I grew up not too far from a huge park. When I became old enough, my friends and I would get on our bikes and drive all through the woods. The trails were great for our dirt bikes, and we spent hours in the woods.

We’d stop at the waterfalls, park our bikes, and lose track of time as we’d skip rocks over the water. Or we’d do stupid stuff like putting a large fallen branch into the creek to see it go over the falls.

I miss those days. Even though I lived in one of America’s largest cities, the entrance to the park was less than a mile away.

Now things are a bit harder for me to get out and get into nature.

Modern life can be overwhelming with our phones, TVs, and the internet. We’re almost always plugged in these days and have some sort of information being sent at us. And even if you don’t use your phone all the time, the effects of our day-to-day routines can be draining on us.

When I get that way, I unplug and head out for a walk.

In the summertime, I am lucky enough to be near Longwood Gardens. I can walk through miles of beautiful files and trees, but my favorite part is going to the fields in the unpopulated section of the gardens. You can walk around the field and do some bird watching and get lost in nature.

Why would you want to do this?

About two years ago, I heard about forest bathing and its benefits.

To overcome stress, anxiety, and worry, I have found that getting out into nature and walking can be healing. When I give myself time to relax and to enjoy the world around me, I find the connection with the outdoors to be a soothing balm for my soul.

If you’re struggling with mobility, can you find a place to take an electric scooter to get your around (a zoo, a garden, etc.)?

Take your phone, put it away, turn off the TV and the internet, and go enjoy outside.

Watch the sky, smell the flowers, and just be.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.