Wilderness Break

What a dreary winter. Stuck in a room, stuck in a building somewhere away from lots of natural light and warmth of friends. It's been a difficult year. We, in the high Rockies, also have the challenge of being stuck inside away from extreme temperatures (not to mention extreme animals). But great obstacles need great inspiration. When there is a hint of warmth-above 20 degrees I'd say, we start going out. It is as if many of us fairly explode out of our doors waving to neighbors, smiling and shaking off the cold to just move! It is how we stimulate our minds, how we survive this difficult time. It's interesting how any potential challenge removed can be a stimulant-like a day of successful hiking through grizzly territory. If you are sitting there with writer's block, think: what is bothering me today that I can't do, see, or experience? Then, imagine that the huge obstacle that has prevented it (could it be COVID?) has just lifted like a black curtain. Close your eyes and imagine the total release! Breathe deeply into the experience of being absolutely unfettered from that wall. If you can, imagine the experience further-visiting with friends, feeling that hug or too hard pat on the back, or even a friend's sarcastic smile. Feel yourself smiling back. Keep breathing.

What do you feel in that moment of being exactly where you want to be-looking at the ocean waves roll in, the great piney woods of Montana or the sunset in the Andaman Islands off India for that matter! You can be anywhere! Do you smell the salt air? Imagine the range of flavors in that favorite hot chorizo? It can be as simple as feeling the gritty wooden table under your arm at your favorite coffee shop. This moment is yours.

Those who are adventurous may journey out of this atmosphere-up to the cosmos. Check out the Horsehead Nebula of Orion, the crystalline arc of the Milky Way. Is that a new comet? How does the earth appear when you look back from your suspended perch? See the range of colors of blue you'd never seen before on this living planet. There are new colors in deep space you've never seen before and they dance in front of you in waves.

If you miss animals, imagine their smell. Note the details of that beautiful chestnut horse you've always admired when you passed him, the welcoming expression of this gentle giant and the joy of just knowing he's in the world. If it's a pet that's passed, bring him back for just a moment. Love spans distance and time.

For many, their first outreach in this trip will be to beloved family members across the miles. Look at that new baby's gorgeous eyes and touch his tiny hand. Let his eyes meet yours and send him love. It's so much better than Zoom! Think about one of the best times with a family member or friend-filled with laughter or just the beauty of knowing you are all together and feeling the love. Some happy moment you forgot may come flowing back as a surprise gift. Accept it!

Keep the journey flowing. Even a minute will bring enormous results to your psyche and recircuit your brain giving you a boost of new energy and ideas. There is tremendous stress for so many at this time playing an endless loop of worries. Let the wide open vistas of your mind be your second home-your vacation home in the wilderness. Imagine an immediate ticket out-where would you go-what would you do? Don't just wish it-close your eyes and see it, experience the full sensual range of smells, touch, the noise or quiet serenity, whether it's a rush of bird chatterings in a deep green meadow or the rush of wind on an Irish cliff. You are there and you are a part of the landscape. You belong. Make sure to look out for bears-you can add a new dimension or two-make it a true adventure-one where you are always safe and secure, a race you always win. Perhaps a great bruin stands up to look at you from afar. That has happened to me-it is an unforgettable rush.

Now, come back. You are home, but how did that moment feel? You always knew writing was transportive-you've done that for others, but you can do it to yourself, as well. To complete the renewal--move! Move your arms, your legs, stretch, walk around the room and feel your body again. Better yet, if possible, get outside even if it's a few minutes on the street or even on your fire escape, your roof or sticking your head out the window! Look at the sky. It's not the Rockies but the mood change is similar-you feel a freedom from the room you live in. The wilderness and the world is a blink away. Your room, your apartment, your home has been your haven but for a moment, you're just a traveler who will return soon.

Painting by Eleanor Guerrero