Go Outsidešæš
By Tara McGee, MSW, RSW, DipTiRP, Psychotherapist, OCSWSSW, Yoga Therapist
About 20 years ago, a close friend who we called, āThe Wizardā, gave me a screen print on a piece of cloth that had an image of a foot and on it was written, āStep 1. Go Outside.ā Long ago, we hung that by our front door and it hangs there still.
This summer my goal was just that – go outside. No planning needed, just get out there – the way my mom used to tell us to go outside and play after dinner. Weād find neighbours to play with, or a lake to swim in, or a bike to ride, ice cream cone to eat, a ball to throw – and we begged to stay out later.Ā
When I think back now over my almost half century of life, I believe the best moments have been outside. Canoe trips, gardening, rafting, hiking, biking, gardening, swimming, reading, dancing, stargazing, writing, bbqās, sugaring off, cross country skiing, cottaging, marrying, partying or just walking around. Best is outside with friends and family. Or alone in the early morning (if I can stand to get out of my warm bed!). But really, anytime I go outside, somethingĀ happens. Outside is where it feels like life lives.Ā Ā
So this summer, I resolved to go outside. I would saunter around my backyard, or get my hands into the weeds in the garden. I walked the dogs, dunked in the rivers, swam in the lake. I got out kayaking (once!), hiked barefoot and practiced yoga under the stars. I always leave my door open in my bedroom to hear the wind, the rain, the crickets, the peepers, the birds and the cicadas so that when Iām sleeping Iām also outside. Sometimes I just sat outside for no reason at all and just listened and watched.Ā
Every time I go outside something happens. I see a hummingbird in the flowers, I watch a butterfly float around the garden, I admire the turkey vultures gliding overhead. My thoughts move from restless to curious to drifting and soft. I have my best ideas. My feet remember the ground. I come back to the moment Iām in and donāt worry so much about tomorrow or regret so much about yesterday. Outside holds me. Itās where I belong. It knows me. It is where I know, well, everything.Ā
As I move unwillingly into fall, I resolve to keep it up. Just go outside. It gets a bit harder for me as it get colder – more clothing and shoes and then boots and toques to put on. It can feel cozier to stay in by the fire, or (whoās kidding who?) glaring at a screen. But really, to stay connected to myself, to life itself, thereās really nothing better than taking the first step – outside.Ā
In Love & Light -Tara
