I
have always had a deep connection to the outdoors. The further out that I have
gotten, the further in I have been able to dive. My experience has been that asking the real
questions within, the questions that matter seemed to have always taken place
in nature. The longer the journey out, the more miles logged and the more time
away, has always brought me closer to the person I want to be. Of course we
have to come back and when we do we have more balance to be able to manage our
own lives and to be in a helping position for others. 
Last
time I chimed in I was thinking I needed to participate in the MSW program
more. What I was thinking that meant was more time in my books and on the
keyboard. After further evaluation I don’t believe it is more time there but
more balance. If time is not spent outdoors, recharging, then a deeper
connection to the material and the program is not obtained. Of course this is
for me personally and in continued understanding of myself and how I function
best. So sometimes I have to get out to get into it!
Wilderness
Therapy, not outdoor boot camp but, letting nature begin to help us heal is
something that very much interests me. It is something that I also see as a
problem for many individuals today. We have a major disconnect from the earth
and the positive energy which should be received. As I continue on my social work journey I
would like to explore this concept further and evaluate my own life and
connection with nature, in hopes that I can improve as a person who has an
increased capacity for compassion for others.
While
I was in San Francisco recently I encountered a group of youngsters with their
counselors for the day. It was a weekend program which allowed the kids to get
out of their neighborhood and explore different parts of the area. Just a
simple trip to the beach seemed like a valuable excursion for the kids, getting
them out of the neighborhood they rarely leave. It had me researching some of
the programs available to adolescents today. I am currently doing a project on
supportive services for teens transitioning out of juvenile detention and it
seems that programs that have an outdoor component are more important than
ever. Hopefully more research and energy will be put into the benefits of these
types of programs.
Levi, I enjoyed reading your blog. When I need a break from studying or just to take a moment for myself after a long day, I often just step outside in my yard. I have a great view of the ocean in the distance and green fields in front of my home. Your right, it is amazing how connecting with nature can refocus a person. I often take for granted the beauty of where I live.
ReplyDeleteDon't we all Julie! Nothing like a month away to make you love the Redwoods and the Ocean (:
DeleteEco-psychology is huge. I am glad you have a chance to get back into the wilderness so often, Levi. Last week I spent the afternoon neck-deep in my friend's blackberry patch and sometimes that's as deep as I get because though I live in a small town, I don't make it into the wilds as much as I would prefer. I have a big stand of sunflowers in the yard my boy and I sprouted from seeds. Getting outside far enough to water them does wonders for my heart, spirit. Not yosemite, but nature no less.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Levi, I could not agree more I am all about the ability of being outdoors and the healing it induces. It certainly seems the farther you go out the farther you go in. In junior college I had to write a paper on my strongest held belief and I was really perplexed by the assignment and finally came to the conclusion that the Salmon River was more or less my church, I took teens there yearly at the time for a camp out and would wake up every morning to dive into the crisp waters & get clean in every sense of the word. Clean body, mind and soul. I need a trip there soon. Like Julie I am blessed and I walk out my door to the beach almost daily, past huckleberries and many other edible plants like usnea that I am learning about. Being on the computer in doors definately has to be balanced with being outdoors. Most my papers get written while I walk.
ReplyDeleteBalance.... what is that really? I think your post is really interesting Levi. It makes me wonder how one realizes balance in the helping professions? Are we really balanced when we are in the outdoors enjoying ourselves and the thought of a client comes to mind, or the guilt for not doing what we are 'supposed' to be doing? Maybe some of us would say yes... and some no.. I am not disagreeing with the need for balance... I think your post clearly describes how you find that for yourself. I am genuinely curious about this topic.. balance and self-care that is. It is hard to teach... That is the burning question right? How do we find balance and how do we teach others to find it as well???? hmmmmmm.....
ReplyDeleteLevi, you have always been so wonderful with words. It suprises me, given your sensitive nature that you are flourishing in social work. Your success will most def hang in the "balance". My memories of you are almost all in the outdoors, I am happy to read that you are nourishing that part of yourself; that which is so detrimental to your happiness. I hope to catch up with you soon old friend. Until then... Love & Light & many Blessings.
ReplyDelete