We need community.
I led a hiking therapy program the other night and the take away was how to let go and be vulnerable. In our crazy world of connection to digital devices, we sometimes discount the fact that talking with an actual human can do wonders with our psyche.
Community and sisterhood are important parts of daily life. Talking with someone you don’t know came up, as it was important to have an objective stance on thought processes or issues you are going through.
When you develop your tribe, sisterhood or community they become in essence extended family. Members are interconnected and routinely perform acts of compassion on behalf of one another, being there for people without them having to take the initial first step.
Power of Friends
I rediscovered the power of community care when I recently dislocated my thumb mountain biking. My friends and family have been reaching out and checking in and these people are the true blessings in my life. These check ins and lunch dates have been keeping my mental game in good shape.
We typically don’t let people deal with health issues on their own. It’s important to reach out and lend a hand. It may not be everyday or in person, but a phone call is just as nice.
I have read surveys where they discuss the number of friends people have has diminished over the years. I find this heartbreaking as I don’t know where I’d be without my posse of friends that hang by my side through the good times and bad.
We put a lot of effort into connecting on social media, but have lost the art of face to face connection. As we discussed on the hike, building friendships can take a lot of personal emotional strength and most important vulnerability. We have to let go a piece of ourselves to connect with someone else.
Nature as Medicine
That also means we have to deal with our mental shit! Sometimes just being solo in nature can improve your mood too. We discussed ways to make your hike more mindful or meaningful to aid in letting go of whatever is ailing you.
Turi Hetherington will be leading yoga sessions during the women’s retreat.
Disconnection from nature is huge these days and tends to be one of the underlying issues of depression. Here at YARx we work on combating both of those issues by offering these outdoor therapeutic opportunities. I take both community and nature and blend them into something therapeutic promoting all things holistic health, and focus on mental perseverance and resilience alongside a system that is being built again the natural grain.
Don’t stay stuck in your world, join a fabulous community of women, and take your dose of an Adventure Rx.
*Our Emotional Resilience Workshop has moved to an online workshop so you can watch from wherever you are.
*Wild Women’s Weekend in the Wilderness still has a couple spots left – don’t miss out your chance to SIGN UP!
P.S. And don’t forget to POP A DOSE OF NATURE on a daily basis. Mother nature might not be the cure all, but she has fascinating abilities to heal you with time.
I’m inviting you to fill your prescription now!
Upcoming experiences will included a summer retreat in July, and Emotional Resilience workshop, and some wildflower and hiking therapy sessions.
About Diana – Owner of Your Adventure Rx
Diana is an Adventurer, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS), worked as professional outdoor recreation educator for people with and without disabilities for the last 20 years, traveled to over 20 countries and is also certified in Wilderness First Aid. She climbed many mountain peaks, biked numerous trails and paddled all around the world.
Ladies, if you thought you couldn’t do it, think again. If you hang out with us for too long you’ll start believing in yourself and leave knowing you can accomplish anything.
