By Peter Boogaart, Creation Care Coordinator
There’s a new year coming. That used to mean being swamped with calendars, as everyone with something to promote sent them out. Not so much anymore. Still, I’ll bet there’s one on your refrigerator, and I’ll bet it has pictures. Think about those pictures. They’re almost always outdoor scenes, right? Or maybe kittens.
I’ve never seen a calendar featuring: The 12 Best Junkyards in America. Or 12 Months of Rush Hour Scenes. How about America’s 12 Worst Disasters? Why all those silvan outdoor scenes?
Researchers say that we now spend 90 percent of our time indoors. We don’t expose ourselves to the elements very often. Living without air conditioning and suffering are sort of the same thing. Could it be that those pictures are a fragile link to what really matters?
Here’s something to think about from the Washington Post: “According to a study published this week in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, spending 120 minutes a week strolling a tree-lined street or sitting by a lake can greatly enhance a person’s overall sense of well-being. Less time didn’t yield any significant benefit, the research showed.”
Our own Lisa Denison recently explored these questions. Here are some of her thoughts and recommendations.
Is Norway’s friluftsliv the answer to surviving a second lockdown?
By Lisa Denison, Creation Care Member
As pandemic restrictions tighten, and the weather turns, Norway’s friluftsliv—free-air life—is more relevant and appealing than ever. That’s pronounced free-luftz-leev. The concept is wholly experiential, and free. It adheres to the premise that “there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothes.” Just remember, you still need a mask around other people.
Here are some ideas to work with:
1. Walk in nature.
- Take time to notice things around you. Pause and take deep breaths. Hug a tree.
- Go star gazing at night. (Check out the free app Night Sky)
- Parks where you can hike as a family and “social distance” include: Outdoor Discovery Center, VanRaalte Farm, Saugatuck Dunes, Ottawa County Parks, Windmill Island, and Window on the Waterfront.
- Beaches! Wear gloves and take a trash bag. You get the benefit of fresh air and exercise while helping the environment.
- Make a point to go see the sunset.
2. Explore your town.
- Try some less-traveled routes during your walks. Just get outside and walk anywhere that looks interesting and doesn’t have another person in the way.
- Visit the Kerstmarkt until December 12 or the Winter Market the first and third Saturdays January through April.
3. Take photos.
- Look for interesting shots at different times of day, and then for photo contests to enter.
4. Go “camping” in your backyard.
- Sit around a firepit with your family. Sing, tell stories, just relax.
5. Outdoor fitness
- Jump rope, run an obstacle course, play basketball.
- Learn to snow shoe or cross country ski.
- Go for a run.
- Shovel snow for a neighbor who can’t.
6. Play outside, by yourself or with your kids and/or dog.
- Build snowmen or igloos and have snowball fights.
- Make snow angels.
- Play games like “What time is it Mr. Fox” in the snow.
- Have a scavenger hunt.
- Adapt games for snowy weather.
- Check out online resources like www.earlylearningactivities.com/PDF/og.pdf
Find your peace of mind outside this winter!
