Finding Refuge in Nature: A Journey of Healing That’s Still Unfolding

This past year has been one of the hardest of my life. There were moments when the weight of everything felt like it might break me—moments of doubt, frustration, and even fear. But through it all, there’s been one constant: nature. It’s become my place of refuge, a space where I can breathe deeply, reflect, and just be. I’ve always loved the outdoors, but over the past year, nature has become something much more—a true source of healing.

The Year That Changed Everything

When life feels like it’s crumbling, we all look for something to hold on to. For me, that something has been the early morning hours spent outside. I’ve made it a habit to get up before the sun rises, when the world is still and quiet. Stepping out into the cool air, with the faint sounds of birds waking up and the wind brushing through the trees, feels like stepping into another world—a world far removed from the stress, anxiety, and chaos that has been swirling around me.

Nature has always been part of who I am. Growing up, I loved being active—skiing, hiking, spending time in wide-open spaces. But this past year, it became something deeper. It became a way for me to process the pain and challenges I was facing, a way to release the emotions I was holding onto and find clarity when nothing seemed clear.

Nature as My Safe Space

Nature, for me, became more than just a place to clear my head. It became my safe space—a place where I could let my guard down and simply exist. There’s a kind of peace that you can only find outdoors, when you’re standing beneath towering trees or looking out at an endless horizon. It reminds me that life is so much bigger than the things we get caught up in.

When everything around me felt uncertain, nature offered stability. It’s always there, unchanged, unwavering. And in that steadiness, I’ve found comfort. When I step outside in the mornings, the rest of the world fades away. I focus on the sounds, the smells, the sights. I focus on just being. And in those moments, I can feel the tension inside me start to release, if only a little.

Moving My Body to Heal My Mind

This past year, I’ve realized just how connected our bodies and minds really are. When I’m outside moving—whether it’s hiking through the woods, running along a trail, or even just walking—something inside me shifts. My mind starts to quiet, and I can focus on the movement, the rhythm of my breath, the ground beneath my feet. It’s almost like a meditation, but one that feels natural and effortless.