus, your breathing is at its peak, you get a spike of superhero strength, you don’t feel pain, and you just soar (or sore). Whether it’s a hike, an encounter, a jump, or your heightened sense of awareness in wilderness, adrenaline brings an unrivaled physical and mental sharpness.

Sky Pond Trail

There is certainly other fairy dust in nature that can heal even a non-believer, but I know for certain that gratitude, mindfulness and adrenaline are a few of the pieces of the equation. Maybe it’s not just the beauty, wildlife, or air of nature that draws us, but perhaps it’s the healing powers it seeps into our lives. I know I’ll keep going back for more of both.

View from Trail Ridge Road