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Nature's healing powers
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Although this post is about something that happened in North Carolina, it can definitely apply to Colorado. When we get ill, most of us are aware of the importance of taking the medications that are prescribed by our doctors. We are also aware of the need to stay in bed and rest. However, we sometimes overlook the inexplicable healing powers of nature.
True, some of these powers can not be explained by modern science, but that should not negate their validity. Apparently there has been some research, albeit aprocryphal about the healing power of trees.
At this point, I am inclined to believe it.
As I recuperate in Raleigh, I find myself fighting with the urge to push myself too hard. I've been in the fitness industry since the days when Jane Fonda was hanging out in Nam with Ho Chi Minh, so I know that fitness does not progress in a linear fashion. Heck, last week, I couldn't even get through DIA. Now, I'm walking and working out almost every day. The danger: I so want to get back to where I was fitness wise, and I am impatient with myself. Some days, I need to rest. When I rest, I feel guilty.
The other day, I read a great article by the Denver Fitness Examiner about the need for recovery after a hard workout. Having passed many fitness certification exams, I certainly know this, but, like many fitness professionals, I don't always listen to my own advice. Jeremy also mentioned the importance of hydration, and it occured to me that lately, I always forget to bring a bottle of water with me when I go for a walk.
But talk about the healing powers of nature. Something so simple as water can do so much for your health!
When I finally allowed myself to take a day of rest, I was rewarded. I was finally able to complete the lake trail near the Raleigh apartment complex. The lake is surrounded by a number of different apartment complexes. There is a hill leading up to each complex. I decided to do some exploring. One of the complexes put up an outdoor fitness parcourse. You stop at various stations and perform exercises, most of which make use of your natural surroundings.
Now how cool is that?
This lake is truly enchanted. It's filled with these unique and exquisite multi-colored geese, who sometimes come out of the water and attempt to engage you in conversation.
It rained yesterday, and the lake trail had that wonderful smell of wet grass and leaves. I wish that I could put that smell in a bottle and use it for aromatherapy. Suddenly, the most beautiful goose came out of the water. It had a red beak, and its feathers were colors you would expect to see on a peacock.
We stared at each other for a few moments. Between the smell of the leaves, and the sight of this bird, I suddenly had the thought of how lucky I was to be blessed with this incredible experience. Then, I laughed. A few weeks ago, I felt that being down in low country was a fate worse than death, and that my illness was some sort of punishment for being such a terrible person. In a moment of weakness, I even poured my heart out in a message forum, telling people all of my sins, and explaining that because of them, I deserved this illness and I should just suck it up.
I continued my walk, and noticed a young kid with what looked like a lemonade stand. As I got closer, I saw a sign saying "Free Water." Given that I had once again left home without my water bottle, this was literally a godsend. I asked the kid why he was doing this. He said that his church told him to do something nice for someone. He handed me the water bottle, which had some writing on the label.
It said:
Admit you are a sinner (done that)
Confess and tell others (done)
Perhaps I have now been absolved
Now, I can give myself permission to heal
Next time you feel ill, listen to your doctor, but don't forget the power of the great outdoors!
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