Going off the grid and spending some time with nature, working hard for simple things, and just breathing mountain air is a recipe for better health.

Going off the grid means no cell service, no power lines, no sewer, no water service, and only a dirt road going in…

Spending time in nature: mountains, trees, a river, birds everywhere and little mammals scurrying about. A few elk in the woods. No other people…

Working hard: simple life activities like cooking, going to the bathroom, sleeping, and staying warm take time and real effort to achieve. Water is a chore to have and keep safe…

Breathing deep: waking up in the morning to a beautiful symphony of sounds that do not exist in the cities or suburbs, and stepping out into the cold to take a deep breath in. The soul is cleansed and rejuvenated…

I took an early morning walk with the dog to practice what I preach… the air was fresh, cold, and I was able to let the dog run. Off leash, she runs pretty much everywhere she goes, looking for rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks that she literally has no chance of catching. We traversed part of an old road, then walked through the woods on elk and deer trails that pass into the William O’Douglas Wilderness. There is an amazing spot where I always stop and just let my senses be open. I stood on the top of a rock outcropping that sits above the forest and in the distance, I could feel a large animal moving literally in the ground beneath me. I heard the breaking sound of an elk crashing through some brush a few hundred yards out, getting as far away as possible from us. I let out a deep sigh…

I am so blessed to have the ability and resources to get out and just be in nature. Having a holiday weekend to use like this was perfect timing for a busy May.

Take a moment to consider how to get out and just be – get away from your phone, media, blacktop, cars, your house, and all the stuff.

Resources to consider: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05