Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
The Secret Ingredient in Chanel N°5
Something happened the other day. I’d just finished working on the first edit of Voices from the Mist when an agouti paca mother stood right outside my office. Of course, she scurried back to her den to protect her babies but I stayed behind in the garden and took a deep breath. Ah, the elegant fragrance of ylang-ylang, my favorite tropical flower. (It’s the secret ingredient in Chanel Number 5 perfume.) The flower grows on trees and releases its scent around sunrise and sunset.
Living the Dream
My husband and I moved to Costa Rica 17 years ago because it was our dream to live on the beach surrounded by nature. I love the smells and sounds of the rainforest. I walked among our trees and inhaled pure, cleansing rain forest oxygen. A toucan flew into a nearby tree and sang its two-note three-note song. Nature breaks are energy on-demand. I thought about my book and how far I’ve come on this healing journey. I’m ecstatic to be at this stage, getting ready to send my manuscript to my editor, whose support I love. I’m connecting with myself, my spiritual self. All my senses light up, and I feel awake. Can you relate to this?
Dian Fossey Loved the Outdoors Too
Dian Fossey loved the outdoors and all of its wonders. The mountain gorillas alone were all she needed to take on insurmountable challenges as a single woman in Africa. As survivors of CSA (childhood sexual abuse), Dian and I share a soft spot for animals, they never lie or betray you. That’s why, when Diego and Frida, our lovable pups, came running up to me while I was deep in thought, I couldn’t have been happier to see those two sweet faces.
I Hope You’ll Join Me
On this journey I’ve chosen, I write to heal and to help others heal too. Most of us have a part of ourselves we need to recover. I’m doing it even though it’s new territory and scary.
I connect with nature to balance my life and put into perspective just how fortunate I am to be doing what I am doing right here and now. Do what feels good and find a way to get outside. Enjoy your journey. Until next time.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to join me.
Resources
13 Remarkable Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors
Are There Benefits to Spending Time Outdoors?
Spending Time in Nature for Your Health — How Outdoor Activities Improve Wellbeing
Be Your Own Hero
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