Inspiration in the Outdoors: Protecting Our Environment Matters

I feel most inspired outdoors, with a body of water and many trees. My kids are the same way. Nothing compares to the natural beauty of the world around us. Unfortunately, humans haven’t been all that kind to our world, and our environment is in peril. The best way to thank Mother Nature for protecting us is by caring for her so future generations can derive inspiration from the outdoors.

I don’t spend as much time outdoors as I used to or as I’d like because I don’t tolerate heat well. My asthma isn’t a fan of humid air. This also means I’m less active than I’d like. Sometimes, stormy weather means we’re indoors. In winter, more harsh winter weather has us inside more than I’d like. It means we’re not getting as much time feeling inspired by the beauty of the outdoors as I used to.

Last year, we took a Colorado glamping trip and enjoyed hiking and being outdoors. We cooked outside almost every day. We did something active every day. It was good for the soul. My kids still talk about it. Their favorite parts of Scouting are the parts where we’re outdoors.

I’m telling you all of this because our environment matters. Of course, we all know that on the meta scale, but it also really matters on a micro-scale. The environment matters to our mental health. It matters for our sense of serenity. We are natural beings. Nature is good for us. It heals us. So while, of course, we need to be concerned about climate change and our environment because we need to make sure our earth is still habitable by ourselves and the other living organisms who call this blue rock home, we also need to be concerned about it because it really impacts our ability to enjoy our home.

Think about what in nature inspires you most. Then, plan to get involved with an organization that protects that aspect of nature. I keep planning to head to meetings of our local Siera Club. Instead, I donate – I try to donate money when I can’t give time. When I can’t donate money, I try to support the organizations in other ways.

What about nature inspires you? Comment below.