The Importance of Being Outdoors and Connecting Yourself with Nature

Yes, it is January. Yes, it is cold outside.  But this is Pagosa!  We have the privilege of living in one of the most beautiful areas of southern Colorado.  Each day has its own magic.  Whether it is the bluest sky ever seen, or dark grey clouds that threaten snow.  It is all beautiful and wonderful.  And if you’re always indoors, you’re missing it.  

But aside from the gorgeous views, being outdoors in nature has a slew of benefits for us.  As Richardson and colleagues in an October 2020 article in the Ecosystems and People journal state, “The ‘pathways to nature connectedness’ (sensory contact, emotion, meaning, beauty, and compassion) provide an important and flexible framework to help improve the human–nature relationship.” This connectedness also gives us a sense of ownership, a realization that the natural world exists for our benefit.  But it is fleeting.  Urbanization reduces the amount of green spaces.  Concrete replaces earth.  We lose more than just oxygen.  We lose that absolute interaction with what created us in the first place.  By being in nature, we should be more protective of it.  Awareness of how our actions can change, good or bad, the ecosystems that surround us, for years to come.  What are we leaving for future generations if we do not take the necessary actions to protect our own environment?  What do we think Pagosa Springs will look like in a hundred years if we fail to consider where we stand with nature?

As we delve into this new year, perhaps we should take a moment to gaze at the beauty of our wonderful location.  Breathe in the cold morning air as the sun is rising over the mountains.  Walk among our tall Ponderosa Pine trees, study the carpet of spent pine needles on the ground, slowly breaking down over time to become one with the earth once again.  Nature is a cycle, and we are a part of that cycle. Embrace it and appreciate its purpose in our lives.  Experience it every chance you get.    

If you are going to be outdoors in the cold, remember to dress appropriately. Be aware of the weather conditions and if there is a chance of snow or extreme cold. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.