These unparalleled times of the last few months have impacted us all, not least of all our small businesses and restaurants.
Carlsbad may not be close to any big cities, but what it lacks in city nightlife, it makes up for in its proximity to countless amazing outdoor spots like Brantley Lake State Park, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, and the newest National Park: White Sands.
You do not have to sit in the car for an hour to get the benefits of the outdoors. A walk along the Pecos River or the Ocotillo Nature Trail will definitely do the trick to help ground you from the distractions of everyday life. While it is always nice to have social media worthy scenery, it is not required to reap the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of the outdoors. To get the benefits, just step outside.
Near your office or your home, discover beauty in your own back yard or in a walk around the block. One of nature’s greatest qualities is that it has its own pace. It helps our fast paced and often over stimulated minds and bodies slow down. Getting outside helps us let go of things mentally and allows us to pay attention to new and different things. It gives curiosity a chance to take the lead as we discover new things both outside and inside of ourselves.
2023 is only a few months old, so many of you may still be sorting out some resolutions or personal goals. I strongly suggest adding more time outdoors to your list. Think of it as a prescription; just like you would want to follow your doctor’s medical prescription to better your health, give yourself a prescription to enjoy nature and stick to it.
It is truly one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways for us to support ourselves mentally and physically. Being in nature is self-care in its most accessible form. If it has been a while since you have ventured out, maybe it is time to revisit some local staples like Sitting Bull Falls or Rattlesnake Springs. Maybe you would enjoy exploring the mountains around Queen and Cloudcroft. It might be equally gratifying to visit one of the two National Parks that are within an hour’s drive from Carlsbad. Nature gives us the greatest free gift; do not forget to take it whenever you get the chance. In the great words of John Muir, the man known as the father of the National Parks, “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
Article written by Mark Hollen and originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2023 Spring edition.
