12 OCTOBER 2023 GETTING OUTSIDE

For the past four and a half months I have spent at least half of every day out of doors. Gardening. This past week I have been in a race against time, to complete projects and bring in outdoor decor, hoses, and other things that require protection from winter weather. My work included implementing three raised beds, filling them with compost that had been cooking all season long, and then filling them to the top with soil. They should be perfect for planting when spring arrives again.

Last night, I watched a program on PBS about Maine. People who live in Maine love the cold. They don’t hole up in their houses all winter long. They get outside, brace for the cold, and experience Nature at her best – or worst – depending on your point of view. As one woman explained, you put on layers and layers of clothing until you almost can’t bend over. These people actually go out and have fun – skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, even working – doing almost every winter activity you can think of. One group of women actually walk out, in swimsuits, into 40 degree water, in the middle of February, affirming that it is healthy for the body and the soul.

I spend more time outside than the majority of people. I love to be outside. Even when I was caring for swans, filling feeders in the frigid cold, I did not mind. As long as I was moving about, I stayed relatively warm. I think it is sad that so many people spend nearly all of their time indoors. They are completely disconnected from nature in an artificial environment. It is almost as if they have Velcro attached to their bottoms, keeping them tethered to their sofas or their desks, while their eyes are glued to their computer screens, TV’s, and smartphones.

We all need to get outside more. In fact, we should make it a point to spend time out of doors every single day. We all know intuitively that interacting with Nature keeps us grounded, keeps us happy, relieves stress and anxiety, and ensures a better night’s sleep. I could never be a “Mainer”, but if I am to remain healthy and not descend into gloom and despair over the coming months, I will need to find ways to make friends with the cold. Instead of resisting the bitter winds, I will head into them. I have always wanted to go snowshoeing. Although I would prefer to do so in a forest, I will not let the lack of trees here deter me. This winter, I intend to get outside and give snowshoeing a try.