Deep Connections

I couldn’t help but think about my relationship with nature when I read the article “Making Time To Marvel” on page 27 in this month’s issue. I grew up in a different time, where I had the freedom to roam in my neighborhood. A wild field, a huge park atop cliffs, a river and my yard were all part of my “playground,” where I cultivated my love for the natural world.

As a young adult, I spent years camping and hiking in the Rocky Mountains every possible chance I could get. What a feeling it was being out there in the middle of nowhere with the brilliant sun, cool breeze and vast views—my reward after a long, sweaty hike up a switchback trail through the trees.

Living on our horse ranch was wonderful as well. We were in the middle of 160 acres in a clearing with forest all around, and a river ran through the north end of our property. It was our own private nature reserve, with moose, deer, elk, bears, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes and endless bird species—eagles, owls, bluebirds and many others. It was a fabulous place to walk our dogs, and the connection with nature was almost intense, as we lived in a little house right in the middle of it all. The wildlife just roamed around as if we were part of the scene, because we were.

Moving to the ocean brought a whole new experience to my life, as this was my first time interacting at a “local” level with such a force of nature. It had a similar wild appeal to the rugged mountains, just in a different form. It became my “new” nature, as I walked on the beach, observed the sea life, and wondered if there would be a bear around each corner as I hiked along heavily vegetated trails. And, surprise, there was a bear from time to time, especially during the salmon run.

Now, living in beautiful Arizona, it’s yet another completely different environment, but the feeling is the same. When I’m out on the trails, whether it’s the red rocks, the high mountain desert or the ponderosa pine forest, it’s still the most humbling and centering experience—and my deepest connection.