A Walk in the Woods
At some point last week, the heat and the humidity finally broke. The air cleared and the temperature dropped. A hint of fall was in the air and I knew it was time to get back to my favorite hiking spot. My mind-clearing, inspiring, electronic free, nature’s playground spot.
This place that I walk in the spring and the fall, is a SNA or a DNR Scientific Natural Area which basically means it is an area that is protected and monitored by the DNA but not changed or improved. The place I hike, Wood Rill has glacial lakes, old growth (over 400 years old) forests, wetlands, the steep hills of the St. Croix Moraine and a network of challenging trails.
A carpet of maple saplings. Makes me wonder who will grow up to be the kings and queens!
Wood Rill is off limits for the dogs and I in the summer. It isn’t closed, it is just one of the most impressive mosquito havens that I have ever seen. Clouds of mosquitos will descend upon you the minute you step onto one of the trails even when that you are covered with spray! So, when the temp drops and the little buggers go into hiding, I hear the woods calling my name.
A sure sign of fall.
While I am hiking, I go electronic free, except for my phone incase of emergency. I do turn off the ringer. The time in the woods, taking in natures beauty clears my head and inspires me. I come home, full of ideas and remarkably stress-free. It is when I truly understand that health isn’t just about what you eat. It is about how you move and what you think.
All of the healthy food in the world only gives you one piece of the total health puzzle. We need to move, whether it be hiking, walking, yoga, or what ever you choose to exercise your body. We also need to clear our heads of negative thought. I often have thought that negative thought can be as poisonous to the body as junk food. Junk food, junk thought. Both have a negative impact.
So as you travel on your journey with healthy raw food, don’t forget the other pieces to the puzzle. Combined, they have a much bigger impact.
Rita wrote on September 8, 2011
Jodie you are such an inspiration to us all! Blessings in your journey~Rita
Jodie wrote on September 7, 2011
Yes That’s so true Im seventy Im never sick and walk at least 60km a week.
I also cycle and think myself slim and healthy ,I love promoting my healthy way of living.
It’s so sad to see people looking ill and they mostly do it to them self drinking to much, alcohol, drugs,and not enough walking in the fresh air.
In the car to work sitting behind a computer most of the day drive back home and go on the treadmill if at all
If you want to be healthy you have to think healthy, the mind is a powerful thing and so is your gut healthy gut healthy mind healthy mind healthy gut it goes hand in hand.
Love to all and God bless. Jodie
Joanna wrote on September 7, 2011
Great post and timely message. Oh me, lol!
Rita wrote on September 7, 2011
Thank you Susan for the reminder! BTW, I love your new profile pic~radiant!!! Blessings in your journey~xoxo
veganforlife wrote on September 7, 2011
STUNNING!
laara wrote on September 7, 2011
great photos as always . Nature & its beauty feeds & nourishes the soul & body in a way food can never replace x
Nadia wrote on September 6, 2011
Exactly my philosophy what healthy really means, most of the people miss the point and focus too much on food 🙂 Thank you for that post!