Spring Into The Outdoors
Spring begins early in certain parts of northern California. One of my batches of yellow daffodils is already in full bloom. What hints that spring is coming are showing up in your hometown?This spring season can be a time of inspiration and renewal. Have you ever noticed yourself feeling bright and energized on that first true spring day? The spring sun calls us to move outside, breathe fresh air, step beyond our indoor living and into the outdoors.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." ~ John Muir
Spring is an invitation to get outside and get moving— to nurture our body, mind and soul. It whispers and shouts, “What are you waiting for?”
When is the last time you…
- took a hike
- went on a picnic
- visited an ocean, river or lake
- went canoeing, kayaking or fishing
- took a spontaneous scenic drive or went on a road trip
- visited a state or national park
- went rock climbing or skydiving
- tossed a baseball or kicked around a soccer ball at the park or in your yard
- went on a swing (who says they’re just for kids!)
- touched the moss on a tree
- went bird watching
- took a bike ride solo or with your kids
- jogged to a grassy meadow to see the wildflowers
- visited a nature preserve, museum, wildlife refuge or historic site
- went camping on a lake
- took an urban city walk without a destination (just taking in the people, the architecture, the pigeons, the sky)
- took your dog to the dog park or the hiking trail
- took a full week “bookended-by-weekends” vacation to your favorite getaway
What will you get out and explore this spring?
This month's invitation to play is this— take some time each day this week (whether it's 5-minutes or hours) to get outdoors. Notice how it feels to be out in the open air. Ask yourself, how does the coming of spring feel in my body? mind? soul? What’s this spring's invitation to me? How is it calling me out this season? Ask your body/mind/soul what it’s wanting to commit to and, from that place, choose one daily activity and two or more seasonal activities you will participate in this spring. Follow through on your commitments and enjoy the fun and self-nurturance you are creating for yourself!
Concerned you'll need some on-going inspiration to keep you in action? In the upcoming year, this Recreation column will spotlight new and old recreation pursuits that encourage you to get out and get moving. Stay tuned for exciting ideas, tips, links to resources, and ample reminders of the benefits of recreation to the body, mind and soul.
On a personal note, my special journey this spring will be one of stepping into motherhood. (There’s no turning back on this one!) I've truly enjoyed sharing recreation perspectives and playful invitations with you these past 6 months and now hand this column over to the next writer who will take it to its next phase.
Wishing you and yours a year full of inspiration, the great outdoors, playful moments and the joy of living your commitment to your rich, balanced LIFE!
Lori Stelling is a Life Coach, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, cooperative games specialist, and former recreation supervisor. With a dynamic background in coaching, advanced Riso/Hudson Enneagram studies, and recreation, Lori brings a spirit of playfulness and depth to her work. She created her business, BlueWater Coaching, in 2004. www.bluewatercoaching.net
Email: lori@abalancedlifemag.com