Lessons from the Wild #2

Another incredible reminder that being in nature serves - especially when backpacking with minimal provisions - is the value of simplicity.  

"I do believe in simplicity. It is astonishing as well as sad, how many trivial affairs even the wisest thinks he must attend to in a day; how singular an affair he thinks he must omit. When the mathematician would solve a difficult problem, he first frees the equation of all incumbrances, and reduces it to its simplest terms. So simplify the problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth to see where your main roots run."   - Henry David Thoreau

Simplicity happens on two levels: the external and internal. Obviously, as people slow down the pace of their lives, they have more time and energy to engage in earth-friendly practices and to be of service to others. But something else takes place on an internal level. When we remove the material and scheduling clutter from our lives, we seem to open up the space within ourselves for deep caring - caring for the earth, other people, future generations, and life on the planet. Simplicity brings out the best in humanity and allows the awakening in which we experience our connection to other people and nature. This leads us to behave in ways that make this world a better place. 

Here are 10 keys to living a fulfilling life of simplicity:

1. Limit material possessions to what is needed or cherished
2. Meaningful work (whether paid or volunteer)
3. Quality relationships with friends and family
4. Joyful and pleasurable hobbies
5. A conscious and thoughtful relationship with money
6. Connection to community
7. Sustainable consumption
8. Healthy living - including exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritious food
9. Practices that foster personal growth - yoga, meditation, journal writing, self-help 
10. Regular connection to nature

Naturally, specific lifestyles of simplicity will vary enormously because what each person needs or cherishes is a subjective determination.  But, if you incorporate these practices into your life, you'll be amazed at the difference you'll feel, both inside and out.

It's only been 8 years since I strapped on a backpack and embarked on my 3-year adventure in the developing world.  What I learned through these lessons of simplicity has made a profound impact on my life - one that has become even more noticeable in my current existence as a San Francisco urbanite.  Less really is more.  As more people learn the art of simplicity, and cultivate the caring that comes from it, the more we can hope for real, lasting change in our world.

"In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first."
- Jimi Hendrix

 

Lessons from the Wild #1

I recently returned from a 4-day backpacking trip in the Sierras of California.  Though I've been an avid backpacker for the past 10 years, I never cease to be inspired by the awe of a vast mountain vista, or the tranquility I feel listening to a babbling mountain stream.

John Muir once said, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks".

Nature teaches us many lessons. It reminds us that we need to constantly adapt to conditions, outside forces, and every day challenges in order to survive. It tells us that there will be a tomorrow and that there is beauty in simplicity. Nature is all around us, ready to teach, but many times we’re too busy with everyday life that we forget to tune in and hear what it has to say.  

As a society, we have gotten away from nature. We've moved from an agricultural country to a high-tech world filled with gadgets. Yet the current season seems ripe for many to once again get back to nature and to the land.  There's a growing desire to learn how to not only respect what nature offers us, but to learn from it, and to be in tune with it. From growing your own food, to composting, to preserving food, the time for getting back to nature is flourishing.

Every time that we choose to be in nature, we can also choose to be with nature. What's the difference? There are many people who go to nature, but don't really commune with it. When we're with nature, we become a part of it... of the whole vast and interconnected universe. We are free and playful.  Nature is creation, and when we merge with it, we merge with our own creative self.  

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”   - John Muir

How to be Creative for Life

Creativity is our life force. It's a wonderful, playful part of our being. All you have to do is remember back to when you were a kid - all those magical adventures where it was effortless. Break the pattern of the typical fear-based and reactive approach where you're looking for what will go wrong. The shift is simple - ask yourself "How can I bring more creativity to this challenge?”

Even creative people have one of “those days” where they just don’t feel creative. It's even tougher for someone working to re-tap into their creativity. The next time you need a boost to your creativity, try one of these tips. 

Learn Something - Constantly learning keeps you fresh, and inspires new creative thinking. Take a class, read a book, research a topic online, watch a webinar or YouTube video, whatever.  Learning something outside of your area is a great way to get the creativity flowing as well. 

Get Out - Leave the house, office, studio, or cubicle.  Get out of town, or even the country.  It doesn’t matter so much what you do or where you go, just the change of scenery helps get you out of your own head. With a fresh perspective or new point of view comes fresh ideas. Looking at new things can help you see old things in a new way.  It's great to make a habit of "getting out" of your routine at least once a day to keep the creative juices flowing.

Always carry a small notebook with you - Don't expect to remember all your great ideas. When you're struck by one, quickly write it down. If you don't, chances are you won't remember it later. They may not all be good, but they'll all help you in the end.

Read - As much as you can, about everything possible. Books exercise your brain, provide inspiration and fill you with information that allows you to make more creative connections.

Surround yourself with creative people - Interesting and creative people gravitate towards one another. Talking, and listening, to someone else is an excellent way to see a problem differently, re-think your ideas or find a new solution. Go to a presentation or lecture by someone you admire, or about a topic that seems interesting. Some of the freshest ideas are inspired by things that are entirely unrelated to the problem at hand.

Don’t be a workaholic – Take breaks. Your mind needs a chance to wind down so it doesn’t overheat and crash.

Spend time with children - Your own or someone else's. Tap back into childhood.

Get closer to nature – So many studies have shown how rejuvenating and inspiring nature is. Whether it's a weekend backpacking trip, a jog on the beach, or lunch in the park, it all helps.


And last but not least

Reward Your Curiosity - One common roadblock to developing creativity is the sense that curiosity is an indulgence. Rather than reprimanding yourself, reward yourself when you're curious about something. Give yourself the opportunity to explore new topics.

"The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself."   - Alan Alda