Bluegrass Wildlife: Clearing the mind — getting away from work, enjoying outdoors, taking in sights

By Howard Whiteman
Murray State University

Sitting on a grassy knoll, the mountain air blowing hard enough to keep it from being too hot on a day that was unseasonably warm, gave me something I never seem to have. The time to think.

My back resting against my pack, I relaxed my sore muscles, enjoyed the scenery, and tried to soak in as much nature as I could. On this day the sun and wind seemed to wash away many of my real and imagined problems, while helping me to think about solutions for other ones.

Getting away from work and other responsibilities every once in a while, with no distractions and just some down time in nature, is just the elixir to clear the mind and solve some long, difficult problems, or refocus one’s priorities, like the big ones in life, not the To Do list.

I get a taste of this when I go for a run, and more so when I am quietly sitting in a treestand waiting for a nice buck to pass by, but being out in wilderness, after a long hike up a mountain, and just sitting in the sun can do absolute wonders.

Sometimes I just need a walk outdoors, much like my dog. Nothing strenuous, just walking at a slow pace, and not thinking about anything in particular, but rather trying to clear my mind and soak in some natural sights, sounds, and feelings, and letting all of that help my brain and body relax.

Nature has a way of washing away our daily grind, recharging the batteries, and making us understand who we really are, what we mean to others, and what others mean to us. Whether it is a grassy mountain knoll, a stroll in a park, or staring at the Milky Way, being outdoors can be great medicine, both physically and mentally.

Too many of us never get outside. Trapped in our homes and offices, tied down with work, addicted to television, video games, air conditioning, or all of the above, we have forgotten a part of what makes us human—interacting with nature.

Humans are a product of nature. We are who we are because of tens of thousands of years of interacting with, and learning from, nature. Some of us have replaced nature with indoor interaction, but by doing so we lose our connection with the natural world, and the mental well-being it can provide.

We all have problems in our lives, whether it is work, family, friends, or even enemies. If you are dealing with an issue, consider taking a hike, a walk, a canoe ride and find some nature to be at peace with for a few hours, alone if need be.

Some people cannot get away from their homes for a variety of reasons, but maybe you have a backyard or porch that you haven’t occupied for a few years. It happens. That special place might be a perfect conduit for you to experience some quality time in nature. Wherever you can find your outdoor time, try it, and try to relax, not work.

Maybe take an afternoon nap while you do it. Don’t think too hard, and let your thoughts wonder. Enjoy the sights and sounds of songbirds, squirrels, and insects, the warmth of the sun, and the feeling of a cool breeze on your face. Some problems in your life may fade in importance, while others may come to the forefront with solutions. Just taking some time off from our daily routine and immersing ourselves in the outdoors works for me and others, and it might work for you as well.

Nature won’t solve of our problems, but it is always there to help. We just need to take the initiative by getting outside and giving her a chance. She might just clear your mind, recharge your batteries, help you find some much-needed peace, and maybe, just maybe, help you solve a problem in your life.

Even if it does a fraction of these things, it is worth trying, and cannot hurt, right? I hope you take that first step outside your house, enjoy the outdoors this fall, and find something in nature that helps you with your own journey through life.

Howard Whiteman is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Murray State University and Director of the Watershed Studies Institute. He holds the Commonwalth Endowed Chair of Environmental Studies.

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