The power of nature therapy
Updated: Oct 5, 2020
My love for the outdoors means so much more to me than just stepping out for a walk. It started at a young age. I have always felt this need to "get lost" and let the unknown guide me. It was always a powerful way for me to reconnect with myself and ground my thoughts.
Hiking is my mental therapy. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to live around mountains. I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. I also spent a majority of my childhood summers in Northern Italy, with my family. In the last six years, I have hiked some of the most beautiful national parks in the country - including Glacier and Yellowstone.
In February of last year, I visited Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado with my sister. A lot of the trails were closed due to the heavy snowpack, but we were still able to explore. It was an unforgettable experience. I still remember the crisp sound of the snow as you walked over it - the silence - and the fresh mountain breeze. It reminded me so much of my winter hikes in Montana. Here in Texas, I had the chance to camp in Big Bend National Park. Another extraordinary place worth visiting.
Hiking has taught me to embrace stillness. The daily grind can sometimes be overwhelming when the to-do list is long. Moments in nature have allowed me to simply pause, disconnect, and let go. It's needed. You never know what you will discover on a trail and that is what I find most powerful. This can be applied to life as well. Sometimes we may try so hard to control the outcome - but learning to just embrace the journey is where the beauty is at. Trusting the unknown allows you to step out of fear and open your heart to new experiences. Hiking to me, means just that.
I'm not here to tell you that you should now make hiking part of your routine. I'm just sharing my personal experience with the hope it will empower you to discover your own outlet. Whatever it is that brings you joy, do that. Set your soul free.
