stripping down in the outdoors

No. I’m not talking about going au naturel in the backcountry. I’m talking about going deeper. About looking beyond our surface layers of material items and society’s expectations and looking—really looking—at ourselves.

Being deep in the backcountry has a way of stripping away our winter coats of obligation and our base layers of expectation, leaving us exposed to the elements with only ourselves to depend on.

I recently asked my friend Katie what about the outdoors she was most passionate about. Her reply articulates clearly this idea of getting to our core:

“I love how backpacking and climbing make me feel so vulnerable. Of course, I don’t always at the time, and don’t always feel so great about that vulnerability! It forces you to be more self-reliant and self-sufficient, and to really find the boundaries of your comfort zone. You’re reduced to the most basic human emotions and needs. You can’t be a robot. You have to be present.”

Getting outside can, quite literally, “take us away from it all,” and towards a deeper authentic relationship with ourselves. Camping and hiking (and any other outdoor activity) encourages a direct connection to our inner selves. (That self that can get buried under work and family obligations, or cultural expectations.)

The noise of the outside world dims. We are more in tune with our thoughts. Impressions and ideas have room to spread out. The influences of others quiet, and our own voice finds space to speak out and be heard.

There is time to listen to ourselves. To feel vulnerable and to push ourselves, testing our boundaries and limits. There is opportunity to take risks and move forward through our fears.

Our time outside seems endless. We slow down. We notice more. We feel more. Good is amazing. Bad can turn epic. Those feelings can be scary without the comforting distractions of modern life. We can’t hide from them as easily, or ignore them as effortlessly.

Yet it’s these moments of awareness and connection that resuscitates us and brings new life into our consciousness. We are reminded of our dormant passions and dreams. We glimpse the possibilities and see new solutions with clarity. Our energy is restored and we grow stronger and more sure of who we are, outside of the influences and expectations of others.

We stand naked in our own skin and accept our vulnerabilities. We acknowledge our blemishes and embrace our strength and beauty.

And when we return to the city, we are revived, clear and focused. Our energy permeates the air around us and we inspire others. What layers will you shed today?