Time to Get Outdoors

After a summer of being medically grounded, not even allowed on brisk walks, I’m ready to grab hold of this summer and get outdoors! From a summer of “No, no!” to a summer of “Let’s go!” I’m looking forward to experiencing good vibrations, connecting with nature, engaging in heart-pumping activities, and spending quality time with friends and family.

The sun is finally shining, and it’s got my brain on prepping for more outdoor activities. With my son home from college and needing some direction, he is tasked with taking out our two kayaks and giving them a good scrubbing.

Kayaking has been a family favorite of ours for years.

Here in Fairfield County, we like to kayak on Squantz or Ball Pond. There’s something about a small body of water; the sights, the smells, and the calmness of it all feed my soul. Submersed in nature is where I can disconnect from all the noise of daily life and really just be fully present to enjoy. Kayaking also allows me to get my heart pumping, as I usually start by paddling quickly to the other side of the pond before relaxing and taking it slow. Our family has great memories of kayaking together on Robinson’s Pond and Lake Taghkanic in New York as well. 

I’m looking forward to long bike rides. 

I don’t own a bike, but I will rent one this summer when we visit Hilton Head Island. Long bike rides on vacation in Hilton Head are a favorite pastime. I truly missed bike riding last year. Off went my husband and kids, and I just kept floating in the pool. Relaxing, yes, but boring.

I love looking at the diverse plant life and birds that exist in HH, many of which are not commonly seen here. I love the moss on the trees as it dangles above my head. I remember riding with my toddler son attached to the back of the bike in a little buggy. He’s now over 6’3″ and still enjoys exploring the island on a bike. I guess when you can ride to Harbour Town and get an ice cream cone-it rewards to ride!

Gardening brings me joy.

I’m sure, like many of you, once the sun comes out, I go into gardening mode. This year, I have reigned in what I plant, mostly flowers and herbs. I’m not doing any vegetables and just want to keep things simple and manageable. For the last couple of years, I’ve made a point to go barefoot and connect with the earth. I love grounding myself and have been doing all of my gardening and planting barefoot. It’s all about connecting to the electrical current of the earth. I was a free-range kid of the 80s and used to get in trouble all the time for not wearing my shoes. Some things never change, I guess.

Being underwater is also something I just love.

The deafening of the world around me when I’m in the water immediately puts me in the serenity zone. I grew up swimming. I was on a summer swim team for several years, and I would start my mornings at the crack of dawn, doing laps. Last year, I floated; this year, I’m doing laps and can’t wait.

The sound of the water as it rushes over your hands and head, coupled with the methodical and rhythmic motion of your body against water, regulates me. I’m a certified scuba diver but haven’t gone diving in years. It’s something I’m adding back to the list of things I can do in my 50s. I had mentioned wanting to get back into scuba diving last year, but then I didn’t have the chance. I’m not letting the opportunity pass me by again.

I just kicked off my summer experiences by participating in a healing sound bath.

It was a transcendent and meditative activity that was originally planned to take place outside under the stars, but due to the rain, it was relocated indoors. The different sounds of the tools used really penetrate your body at a cellular level and leave you feeling refreshed. I’m looking forward to the total outdoor experience under the stars and sky.

Whether it’s kayaking, biking, swimming, sound baths, hiking, camping, or just relaxing, I’m grateful for the arrival of warmer weather and all the outdoor opportunities available to us in Fairfield County.

What are some of your favorite outdoor summer activities?