Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Themselves in Nature

Nature truly does heal, and that goes for your relationships, to your partner, your kids, and to yourself! Getting outside on a walk or hike in the forest or on walking trails ignites all of your senses. Do you ever notice how when you get into a nature setting, you often take that deep breath of fresh air, you tend to look up and around you, you smile more and acknowledge other people passing by, and you just feel lighter on your feet? If you really get more intentional and mindful you’ll notice that you have more clarity when walking in the forest, your inner dialog is more positive and curious, rather than pessimistic and closed off. And, although it’s hard sometimes to get them out there at first, kids are always in a better mood once they’re out in nature!

When Chris and I first started dating I had been walking in this one particular forest for a few years, and we met there for our third date. As I got to know him better and became more comfortable sharing things like this with him, I told him that I often have in depth conversations with my Higher Self while walking in that forest! And I do. Whenever I have too much on my mind, need to make a big decision about something, am in conflict with myself or someone else, or struggling with one of my kids, a walk in my forest always offers me clarity, presence, and deeper understanding. It really is like I get quiet enough, I’m in tune with my inner self, the heaviness of life lifts on those walks, and my Higher Self’s guidance can be heard and felt.

As our relationship grew and we moved in together and created our business, these walks together in our forest did the same for our relationship. Some of our greatest creative breakthroughs in our business came to us on these walks….it was like these epiphanies just opened up to us! Whenever we’re in a funk or really struggling to understand each other, we know where we need to go. Sometimes we’ll have beautiful healing conversations on our walks and find closure or an answer we need, other times we walk in complete silence just being present with our thoughts and each other. This forest and these walks are our safe place, our spiritual and creative haven, and where our love is restored and renewed.

And with my kiddos being 12 and 16 now, it’s not as easy as it once was to get them out on a hike with me. But when we do they are playful with each other, we have deeper conversations about life, and there’s just a beautiful feeling of connection between us. Chris and I usually go with both of our 12 year old’s and it’s a fun time to be silly, and we get them to open up more on these nature walks.

This time of year, it’s especially important to get outside in nature, alone, with each other, and together as a family, particularly if you live where its cold and gray and you don’t feel like it! Pushing yourselves and your kids to get up and go will be worth it, I promise! If you don’t already, find a new forest or some wooded trails this week and get out there, on your own and with each other. Talk with yourself and get some clarity where you need it, and together either hold hands and have a heartfelt conversation, or just walk side by side and be present with each other. Nature heals.

Love,

Erin and Chris XO