Hey, hey, heyyyyy! My name is Jessica (aka Wayfaring Wanderer) and I am a free-spirited photographer who loves working with couples, individuals, and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. I've lived in the Boone, NC area since 2005 and I'm known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph—the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. While I'm primarily a wedding + elopement photographer, I also love working w/ individuals/couples/families that are traveling to the High Country area to getaway to the mountains. I absolutely love what I do and am so grateful to work with some of the most amazing people in one of the most beautiful places EVAR. Let’s go on an adventure!
May 5, 2016
I’m sure you’ve seen the hilariously poignant satirical commercial of Nature RX, prescribing a dose of Nature for those suffering from “cynicism, meaningless, and murderous rage.” And if you haven’t seen it yet…you need to watch. (scroll to the bottom of this post to see it)
The best satire always strikes at the heart of a matter. In this case, it’s poking fun at the not-so-fun “crippling symptoms of modern life”. We can often let technology get in the way of living our lives when there is a beautiful world waiting for us if we take the time to step outside! Nothing can replace the healing that occurs when we surround ourselves with nature.
From Wayfaring Wanderer: This week’s guest post was written by my friend Dacia of SpirWitchuality.com. I invited her to share her story because we both believe that the healing effects of nature are worth exploring to maintain a balanced lifestyle. She currently lives in Colorado but she’s been all over the globe and surrounds herself in nature every chance she gets, especially when there’s healing to be done. I hope you enjoy her take on the Healing Effects of Nature. You’re also invited to share how nature heals you in the comments!
For those of us feeling “tired, irritable, stressed out”, there is always another answer – Nature.
Now this is a prescription that I can definitely get behind. I’ve tried it myself on many occasions and it does wonders for the heart, body, and soul. I’d like to give three examples of how Nature can help heal you today.
A while back, I was working part-time in one of my favorite stores. It was like a dream come true. I needed the extra cash and I could also check out all the latest products that came through and scout what I wanted to get with my little bit of fun money.
The only problem was my boss and me never really seemed to get along well. It was a surprise to me as I usually get on with most people pretty easily. But, for whatever reason, she and I just never saw eye to eye and no matter what I did to please her, I always seemed to be making mistakes.
Fast forward a few months and I realized I had to quit before I was fired. Things just weren’t improving in our relationship and though I loved the store I couldn’t keep working there and struggling daily with my own self-confidence.
I was in my final weeks there and one day I made another mistake. It was easily and quickly fixed, but that was the last straw for my boss and she told me to leave that day, right then in fact. It came as such a shock that I simply packed up my stuff, signed out and left. I felt listless and confused. I still had 3 more days of my 2 weeks notice and even a few hours left in that shift.
I was driving around and decided that instead of going home, I’d go to the mountains first and just walk a bit to clear my head. Luckily, I live in Colorado and the Rockies are only about 30 minutes away. So, I drove up the hill, went to my favorite peak and just walked around to center myself.
Being in nature helped me to see that a) it was indeed for the best that I left that day because she and I were both at our wits ends and b) there’s still soooooo much more beauty and miracles in the world than we usually experience in our day to day living.
I can’t say I’m over the way I was treated that final day, there’s still a bit of hurt there, but it’s much less than if I had gone straight home or to a friend’s house and complained about the situation all night.
Point 1 for Nature.
Another way that Nature helps heal is through reminding you of your place in the world. Last week, I was feeling quite unsure of myself and my career path as a Spiritual Life Coach. I was questioning my choices and my dreams so I decided to get out of my head and get out in nature.
Again, I went to the mountains. This time, I did a 2-mile hike. Two miles may not sound like much, but I was super pleased with my accomplishment. It was wonderful deciding quite spontaneously that I needed a dose of nature and then went to get it!
The hike not only exercised my underutilized muscles, giving me that glorious endorphin rush but also cleared my head in just the way I needed. I realized that I was most definitely on the right path in my life and that “sneaking off” to hike on a Thursday afternoon is actually part of my job! I need to recharge and revitalize my own spirit if I’m to help guide others to their divinity.
Point 2 for Nature.
Finally, the last and perhaps most important way nature has helped me through the years is when dealing with family deaths. Several years ago, I was living in Northern Ireland when my maternal grandmother passed away. I got the call from my mother early in my morning that my grandmother’s suffering was over.
I knew it was coming as my mother had been keeping me appraised of the situation for a while, but it was still a shock and even more sad because I couldn’t afford to fly home for the services.
Once again…I went to nature for help.
This time, I walked along the Foyle River in Derry/Londonderry seeking solace. I’ve walked along this waterway often and enjoyed the river at all times of the day. During this particular walk, I chose to go westerly – towards home. As I hiked further along the path I decided to have a conversation with my grandmother’s spirit.
I wanted to tell her I was sorry for not being there the last several months. For not being able to return home again. I’m sorry for all the times I snubbed her to go out with friends instead, and for all the times I was embarrassed by her country bumpkin-ness.
As I walked along the river, I could sense her spirit letting me know that it’s all okay and that she’s never been anything but proud of me. It was comforting and amazingly healing. I let the river take my sorrow away downstream and it did just that.
Sadly, two years later my mother passed away and again I returned to the water. This time, to a creek in the western Virginia hills. I had just returned from seeing my ill mother and she passed the day I got back home. I couldn’t get back for the funeral then either. So, again, I let my grief flow away with the stream.
Nature soothed just as it always has when I’ve needed it most.
Just to be clear, I’m not saying you have to become an uber outdoorswoman or anything. When I speak of nature, I mean anything from a walk through a park to a camping trip in the wilderness.
My type of wilderness is usually the one found right at the edge of city life. (I love me some hot showers!) But whatever you choose, just let the elements, water, earth, air, and (bon)fire connect you back to your essence.
As the marvelous creators of the Nature RX commercials remind you “Disclaimer: Nature doesn’t solve everything. It may just help.” So get out there and get some clean, fresh help from mother earth!
Want to know more about reconnecting to your soul and the natural world? Book your Free 60-minute Spiritual Sync Session w/ Dacia today! Visit SpirWitchuality.com to schedule.
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Dacia Dyer
My name is Jessica and I’m a wedding, engagement and lifestyle photographer based in Boone, NC. I’m known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph–the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. I love working with couples, individuals and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to connect with me!
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call or text 828.773.8764 | email: wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com | get in touch
call or text 828.773.8764
email: wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com
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