Before I get into this, I want to say that slowing down didn’t happen by choice for me. I was very competitive with myself – if last time I walked 3 miles in X amount of time, this time I want to shave off 10 minutes. Instead of stopping and looking at the trees, I was too busy trying to make the best time. Kind of like George Costanza on a road trip.
Then, in 2020, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. All my mile counting and efforts to make the best time went out the window as I was forced to move at a gentler pace. I learned a lot of things during that time, but today I’m only going to share the part about slowing down and seeing nature in a different and life-changing way.
Table of Contents
- What Happens When You Slow Down Outside
- Simple Ways to Embrace Slower Adventures
- How This Shift Changed My Relationship With Nature
- Your Invitation: Try a Slow Adventure
What Happens When You Slow Down Outside
Suddenly you see things you never saw before. This is especially true if you go to the same places again and again. You start noticing and getting familiar with the different plants around you. You softly touch fresh leaves during the spring, and in the fall you carefully pick up fallen leaves only to crunch them in your hand and then watch the wind carry the tiny bits away.
You can see wild animals from a distance and you can stop and observe them, sometimes before they even see you. Or sometimes they see you too, and you have a moment of quiet between the two of you before they decide to walk on or continue nibbling on food.
Benefits of Slowing Down
Slowing down allows us to be more mindful and reduces stress and anxiety. And doing that in nature increases its benefits.
Simple Ways to Embrace Slower Adventures
You might be choosing to slow down or you might find yourself doing so because you are no longer able to explore like you used to or maybe you have always had mobility needs that have made outdoor exploration challenging.
I hope my suggestions encourage you to enjoy the journey you are on.
Choose short, easy adventures
Research ahead of time where you plan to hike or paddle. Go for the 1-mile trails and waterways. Opt for going on guided activities when they are available. They are usually at a slower pace with many stops because you are not only out there, but you are learning about the area.
Just sitting outside counts!
Grab your favorite portable chair and just sit outside in your backyard, by the beach, on your patio, or at a local park. It all counts.
If you are a wheelchair or walker user, find ways to get outside in a way that works for you. Some parks offer motorized wheelchairs that can get out onto the trails. If you are unsure if an area fits your abilities, check online, call, ask in outdoorsy groups, etc.
Practice Shinrin-yoku (AKA Forest Bathing)
I first became aware of this Japanese practice at my local environmental center. They had a guided forest bathing event and I signed up. It was a little bit like what I was already doing, so I was very curious.
During the hike we stopped often and didn’t speak much. It was a time to experience the outdoors with all 5 senses, yes, even taste. Because we were led by an expert, we were able to taste pine needles and sour berries. It was an absolutely beautiful and peaceful experience.
Looking to enjoy hiking, but not sure where to start? Check out my blog post “How to Enjoy Hiking at Any Ability.”
How This Shift Changed My Relationship With Nature
I’m not going to lie and say that I absolutely loved the slow-down. It was a hard pivot for me and I had to do a mental shift to be able to embrace my new reality.
But once I was able to focus on what I could do instead of what I couldn’t, I started enjoying the slower rhythm.
I, for the first time, saw just how mentally healing and relaxing nature could be. Before I only thought the physical experience was healing (and it is, but that’s not the whole picture).
Suddenly, seeing a turkey hen with dozens of tiny turkeys following her into the woods was meditative, it gave me life. It made me grateful for the quiet and the peace.
I began appreciating all the small beautiful gifts that come from nature. It was my connection to life and the giver of it, my connection to The Creator.
Yes, there was a spiritual connection for me that helped increase my faith.
It was so freeing and just made me forget about the pain, forget about the infusion pump I was connected to even when I was home. Being outside took me to a place of hope, joy, beauty, and life.
Today, even though I can hike further, longer, and can make the best time, I don’t. I’m not that person anymore. Those things are not important to me now. For me, slowing down and just being in nature is healing. It’s my meditation, it’s my life. It’s my reset.
Your Invitation: Try a Slow Adventure
If you are ready to get started, I’m going to share some of my favorite places where you can get outside and slow down.
Blue Spring State Park
Located in Orange City, Florida, Blue Spring is home to manatees in the winter. In the summer, visitors can paddle, swim, and tube. I’m listing it because they have wheelchairs for exploring the trails, an accessible boardwalk that overlooks the spring run with plenty of places to stop, and hiking options with level footing.
Silver Springs State Park
You’re probably seeing a trend in which places are my favorites! Silver Springs is a place to paddle, hike, and ride in glass-bottom boats. There are many paved and accessible paths throughout the park and the glass-bottom boats are also accessible. As for paddling, there are some very short paddle routes available and it’s beginner-friendly.
King’s Landing
If you are looking for a place to paddle that is beautiful and has plenty of places to rest, King’s Landing is a great option. Some people go just to launch and paddle a tiny bit and then soak in the crystal clear 72°F water. Paddling is the only way to get to the water here, but you choose how far you paddle before pausing.
De Leon Springs State Park
Yes, another spring! The entire spring area is accessible, with paved paths around the spring head, and there is a paved nature trail with benches.You can also try swimming if you are up for it. There is a shallow area with a ramp.
I hope this encourages you to get outside and enjoy nature at whatever pace fits with your life.