Part 5
SUNDAY MODE
There are days that are meant for active adventures, and then there are others that call for relaxation and stillness.
And that is ok. When the call of the wild is matched by a similar pull of simply wanting to relax, it’s time to change strategies. On days like these, simplicity is your best friend. The idea is to make heading outdoors effortless—sometimes, that might mean driving to a local park or lakeside, just to minimize obstacles.
The idea is to make heading outdoors effortless
My go-to strategy? A light backpack stocked with coffee and some bite-sized treats. During autumn, I toss in a mushroom knife—because you never know when you’ll stumble upon a patch of edible treasures. Some days I hit the fungal jackpot; other days, not so much. But that’s fine. The point is to find a quiet nook, sit on a log, and sip my coffee as I let nature work its calming magic on me.
“…It’s about the small things that make us feel alive.”
For those who prefer an even cozier retreat, some locations have shelters with fire pits. Lighting a fire not only warms you up but adds an immersive sensory layer—the crackling sound, the smell of woodsmoke permeating your clothes. If cooking feels like too much, a pre-made soup or stew from home in a thermos will do just as well.
Although my camera usually tags along, it’s not about snapping the perfect shot. But let’s be real—nature has a knack for presenting photo ops when you least expect them. So even on a ‘do-nothing’ day, I usually return with a memory card full of cherished moments.
The bottom line? Whether it’s the aroma of your coffee mingling with the scent of damp earth or the warmth of the fire caressing your skin, little things like these punctuate the peacefulness. So go ahead, indulge in the simple pleasure of doing nothing in nature. You’ll be amazed at how much you actually end up doing—and feeling.
I found out that sometimes in nature you can see and experience much more with your eyes closed.