,One of my best friends was in town from California. We have known each other since Grade 2 and have been soul-sisters since about Grade 7. When we get together as adults we often revert back to our younger selves with antics of giggling and dancing in unusual (read "awesome") ways. During this visit she had a grand idea of going on an epic adventure. We were going to travel to Montreal for sight-seeing and dancing the night away. Or, we figured we could go to an ashram, about four hours away, for a potluck, beautiful natural scenery, and soulful meditation. We decided we would play it by ear and listen to our hearts the day of our grand adventure. I was packed for a hippy-style slumber party or a city-slicking dance party. The day arrives and we start out parked in the parking lot our local park as we connect with our hearts' true desires for the day. We have a soulful heart-to-heart about how we are each so lucky to have such a good friend where we can bring all aspects of who we are to each other in a safe space. To the amusement of her parents, we decide to officially start our journey in her parents' backyard to visit with my friend's favorite tree, Hubert. We made lattes and steamed cashew milk, bundled in blankets, and enjoyed the calm and comfort of good company and the natural environment. We watched Hubert's branches swaying in the wind, we watched the clouds float by, and we felt the earth beneath our blankets. Once we got too cold and hungry, we decided to get food from a restaurant, a 2 minute drive away, and snuggle up at her parents' house to watch a movie on Netflix. We did end up going out for dinner downtown (20 minute drive) and danced the night away at some local nightclubs, but the majority of our day was spent within a 1 km radius.
As we were lying outside in her backyard, every part of myself felt fully content. I thought to myself that this is what it's all about. This is the heart of sustainable happiness. Sure it's exciting to go on adventures that involve travelling great distances in cars and planes to see things we've never seen before. But, it's also incredible to see things in our own backyards in new ways. My friend and I built new memories while also saving some gas and CO2 emissions. Those of us with youngsters, teachers, or other school staff in our lives know that March break is upon us. What local grand adventures in your own proverbial backyard can you find that may be just as fulfilling as travelling far and wind? Mindy Alexander
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You know that feeling of watching a gorgeous sunset where you feel completely at peace and connected to the world around you? I've been making a point of increasing these moments and capturing them in photos. I am constantly in awe of the natural world around me and every season I am delighted to find new things around me to appreciate. Our well-being is linked to the natural world, and spending time in nature can increase our levels of happiness and physical health. Hospital patients who can see a tree from their window recover faster. Teens are less aggressive if they live near more green space. I know I feel calmer and happier when I am surrounded by mother nature's artwork.
What are some of your natural highs? Mindy Alexander |
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February 2019
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