It has been a while since my last post, and I felt compelled to share my camping excursion in Algonquin park last weekend. I know not everyone is excited by camping out in the great outdoors, though I have to say it is such a great way to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Actually it is mostly the mind and spirit that got a weekend off; my body was crying out for some bodywork after hiking two hours each way with a pack full of gear!Having left our cell phones and all other technological devices at home, we had no access to time, technology, and thus we were able to fully embrace the beauty of nature's elements: lake, forest, sunshine, rain, and animal creatures abound! We were greeted by a bunny, fireflies, a turtle, a loon, a couple chipmunks, and a few mosquitos. As an aside, peppermint essential oil is an effective aid in relieving the swelling from the pesky bites. I used it this weekend, and it definitely made a difference.
Even with the buggies, that many people could do without, I think camping is such a great experience for various reasons. It allows time for families and friends to reconnect, it gives us the space to unplug from all the techie devices that clog up our energetic fields, and it also gets us back in touch with our true nature. In a bustling city, such as Toronto, it is easy to get caught up in the hoopla of the busyness, creature comforts, and indulgences. A break from the city is guaranteed to shift your perspective on things.
Camping has its own comforts: a mini camping stove to cook delicious food, a thermarest for body comfort while sleeping, the therapeutic effects of the lake waters, and a good dose of vitamin D from being outside for many hours of the day. One thing I would highly recommend is bringing a comfy portable pillow. I forgot about this little detail and I definitely would have loved to have one!
Three cheers to Ontario's beautiful landscapes! I feel so lucky to have such beauty so close by.
2 comments:
Hi Ashley, found you via Valerie Young's site. I'm not a stalker honest, I was interested to know how you got on after you attended her weekend event. Did you ever do a write up of the event? I didn't see one on your blog. Really like your blog, although I haven't read all the articles yet. I love camping/hiking too - agree with you, it's a great way to rejuvenate! All the best! Tony
Hi Tony,
I am so sorry for not responding earlier. I did not realize I had comments! Valerie's workshop was really valuable and definitely helped me change course. Things are just starting to unfold now for me. I did not post a blog on the retreat, as I was focusing solely on health blogging at that time. Wishing you well on your journey. Warmly, Ashley
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