Why Would I Want to Go Outside?!?

The earth has music for those who listen. - William Shakespeare

“The outdoors is just, so, you know…outdoorsy!” you say. “It’s kind of boring if you ask me. What would I even do there?”

Our lifestyles have led us to believe that we are consumers, observers of our world through computer screens and phones, through televisions and earbuds. We are expected to be fed information and entertainment at all times, and if that information can not capture and hold our attention in less that 30 seconds, we move on to the next video, photo, story, person. Attention spans are stunted and we are simply not participating in the adventure. You know. The adventure; our own lives.

I am a huge proponent of exercise as a way to enjoy nature, but I understand that this may be an immediate conversation stopper for some.

“I DO NOT exercise!”

“I have chronic injuries.”

“My rigorous career is exercise enough!”

It’s OK. I am not going to make you run a marathon. I am going to suggest that you get started with a mission. Give this one a try: Take your camera, iPhone (just for photos! DISCONNECT!), or GoPro and spend time creating the information for others to consume. Take pictures of animals, of flowers, of leaves or shells, or set a goal to find shapes in nature. Look for unusual colors, try micro (close-ups) and macro (broader, landscapes) shots or focus on getting an ‘artsy’ shot. And, spend more than 30 seconds with this experience. Trust me, it will be worth it as you leave the wilderness, whether it is many miles or many yards from civilization, with your parting gift of photographic memories.