“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” ~John Muir
In the Pacific Northwest, we relish our weather and enjoy an abundance of accessible, free parks, green spaces, beaches, and vistas. Rain doesn’t stop us from enjoying nature and being outdoors. We know the value of good rain gear, as there’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
At Aging Wisdom, through our care management practice and creative engagement program, we understand the many benefits and the value of nature-based activities. The documented, evidence-based health benefits are abundant, especially for older adults. Planning outdoor activities and time to connect with nature with our clients is common.
Our work is rooted in helping others live well, care well, and age well.
On a personal note, our team embraces time outdoors too. Look at staff profiles and you’ll see we love gardening, hiking, camping, walking, swimming, skiing, birdwatching, travel.
*Biophilia: a love of life or living things.
The ideas below are easy to weave in your day-to-day, so you too can reap the many benefits of multi-sensory time in nature.
Shinrin-yoku. We recently held a staff retreat at the Washington Arboretum Park. We paused midweek one morning to partake in shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” Our guide, Chloe Lee, co-founder of Cascadia Forest Therapy, led us on a mindful, restorative journey. The two hours we spent engaging all our senses in the native knoll of the Arboretum was refreshing, stress-reducing, and peaceful. Check this link on Cascadia’s website for public sessions. Give it a try! There’s one happening September 16 at the Washington Park Arboretum.
Berry, pumpkin, and apple picking. As Fall teases us with changing leaves and temperatures, thoughts of visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards come to mind. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries (even in your own neighborhood) are still beckoning us to the harvest. Bonus: fresh air, physical activity, snack as you pick, and fresh produce to take home.
Visit the Northwest Trolls. The Fremont Troll has company. Say Hello to the Northwest Trolls. These art installations span two states and six cities. The Trolls are made from recycled materials and designed by Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo. According to Dambo’s website, “the project celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Scandinavian traditions.” The Northwest Trolls are nestled in park settings dense with trees. They are meant to be discovered and invite us all to enjoy time playing in our natural surroundings.
Walking Groups. Our area offers an abundance of choices for walking with groups. In addition to the physical activity and time spent outdoors, there is the added benefit of social connection. Walking with a group typically begins and ends with a social engagement opportunity. Check your local senior or community center. Lifelong Recreation through Seattle Parks & Recreation offers a walking group program called Sounds Steps. Check the PNA Village for their walking groups as well. The City of Bellevue offers a series called Tuesday Trails 50+ Hiking with easy hikes for active adults.
Beachcombing and the wonder of water. It’s difficult to visit a beach and not bring home a shell, beach glass, driftwood, or other found object. Time at the beach is restorative. Breezes. Scent of the brackish air. Watching paddle boarders and sailboats. The delight of others at the beach. Sweet songs of birds. A possible whale sighting. Golden Gardens in Ballard and Lincoln Park in West Seattle offered the added backdrop of tall trees and an abundance of greenery. One of my favorite parks on Lake Union is tiny and secluded: Waterway 15, on NE Northlake Way, next to Ivar’s Salmon House. It’s an art installation of sorts that invites you to savor unique views, destress by the water, a sweet little hideaway surrounded by greenspace.
<Get Outdoors to Enhance Well-Being>
Never underestimate the benefits of playing outside. It’s something that came so naturally to us as children. Now we have a great excuse to regularly revisit those delights as adults. Time in nature promotes overall health and well-being, enhances fitness and physical strength, improves cognitive ability, reduces stress, and helps us to build social relationships. Dig in the dirt of a garden. Comb the beach for treasures. Search for trolls. Hug a tree. Pick apples. Collect a bouquet of leaves.
Where will you go and explore the goodness of nature and improve your personal well-being?
Need some support and guidance to get outdoors and explore? Click here to schedule a get-acquainted call to explore our Creative Engagement program.
