The key to seeing wonders outside (Outdoor Diary)
April 23, 2024
Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. The following is an edited transcript of this episode of Humans
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They say spending time in nature can change your life. But in a world packed with indoor life pressures, how can you make getting outside just a part of who you are?
Welcome to the Humans Outside podcast, where we explore life in the great outdoors from our perch in Alaska, all while hearing from fascinating outdoor-minded guests.
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I used to hear friends talk about the crazy wonderful things they were spotting outside and wonder how it was I was missing out. Why didn’t I see that stuff? Were they trying harder? Going places I didn’t want to go? Getting up in tbe middle of the night to do it?
And then one day I stumbled upon their secret by accident. And now that I’ve figured out the trick to seeing wonders outside, I just can’t stop.
- It’s not that hard
- It doesn’t take any extra work
- It does take intention
Listen now!
[00:35] Yes, I’m an early riser
[01:32] This morning experience changed my perspective
[02:12] All I had to do was take this step
[02:31] Yes, I missed stuff
[03:03] But now I see this stuff, too
When was the last time you thought about the way learning to notice and navigate changing seasons affects how you view your indoor life?
One of the best things about spending a lot of time outdoors is how it prompts you to pause and see how the world is shifting day by day. Are you ready for it? Are you taking it as it comes?
No matter how you approach the shift in seasons, one thing is certain: getting used to changes outdoors can teach you a thing or two about changes indoors.
Getting okay with growth
Noticing when it’s coming
Embracing what it brings
Listen to this episode of Humans Outside now!
[00:35] Here’s a highly philosophical observation about the sun
[01:28] We’ve got some signs of spring up in here
[02:31] Let’s get aware of seasons
[03:11] No solar eclipse here, but we do have seasons changing
[03:29] There’s sun and I’m not mad about it
[04:00] Just over here learning from nature for my inside life, once again
When did you last hug a tree? I mean literally, actually hug a tree?
Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but hang with me, because this silly thing has been recharging and reshaping how I feel about heading outside.
Listen now!
[00:35] Tree Hugging as Gratitude
[01:20] Grounding Experience of Tree Hugging
[01:41] Winter Contrast and Appreciation in Seattle
[02:49] Monthly Sit Spot Reflection
[03:08] Observations and Gratitude for Trees
[04:36] Emotional and Sensory Connection with Nature
The changing of seasons is the perfect time to look around for signs of changing life outside.
But what if instead of just seeing the signs, you looked at them as encouragement for your day? What if you saw them as symbols of hope that you can take with you or find whenever you need a little push through your day?
What would you choose?
How would it help you?
Learn about my chosen symbol in this episode of Humans Outside. Listen now!
[:35] Signs of spring and easter
[1:19] Here’s where I see new life in nature
[1:58] Excuse me winter, please leave permanently
[2:21] Here’s some personal symbols I see
[2:48] Why I look to the birds
[4:12] And why you should find your own symbols
If you’ve ever spent time living in a major city, you know finding nature takes a lot more intentionality than if you spend all of your time in a rural environment. You might even think about experiencing nature in a city as happening in spite of the concrete jungle, not because of it.
But what if you flipped that on its head? What if you learned ways to appreciate nature because of the city it’s in?
That’s something today’s guest, Brittany Gowan, has become good at as part of her work coaching organizations and executives. With an industrial and organizational psychology master’s degree, she works with her clients to lean on nature in and out of the city, a concept also shares in her new book “Turn to the Sun.”
In this episode of Humans Outside Brittany talks about:
- Finding nature wherever you are
- The gifts of an outdoor habit in an urban environment
- How noticing nature can raise awareness for other things
Listen now!
[2:17] Brittany Gowan’s favorite outdoor space
[4:02] How Brittany became someone who likes to go outside
[4:57] How do people react to the idea of nearby nature?
[6:02] Ways to find natures in the city
[8:23] Why birds are cool for this
[10:59] How to build awareness for nature in a city
[13:06] How to create space for nature
[15:03] The art of nature visualization
[22:53] Do houseplants move you towards nature?
[28:00] The top thing Brittany has learned through her outdoor practice
[34:01] Brittany’s favorite outdoor moment
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My outdoor habit has taught me this about getting OK with seasons (Outdoor Diary)
April 16, 2024
Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. The following is an edited transcript of this episode
Have you hugged a tree lately? Because I have, and it’s great. (Outdoor Diary)
April 9, 2024
Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. The following is an edited transcript of this episode